Join us for this Cab Ride from Manchester Piccadilly to Sheffield on a Class 195 of Northern. Built by CAF, the diesel-powered 195 is identical, save for the drive train, with the Class 331 Electric Multiple Unit, and we’ll see plenty of both types on this trip. Our journey begins from platform 4 at Piccadilly, and we travel to Stockport on the up fast line of the Manchester branch of the West Coast Main Line.
At Edgeley no. 2 junction we join the up Hope Valley and begin heading south and east. The Midland Railway’s line was opened in 1894 as the company sought an improved route for expresses running from London to Manchester. It was challenging to build, and access into the Hope Valley involves two long tunnels at either end – Cowburn Tunnel at the north, and Totley Tunnel to the south. The latter, at more than 6,000 yards, was the second longest in the UK when it opened. At the newly rebuilt Dore & Totley Station we join the Midland’s route from Chesterfield for the final few miles into Sheffield.
It’s a bright, dry and sunny day for this journey through history, and the 195’s cab gives us a perfect view along the way.
There’s full commentary throughout to guide you on the journey.
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