The Loudest Diesel Locomotives In The UK: Chasing Trains

(14/01/2023)

Starting at Watford Junction, we chase the ‘Class 56 Farewell’ railtour, initially led by 56098 and trailed by 56081, to Woburn Sands and then Bedford.

Later, we head to Beaconsfield to chase the Branch Line Society ‘Shooter’s Swansong’ railtour with 37418 ‘An Comunn Gaidhealach’ and 50008 ‘Thunderer’ which leads us on the rest of the adventure, finishing at Paddington Station later that evening.

Camera Operator: Amy Linkin-Chandler

Class 50 Photo credits: Stuart Williams, Nick Williams

Music Composer: Godspel.

[MidlandMainlineMadnessandmore]

The drivers in those cabs wondering why the f*ck is this man appearing at every platform I go to 😂

[jamesabraithwaite]

My 2 year old son and I love watching your videos, thanks for the trains! Please continue the series 😀

[nickhammond]

I’m not a train nut but have always loved the sound of the old diesels, your obvious joy of this is infectious and the video very professional, you had better keep that camera woman happy. I thoroughly enjoyed it thank you.

[mdhazeldine]

Bloody hell Francis, your girlfriend is super committed to be chasing after you all day while you chase diesels. She's definitely a keeper! And yes, she definitely should've press the help point! haha

[Edward..de..lanndo]

I wished I loved anything the way Francis loves his trains....❤

[MsJennaNY]

Found you on Reddit. Love to see your passion for these trains. Hope to learn more!

[UndergroundEric]

The 56 sounds mint. Amys little cameo made me laugh 😂

[gwrdriver]

Hahaha the pure joy on your face is fantastic, love it, I hope you treat your girl to days out doing stuff she loves. Never drove 50's, but drove Valenta HST's since 2003 until MTU, now IET class 800. Miss the HST's. Keep up the good work

[jadeboswell-rzly]

Well done, being from watford as a young spotter with my Ian allan combine and a ticket to travel brings back memories. Thank you..

[olivervasko]

Just happened upon you brother and your excitement is infectious! Love seeing how happy trains make you such positive content! Made my day

[TINYPINHEAD]

Not had a model railway in over 30 years but your love could change that I love the 37s and 50 great vid.

[robbrown]

I love trains, but this fellow deserves a medal !

[lozziel]

Glad to experience your enthusiasm! I recall vividly seeing almost all the D400s (class 50) locos thundering up the WCML in the late 1960s, brand new, even saw a few leaving Vulcan Foundry on their very first journeys!

[adammckenzie]

It’s a wonder history channel or national geographic don’t give u a TV show. Good voice and presentation and passion for trains!!!

[kacperrulinski]

You're the one who got me into trainspotting and I am very grateful for it! Keep doing what you're doing!!!!

[martynbuzzing]

I can finally see what you see in the thunderous sounds of those locos. 😊

[chrisdavies]

Nice to see and hear the old diesel engines without namby pamby silencing . Takes me back in time 😊

[landhopper]

Francis, your enthusiasm is wonderful. These locomotives have always made me want to jump with joy, especially the sound and especially the 50s. I did see and hear them in period, at Paddington, coming up out of Exeter St David’s with a full load on and ripping my eardrums as they tore through Didcot at 100mph. They are so loud it’s hard to believe it was ever normal but the quality of that sound, a massive, what, 200 litre 16 quad turbo is up there with Merlin engines. Keep up the great work!

[Wolvesfan-ozyh]

What a wonderful person.
This was very uplifting for me.
Thank you 😊

[philallon]

The sight and sound of the "Hoovers" is something you just can never forget. I must have seen them all from Dreadnought' to 'Fearless', as they passed through Andover on the Waterloo-Exeter services

Your video brought back such memories. Please keep them coming.