Recording at Darlington Bank Top

[Adamw5433]

Hello everyone

I've recently moved very close to Darlington Bank Top, i have also been given a cam-corder which uses mini-tapes to record.

I know that a few members have used Darlington a few times, with the installation of the ticket barriers.
Do you need to book ahead to take footage on the platforms, do you need a purchase a platform ticket of some kind?

I've never taken photos at a station, and with the current enviroment of fear against train spotting. I would be greatful for any advice that is in general or specific to Darlington (like do-gooder guards to llok out for or avoid)

Adam

 

[ainsworth74]

Assuming you plan only to use the footage personally not commercially (which unless your a shooting a documentary or something you won't be) then there is no issue with you filming. The station is barriered but if you ask to be let through to film there should be no issue I would have thought. However I think you would be better getting a train down to Northallerton or up to Durham as you will find it easier to record everything that goes through (as freight avoids the station proper) and get some fasts running through as well (as nearly everything stops at Darlington or goes down the avoider which is hard to film/see).

 

[Adamw5433]

However I think you would be better getting a train down to Northallerton or up to Durham as you will find it easier to record everything that goes through .

Would love to, but i've got a massive amount of depression and heart problems. So i've been away from work due to illness for 27 weeks and can't afford to get a bus into town let alone a train.

Every penny atm goes on keeping the house bills paid.
Hence why i prefer Darlingtonatm, as its 4 mins walk from my house.
If i get cold or bored, i can just pop home for a cuppa.

Adam

 

[142094]

You shouldn't have any problems, although they may ask you to sign in. I've never needed to go past the barrier without a ticket so I don't know for sure. There is a thread in this section which details your rights for taking pictures/recording film, so print out a copy of that and keep it with you just in case.

You'll probably be only able to get shots looking south as the northern part of platfrom 1 is not open to the public and from platform 4 you won't be able to see much northbound.

 

[wensley]

You should be OK, just ask the barrier staff. I'm a regular on a Friday morning now, since starting college there, and the staff are fine. A few know me by sight now and I haven't had any trouble getting through the barriers.

As for the best shot, I've found the Southern end of Platform 1 is the best. It overlooks the station throat, giving a good view of all platforms as well as the fast lines and goods loop.

Hope that helps.