Advice/information for a newbie lol

[vimmervim]

Hiya guys,
Don't know if I'm posting in the right section, perhaps I should of posted in the infrastructure forum, apologies if so.

As far back as I can remember I have always had a keen interest/passion for the railway and for trains. But in recent years with a bit more time/funds available i have decided to try and make this interest into more of a hobby. Most weekends i try and find somewhere to visit and take photographs. So far I've found that my favorite places to visit have been depots and sidings that i have found. Quite often I'm not able to get too close to the actual units themselves but still manage to get half decent photos. My question is, for somebody who is new to the scene, is there somewhere that i can find a list of depots/sidings within my area that I could visit (currently living in Birmingham but ideally would like to travel further afield in the future).

As i said this may be a silly or stupid question but i don't seem to have great luck when doing my own research and on occasion have traveled for something that has ended up being a complete waste of time so any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[pokemonsuper9]

Welcome to the forums!

I'm not aware of any lists of just sidings/depots (but I expect one probably exists), following lines on OpenRailwayMap (https://www.openrailwaymap.org/) to locate places of interest and then looking at a satellite map or streetview to look for good viewing spots can work, so might be worth giving that a try.

 

[6Gman]

And, of course, be aware that security around locations may - quite reasonably - take an interest in what you are doing.

 

[Purple Train]

Welcome!

Personally, I would go into Trip Planning & Reports and I'm sure the regulars there will be able to help you. In terms of depot and siding listings, a Baker Atlas might be a worthwhile investment - the last edition was published in 2020 I believe, but it's still reasonably accurate. Obviously it won't help with viewing spots, but, again, the Forum will be able to help there!

(EDIT: I've just seen that this thread is now in Trip Planning & Reports - apologies, I didn't notice it had been moved from where it was when I drafted this - so ignore that bit!)

 

[vimmervim]

Thanks for the replies...

And, of course, be aware that security around locations may - quite reasonably - take an interest in what you are doing.

Fully appreciate that. I usually stay to a fair distance back, theres quite often footbridges nearby. On the odd occasion ive bumped into anyone working they've always been friendly and ok with me taking some pics.

Welcome!

Personally, I would go into Trip Planning & Reports and I'm sure the regulars there will be able to help you. In terms of depot and siding listings, a Baker Atlas might be a worthwhile investment - the last edition was published in 2020 I believe, but it's still reasonably accurate. Obviously it won't help with viewing spots, but, again, the Forum will be able to help there!

(EDIT: I've just seen that this thread is now in Trip Planning & Reports - apologies, I didn't notice it had been moved from where it was when I drafted this - so ignore that bit!)

Ill have a look for it thank you

 

[Bevan Price]

Just to add to other comments - you will not be allowed to actually enter depots, etc., unless there is an official public open day or similar event. Trespassing is illegal and you would probably be arrested.