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Two recent favorite channels, in addition to my previous post featuring a video by Don Coffey (linked below) First, Andrew Shenton's fairly new channel. Outstanding views for general railway interest or if you're looking for layout inspiration. Next, Jago Hazzard. Rail-centric but also covering history and infrastructure in greater London. Very interesting stuff.

Dig those tunes! Almost like a New Order b-side. Really really b-side. Anywho... Following my wildly successful post a few months ago (link below), here's another British video that spent months on my 'watch later' list. This is a 1989 British Railways Board production reviewing all sorts of signalling and related infrastructure. Although this video is 27 years after the other, there are a few views of older interlocking mechanisms, pulley systems, and mechanical signals. Prior to seeing that other video, it hadn't really occurred to me that 'interlocking' truly involves a complex array of slots and levers that physically bar certain switch and signal selections. I'm also impressed with the physical signalling, not only semaphores but various smaller units such as the one in the video thumbnail. I would think there must at least a little freezing weather that would interfere with these. Amongst the many interesting topics are the overview of token safeworking (both single and multiple--I had always wondered what happens if the token winds up at the wrong end of the section) starting around 27:30, and a crossing gate meant to be operated by the public at 49:00. I love the sign (49:45) for motorists who have just crossed: Have you lowered the barriers? I can just imagine this in practice in the current US. "No, I haven't, because driving like a #%*(^!- @#%$ is my style"

I've watched a few driver's view videos made around greater London. They didn't really hold my attention, which I attribute to having unfortunately never been to England. I was impressed with the 3 hour 42 minute runtime of this video, so clicked. Perhaps it's the interesting on-screen information, the scenery, or because it's in the North (where Johnny Marr's heart is, as opposed to his head, which as I understand it is in the south). Starting just about dead center between Liverpool and Manchester, this is a 99 mile journey first avoiding central Manchester, then coming within about a mile of it via Brewery Junction, before continuing north then east to Wakefield. Map at 15 seconds into to the video. Compared to what I see in Japan or here in the US, there seem to be many branch lines throughout the journey, making me wonder just how many lines the UK had before Beeching. Don Coffey's YT channel, several of other British railway videos - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8LH7xMAyCSqpClAvTHwJRw https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_66

I had this in the 'watch later' list for quite a while, finally got to it this evening. Glad I did. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Transport_Films