Spotting trip to Glasgow - Advice please.

[CheshirePaul]

I have just bagged a cheap return ticket on Mega Train from Crewe to Glasgow for £4.50 for mid Feb and am planning on spending the day spotting there.

I would like sum advive please about spotting at Glasgow as its my 1st trip there.

Whats it like spotting at Centeral and Queen St : do you get any problems from station staff, taking photos ect. Also can most trains in the Glasgow area been seen there or is it worth buying a 1 day SPT Roundabout ticket to get to other stations to see additional trains.

Thanks in advance.

 

[The_Stig]

No point going to Queen st IMO, unless you want to see the station itself. Central is better but I don't think it would be too interesting staying there all day.

Personally I would get a roundabout ticket and go out and about, maybe even have a ride on a 380.

How long do you have?

 

[me123]

People are always at Central on the top of Platform 11; you shouldn't have a problem with that, but I don't know if you need to sign in. At Queen Street, it's all barriered so you really would be best to ask beforehand. I've never seen anyone there, so I don't know what they're like.

As "The Stig" has said, there's not much to see in the stations. Queen Street High Level is only 156s, 158s and 170s (mostly 170s). And Central High Level is mostly 156s, 314s, 318s, and 334s with the occasional Pendo, Voyager, 185 and 322 (and, if you're lucky, a 380; hopefully more would be in service by then, though!). There's also the sleeper, but if you're only up for the day you won't see that. To be fair, you'll get good photos at Central, but it's relatively "same-y" all day.

Moving around would probably be a better idea. If you're into EMUs, Partick is good for 320s, 318s and 334s, with a train through every few minutes. You could get the Motherwell-Cumbernauld train (bypassing Glasgow to the East) which is a great way of seeing the freight at Mossend. The Paisley Canal train will take you past both Shields Road depot and Corkerhill. You can see Polmadie from the Whifflet or Shotts trains (although you'd see that from your Birmingham train as well).

It may also be worthwhile having a wee hurl on the Subway (included in the price of a roundabout ticket); definitely a unique experience!

 

[CheshirePaul]

I arrive at 0914 and train home does not leave untill 2010.

So Im thinking a roundabout ticket would be a good way to fill the day with lots of different train journeys, so any advice of routes that can be one with the roundabout ticket would be appreciated.

Also any info on what routes the 380's run.

 

[transportphoto]

So Im thinking a roundabout ticket would be a good way to fill the day with lots of different train journeys, so any advice of routes that can be one with the roundabout ticket would be appreciated.

As said above - have a wee go on the Subway 24mins all the way round IIRC.

 

[rail-britain]

Well it really depends on if you are simply wanting to observe as many units as possible or just simply see what there is

Signing in and out of stations is a hassle
Therefore buy a roundabout, this will give you access to most of the platforms as and when required

Northbound trip (sit on the right and you will see Polmadie as you approach Glasgow Central, just after Cambuslang and Rutherglen)
If you've never been on the WCML, then there isn't much between Crewe and Carlisle, just enjoy the views
Just after Carlisle, the DRS depot is on the left, the yard is a few more miles also on the left

Roundabout ticket, depots of interest :
Glasgow C - Paisley Canal
This will give you Shields Road depot and Corkerhill, both on the left

Glasgow C - Johnstone
Useful if you want to take a trip on a new Class 380

Glasgow QS - Bishopbriggs
Eastfield is on the right

Glasgow QS LL - Dalmuir (via Yoker)
Yoker is on the left

Return to Glasgow Central (may require a change at Partick if you want to return via Yoker)
Glasgow C - Whifflet
Polmadie is on the left
Whifflet - Motherwell
Mossend is shortly after Whifflet, both sides
The former Motherwell depot is on the right
Motherwell - Glasgow C
You may travel back on East Coast service, otherwise travel back via Whifflet if you missed something at Mossend, or any other service

If you are specifically wanting to see freight locos it is quite a challenge
Paisley GS, Cumbernauld, Coatbridge Central, and Holytown, would be recommended

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Just a thought, but do they still arrange behind the scenes visits to the Glasgow Subway? I've done this twice ( last time was 10 years ago though! ) and it is well worth the time, but did require advance arrangement.

If they still do it, it's worth taking 2 or 3 hours out of your day for it, provided you can arrange it.

 

[rail-britain]

behind the scenes visits to the Glasgow Subway?

Not much to see, a few fridges, freezers, and a staff room

Oh, sorry you mean the real subway!
Visits can still be made by postal application
However, I have heard that small groups of private individuals have been declined in preference to local schools (usually between 8 and 12 persons only)
Also, the visit fee is quite high now, at about £60 per person (which includes a safety briefing which takes about 30 minutes)

 

[Bittern]

There's also some abandoned stations around Glasgow you could check out. I personally always enjoy visiting Botanic Gardens (Subway to Hillhead), looking down at the old station, standing on the platforms at Kirklee and in front of the tunnel. Never been able to get into Botanic Gardens station itself, but there are videos on YouTube of it.

 

[Striker]

then there isn't much between Crewe and Carlisle, just enjoy the views

It's still going to be dark until he gets to Carlisle so he's not going to see very much until then.

And on the way back it's going to be dark as sunset in Glasgow in the middle of February is around 1720.

 

[Track Basher]

You also have the Daytripper which costs about a tenner. This goes further out and includes Ardlui on the West Highland line and I think goes as far as Ayr but check on the SPT website.

Partick is good but as wit Scotland it is not the warmest place and hopping onto a few trains to warm up is not a bad idea.

This ticket also includes the ferries across the Clyde between Gourock and Helensburgh which is an interesting diversion. If you are thinking of doing this check the times.

Having the rover also means you can have a ride past a few depots, Yoker, Shields Road, Corkerhill, Eastfield and Mossend Yard.

All depends what you are looking for.

 

[CheshirePaul]

Thanks to everyone for the advise.

Last quick question, are there any stations I should avoid getting off the train at due them been in a not so safe part of the city ? and how safe is it walking from Ibrox to Govan subway stations to get some photos of the subway depot.

 

[rail-britain]

It's still going to be dark until he gets to Carlisle so he's not going to see very much until then.

And on the way back it's going to be dark as sunset in Glasgow in the middle of February is around 1720.

Yes in the country areas there won't be much to see, but the depots and yards I mentioned have reasonable or very good lighting

As mentioned previously I regularly travel on the 04:28 Glasgow - Preston
Able to clearly view Polmadie and then the yards and DRS depot at Carlisle, although the yard at Carlisle can be difficult in heavy rain / snow / fog
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

are there any stations I should avoid getting off the train at due them been in a not so safe part of the city ? and how safe is it walking from Ibrox to Govan subway stations to get some photos of the subway depot.

Most of the stations are covered by CCTV
Usual rules when travelling; keep your bag in sight at all times, only take your camera out when using it, stay within the usual public areas and in view at all times (if you don't know where a side street or alley goes, then don't use it)
During the hours of darkness there are certain stations I would be careful of, therefore any walks you plan try to have these completed by 15:00

Walking between Ibrox and Govan is quite easy
There are two main roads and partial CCTV coverage

 

[weehector]

Thanks to everyone for the advise.

Last quick question, are there any stations I should avoid getting off the train at due them been in a not so safe part of the city ? and how safe is it walking from Ibrox to Govan subway stations to get some photos of the subway depot.

A wouldnt walk from Ibrox to Govan as it isnt the best part of the city. Its ok but make sure its during the day. But the Broomloan Road depot is right outside Govan station on your left just cross the main road after the bus station and its enterence is right there.

 

[Bittern]

Thanks to everyone for the advise.

Last quick question, are there any stations I should avoid getting off the train at due them been in a not so safe part of the city ? and how safe is it walking from Ibrox to Govan subway stations to get some photos of the subway depot.

Not because it#s in a dangerous part of the city or anything, but a station to avoid getting off at is Dalmarnock. Once you see it, you'll probably not want to get off anyway.

 

[Striker]

I wouldn't feel to secure just because of CCTV. It doesn't stop people being mugged. Criminals don't give a toss.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Visits can still be made by postal application
However, I have heard that small groups of private individuals have been declined in preference to local schools (usually between 8 and 12 persons only)
Also, the visit fee is quite high now, at about £60 per person (which includes a safety briefing which takes about 30 minutes)

£60?!

It was free when I did it! And that was just me on my own once and myself plus one other the second time.

Do they still allow visits to access the depot via a train coming out of traffic if one is suitably timed? And vice-versa?

 

[rail-britain]

Do they still allow visits to access the depot via a train coming out of traffic if one is suitably timed? And vice-versa?

No, entry is from Robert Street, into the main admin building then 30 minutes for a safety briefing

 

[Peter Mugridge]

I suppose the other previous "treat" during a visit is also no longer available now?

Ah well.

 

[me123]

Last quick question, are there any stations I should avoid getting off the train at due them been in a not so safe part of the city ? and how safe is it walking from Ibrox to Govan subway stations to get some photos of the subway depot.

Most areas are fairly safe. The city gets a worse reputation than it deserves in this respect. Common sense applies; don't go down a dark alley, plan your walking routes before you come (using streetview is a very good idea). Stick to the main roads and you'll be fine. There's excellent CCTV at railway stations in the Glasgow area, and if anything suspicious is happening they immediately come over the tannoy and can call the police/BTP if necessary. The only places I'd be keen to avoid are the Parkhead, Bellgrove, Springburn etc areas in the East, but you'd be unlikely to get off a train there anyway. Most places where the trains terminate are fine.

In addition, do try to avoid football colours (especially anything that looks like Rangers or Celtic). Bright green is a definite no-no. It's not as bad as it was before, but going for a walk in Parkhead with a blue tracksuit may land you in the Royal Infirmary.

 

[rail-britain]

It appears to be nothing more than a guided tour of all their facilities, which has been adapted and intended for schools

You probably could apply to just visit their train depot, but the latest I heard was all these requests were being declined (included was an application for a full visit)

This is probably their policy now, as two of the employees have to escort the group throughout their visit

On exit I undestand you get presented with some promotional material
There is then an option to exit the depot and return to any station on the subway (but this has to be requested during the application)

 

[snowhill]

I have spent several short breaks in the Glasgow area using Roundabout tickets and never had any problems at any stations and am intending to go up .for 3 nights in July for the 380's.

Have a good trip

 

[Wolvercoter]

I'm also planning a couple of days in Glasgow in March and the replies on this thread will come in very useful. Thanks everyone!

 

[scotsman]

You should be fine in most parts of the city, I can't think of any places of interest (other than Govan) in a dodgy bit. In general, avoid wearing blue, green or orange.

 

[route101]

Glasgow is great place to come , i dont find it dodgy so kinda used to it . The trains dont really attract the trouble that the buses do . The daytripper is great as you get trains / buses and ferries . The 334s can get boring tho My fav bit of line is Kilwinning to Prestwick with the sun setting with a view across to Arran .