Spotting at Birmingham New St

[Mysterium]

I was planning to go down to BHM next week, but someone has mentioned that it's quite a difficult station on which to spot, due to its sheer size and poor lighting.

What's anybodys thoughts on this, and would you suggest anywhere close by as an alternative (I'm coming from the North).
I'm after finishing off my Pendos and XC's and getting as many LM units as I can.

 

[AlterEgo]

BHM's a good place if you stand on the end of the platforms....there's opportunities for interesting (if not perfect) lighting and a decent mix of stock. No freight though.

 

[Anon Mouse]

I'ld imagine Birmingham International or Coventry would be better

 

[AlterEgo]

Coventry's pretty good as you have a joining freight route that runs via Nuneaton (?) and through to Rugby or Leamington. Not quite as good a mix of stock though, and it's nearly as dreary as New St!

 

[Geezertronic]

Rugby's probably better for 390s as they all go through Rugby on their northbound or southbound route. You get a few LMs through there as well. Be no good for XC though

 

[TDK]

I was planning to go down to BHM next week, but someone has mentioned that it's quite a difficult station on which to spot, due to its sheer size and poor lighting.

What's anybodys thoughts on this, and would you suggest anywhere close by as an alternative (I'm coming from the North).
I'm after finishing off my Pendos and XC's and getting as many LM units as I can.

Either end of New Street is open and there is pleanty of light to see anything and photograph it as well

 

[Class172]

Wolverhampton?? Arriva 158, LM 170,350 VT 390...

 

[NSE]

Hmmm I'd suggest Stafford if coming from the north, Pendo's don't all stop there sadly, but all XC do, and with 6 350's an hour its not bad. Everytime I've been there I see plenty of spotters so you'd have some company I'd be willing to bet!

 

[Minilad]

Not all XC stop at Stafford

 

[lm321412]

Birmingham International
Sandwell & Dudley
University
Aston
Wolverhampton
Coventry
Tamebridge Parkway


All better locations than BHM, IMO...

Although if you insist, you are better off on Platforms 3,4,5 and stand on the "A" end. You usually get the best lighting there.

 

[NSE]

Not all XC stop at Stafford

Really? I was there for a while waiting for the Liverpool Pendo and both the Bournemouth and Bristol XC stopped, and both return portions. But I'll take your word for it! Especially if you are indeed a driver for XC

 

[Minilad]

Really? I was there for a while waiting for the Liverpool Pendo and both the Bournemouth and Bristol XC stopped, and both return portions. But I'll take your word for it! Especially if you are indeed a driver for XC

Yep I am, New Street based, And I would have to agree on Stafford being a good place. Nearly always lots of spotters around

 

[Mysterium]

Although if you insist, you are better off on Platforms 3,4,5 and stand on the "A" end. You usually get the best lighting there.

Which is the A end?
Thanks for all the info by the way. Much appreciated.

 

[Class172]

Which is the A end?
Thanks for all the info by the way. Much appreciated.

Please forgive me if I'm wrong - I think it's the London end of the station; B-end has the stairs at the end of the platform. If you go from the main concourse into the bit above the platforms (through the gates) it's all the entrances behind you (you'll see)

 

[d1015fan]

and stourbridge junction. plenty of 150's the odd freight oh and of course you'll wanna ride a 139. both of which I have done now

 

[lm321412]

The "A" end is the London end.


You can get quite a decent shot of a 350 in Platform 4C too, that is the bay platform at BHM.

 

[JKJimar53]

Is it only 158's ATW use for services to Birmingham.

 

[BlythPower]

Almost exclusively. I did see a 158+150/2 pair the other week, though.

 

[Mysterium]

Well thanks to all for your replies, and most helpful they were too.

I got there around ten in the morning, and by mid afternoon had accomplished pretty much what I wanted to, which was clear my XC 220's/221's and 43's and also my two remaining Pendo's.

But furthermore, I saw so much more stuff which I'd not seen before. Almost classed my XC 170's, and saw every LM 323 other than three.
The double-unit ATW 158's were a real bonus as was the NR new measurement train which showed it's face around midday.

But by around two things were starting to duplicate, so I took an early train and stopped in Derby for a couple of hours, although next time I think I'll nip over to Snow Hill instead.

 

[Geezertronic]

There was an LM 170 running services you wouldn't normally see a 170 on last week, I saw it depart BHI at around 1815-1820 heading towards BHM. That along with the VT 221 replacements on the EBWs

 

[TomJ93]

The NMT is here again? It was here Thursday too- he must like the Midlands