Big Freight 26

No.26 in the Big Freight series is another three-hour edition, with countrywide freight action, filmed 2020-2022. Produced in conjunction with Freightmaster, once again we bring you the best of the action, from remote freight-only branches to major cities, Class 20s to Class 70s, sunshine and snow and many different train types, wagon loads and loco liveries.

Peak District stone trains: The second and concluding part of our detailed look at the recent explosion in stone trains serving the quarries around Peak Forest in Derbyshire. Having previously looked at the Hope Valley line and how the trains get to/from the quarries, we now feature arrivals and departures from the four quarries themselves: Dove Holes (Peak Forest), Tunstead, Hindlow and Dowlow. On what is already a picturesque part of the world and a freight-only line, see the numerous tunnels and viaducts, the run-round move at Buxton and stunning aerial footage and it's all controlled by signal boxes and traditional signalling. Locos include DBC Class 60s and the lesser-seen DCR 60s plus various DB, GB, DRS and Freightliner 66s plus Class 70s. Includes 'snow' footage and Class 37s and 73s on IM workings.

Aberystwyth Timber Train: In April 2022 a trail timber train ran on the Cambrian lines. Loading at Aberystwyth, this was the first commercial freight on this line since the 1990s and Network Rail Class 97/3s provided the power. The story of the day is told here from the 05.00 loco change at Shrewsbury, arrival at Aberystwyth, loading and the historic first journey back.

Crewe and Liverpool: The winter and early spring of 2021/2022 was a fascinating period in Cheshire and Merseyside. In addition to the longstanding Class 56, 66, 70 and 88 hauled spoil, timber, container and waste trains, an increase in biomass and stone trains around Liverpool has seen greater use of GB Class 60s. The Class 777 EMU moves to Kirkdale recommenced but rather than 66s, DCR 56s were used - with the help of Class 20s. The operation then switched to SLC who hired in more Class 20s and even 50008! See astonishing footage of green, blue and LU liveried Class 20s on stock moves with the first Class 50 on Merseyrail in 50+ years! Includes 37418 on the 'Pinnox' job.

68s and 70s: Here at Big Freight HQ, we like our big noisy diesels and the heavy trains they haul. This section features 68s and 70s on a variety of workings with some rare moves and lots of noise!

Plus: 37401+37422 on Far North line ballasts, rare traction on the Sutton Park branch, freight around York and much more.