Best station to spot units and services

[ValleyLines142]

Evening all,

In your opinion, where are some of the best stations to grab a load of observations?

For me, I'm very much into jotting down what units are on what service, for example:

221125 1S45 0925 Plymouth to Aberdeen
175105 1V32 0555 Crewe to Carmarthen.

If you have a look at the 'Trains you've seen working thread', you'll see what I mean!

My personal favourite is platforms 13 and 14 at Manchester Piccadilly, simply because of the fact they are through platforms and see many trains stopping, but also because it has a clear view across the terminal platforms.

Furthermore, as I am on my phone a lot for Real Time Trains, I like places that have plug sockets for me to charge my phone if need be. Piccadilly's platforms 13 and 14 waiting rooms have plug sockets in them. I was recently at Havant which, whilst it sees a fair few services, has an Uppercrust cafe on each platform with a plug socket too, so I can spot units there.

I'm basically after the best stations with plug sockets to nab units. Go go go!

 

[Condor7]

Leeds is a great station for units. They come in and out so frequently I find it hard to keep up especially as it seems you and I record our sightings in a very similar way.

The only problem is I have have a phone with a great battery life so have never been there long enough to need to charge it so cannot comment on charging facilities but maybe others will know.

 

[DarloRich]

Tamworth? XC units on the top level Virgin and LM on the lower with some decent freight action

 

[palmersears]

Just get yourself a power pack to charge the phone on the go. World is your oyster then!

 

[ValleyLines142]

Just get yourself a power pack to charge the phone on the go. World is your oyster then!

I have been meaning to get one for ages to be fair!

 

[DarloRich]

or use the mki pad and pen method

 

[03_179]

or use the mki pad and pen method

I use this then transfer in to Spotlog

 

[sd0733]

When we go through Stafford and Nuneaton always seems to be a fair few out for the trains. Reasonable amount of units at both and a decent amount of freight and various workings too.
Fairly sure Stafford at least has power points in the waiting rooms

 

[Dhassell]

When we go through Stafford and Nuneaton always seems to be a fair few out for the trains. Reasonable amount of units at both and a decent amount of freight and various workings too.
Fairly sure Stafford at least has power points in the waiting rooms

You are correct! P 3/4 waiting rooms all have power points. not sure about the rest

 

[J-2739]

Clapham Junction? Of course!

 

[djpontrack]

I quite like Preston as you get all the West Coast Main Line stuff (Virgin, TPE and freight) and plenty of Northern units including class 319s going to Liverpool which are a favourite of mine.