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Best place to photograph c2c?

jp4712

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1 May 2009
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561
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Lichfield
Good morning from a c2c 357 on its way to Shoeburyness. I’m on a senior day rover, and I’m aiming to cover their whole network before validity ends at 1600. However, the day started with a slight problem - my attempt at Fenchurch Street to snap a pic of a train was stamped on in very firm manner. According to the guy who stopped me, c2c has a very strict policy yada yada (even though the website refers only to commercial use).

So if I’m going to be jumped on by jobsworths all day long, can anyone suggest good photography locations on their network that’s a short walk from one of their stations? Or are there c2c stations where the staff are more friendly and tolerant of enthusiasts? Any suggestions welcome.
 
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Harpo

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Newport
Leigh-on-Sea to Chalkwell is a nice short (1 mile?) seafront walk and has a number of useful overbridges, one at each station, a couple in old Leigh (recommended if you like fresh seafood) and a very popular bridge halfway between the stations that’s been used many times in published photos.

At Chalkwell station, it’s possible to take a C2C shot from the land side of the bridge and get the pier in the background for a bonus 2nd railway.

The walk also takes you past the original Leigh station (a scout’s base last time I went) and a shop on the railway side of the street may still have an original AC Cars driving car from the pier’s electric traction days.
 

jp4712

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1 May 2009
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561
Location
Lichfield
That’s really helpful, thank you - I’m currently at Southend Central so I’ll hop there now. A train driver here just warned me off taking photos even though I just had my camera in my hand - I’ve never known any company be so enthusiast-unfriendly.
 

jfollows

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26 Feb 2011
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Wilmslow
See https://www.networkrail.co.uk/who-w...sts/guidelines-for-taking-photos-at-stations/
We welcome rail enthusiasts and passengers who would like to take photos or film at our stations.

The following guidelines are designed to help you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Please print them out and take them with you when you are at any of our managed stations.

Before you go on the platform​

When you arrive at a station, please let the staff at the Network Rail Reception Desk know that you are there. This will keep station staff informed, so that they can go about their duties without concern about why you are there.

You may require a platform ticket to access platforms.

On the platform​

Act safely and sensibly at all times. Stay clear of the platform edge and stay behind the yellow lines where they are provided. Be aware of your surroundings.

Do not:​

  • trespass on to the tracks or any other part of the railway that is not available to passengers
  • climb on any structure or interfere with platform equipment
  • obstruct any signalling equipment or signs which are vital to the safe running of the railway
  • wear anything which is similar in colour to safety clothing, such as high-visibility jackets, as this could cause confusion to drivers and other railway employees
  • gather together in groups at busy areas of the platform (eg customer information points, departure screens, waiting areas, seating etc.) or where this may interfere with the duties of station staff or passengers boarding trains or moving around the station.
Please try to avoid peak hours: Monday to Friday 6:00 – 10:30 and 15:30 – 19:30.

Taking photos and films at our stations​

You can take photographs at stations provided you do not sell them on to a company or stock image agency. That is considered commercial photography.

If you are filming for quite a while or might be using bulky equipment you should let our station staff know so that the reasons for your filming are clear.

Remember:​

  • You are not allowed to take photographs of security related equipment, such as CCTV cameras.
  • Flash photography is not allowed at any time. It can distract train drivers and train dispatch staff and so is potentially very dangerous.
  • Tripods should be avoided where possible. If you need to use a tripod you must speak to our station staff to ensure you are in a safe area.
  • Please respect the fact that some people may not want to be photographed.

General​

Train companies must put the safety of their passengers and staff first.

You may occasionally be asked by station staff to move to another part of the station or to leave the station altogether. Station staff should be happy to explain why this is necessary.

If you are travelling by train, they may ask you to remain in the normal waiting areas with other passengers. If this occurs, please follow their instructions with goodwill as staff have many things to consider, including the safety and security of all passengers, and are authorised to use judgement in this regard.

Report anything suspicious at the station​

If you see anything suspicious or notice any unusual behaviour or activities, please tell a member of staff immediately. Your presence at a station can be very helpful to us as extra “eyes and ears” and can have a positive security benefit.

For emergencies and serious incidents, call:

  • The British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40
  • The Police on 999.

Railway By-laws​

Britain’s Railway By-laws cover trains, track and stations across the country. Thousands of trains use as many stations throughout the day and night. To ensure ease of travel and safety on the railway system, including passengers, staff, property and equipment, the by-laws need to be observed by everyone.
 

Harpo

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21 Aug 2024
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3,731
Location
Newport
That’s really helpful, thank you - I’m currently at Southend Central so I’ll hop there now.
Glad to help. Sorry to hear of your hassles but not surprised. C2C’s security staff have a particularly poor reputation.

The pier car (no 21) looks like it may still be in the same place in Old Leigh, a premises that was an art shop but could now be a cafe. I’ve attached a link to the original place as it’s a distinctive building.



(Link is to the former Lynn Tait Gallery purely for the photos of the premises.)
 

GooseWaffe

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3 Mar 2025
Messages
43
Location
Westcliff-On-Sea
There’s a walkway that goes over the shoeburyness sidings and station that you can see out of and take pictures from.
The same pathway also goes past the sidings where you can see some resting trains.
 

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