E_Reeves
Established Member
Hi.
Does anybody know of any good places for freight trains. Need quite a few for my book!
Thanks,
Elliot
Does anybody know of any good places for freight trains. Need quite a few for my book!
Thanks,
Elliot
-
Our new ticketing site is now live! Using either this or the original site (both powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!
Freight Trainspotting
- Thread starter E_Reeves
- Start date
- Status
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R
RailUK Forums
E_Reeves
Established Member
Thank you. I do my trainspotting quite regularly at Nuneaton. I was just looking for fresh ideas. Getting bored of the 66s!
Last edited:
furnessvale
Established Member
- Joined
- 14 Jul 2015
- Messages
- 4,909
In that case I would suggest the Rhine Valley, but even there you get 66s!
E_Reeves
Established Member
Can I just ask where Rhine Valley is?
Temple Meads
Established Member
E_Reeves
Established Member
Is it in the UK?
DasLunatic
Member
- Joined
- 11 May 2015
- Messages
- 696
Nowhere near. The Rhine Valley is in Germany, somewhere near Munich.
E_Reeves
Established Member
Why did somebody say you get 66's there? Are some working there?
306024
Established Member
66s definitely get boring very quickly. Unfortunately you can't really go anywhere for freight and not get them these days. At stations on the WCML (Nuneaton, Tamworth and Stafford to name a few) you obviously have the electric locos (e.g. 86s and 90s) but it is mainly 66s. At Tamworth you get everything on the WCML and also stuff on the high level (mainly 66s again but he occasional 60 too).
Although not technically freight, the stations on the Chiltern Main Line (between Birmingham and London mainly) have 68 hauled trains every now and then along with freight (mostly 66s but with 70s thrown in too). Leamington (my local station) is the best option for this.
And although it's further out, Peterborough is also pretty good for loco-hauled but mostly on passenger trains (91s and 43s on all Virgin East Coast services) but also with more 66s.
Although not technically freight, the stations on the Chiltern Main Line (between Birmingham and London mainly) have 68 hauled trains every now and then along with freight (mostly 66s but with 70s thrown in too). Leamington (my local station) is the best option for this.
And although it's further out, Peterborough is also pretty good for loco-hauled but mostly on passenger trains (91s and 43s on all Virgin East Coast services) but also with more 66s.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
It's a bit of an expensive trip from Birmingham, but Newport is not bad for freight normally either. Mostly 66s but there are some 56s still with Colas, as well as 60s. 70s make the odd appearance on Freightliner services to/from Wentloog (near Cardiff) as well, but you'd need to be there around 0930 for the eastbound working.
Vigo Bridge is a classic spot for freight on the Lickey Incline. If you want to see a hard-working loco that's the place to do it! A 60 going up on tanks unbanked on that bank makes one amazing noise!
As has been mentioned, 66s dominate the freight scene almost everywhere you go!
Vigo Bridge is a classic spot for freight on the Lickey Incline. If you want to see a hard-working loco that's the place to do it! A 60 going up on tanks unbanked on that bank makes one amazing noise!
As has been mentioned, 66s dominate the freight scene almost everywhere you go!
E_Reeves
Established Member
Thanks for this. Seen the 68's around birmingham. I actually went to Peterborough a couple of weeks ago on a Cross Country 170 from Nuneaton. Got about 15 66's, a 67 and many EMUs. Reading is also good for freight. If you want some class 59's. Went there too a couple of months back.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
To be honest. I wouldn't mind seeing some class 60's. I have never seen one in real life in my life!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
To be honest. I wouldn't mind seeing some class 60's. I have never seen one in real life in my life!
RichmondCommu
Established Member
I haven't been a 'spotter for over 30 years however Barnetby in North Lincolnshire is pretty good. Head up there before the end of December and you will see lots of mechanical signalling. Sadly, due to the contraction of the steel works at Scunthorpe and the closure of coal fired power stations Barnetby will not remain busy forever 
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Westbury is also pretty good for 59s, and you've got more chance of seeing them on a standing start there too, which while they're kinda 66s they've got the oompth so sound more impressive on heavy eastbound loaded stone trains.
Westbury also has Colas 70s, although I have yet to go there to see this for myself. Not been there for a few years now, I wonder if the cafe is still going there.
Acton Yard will also have 59s and 66s, which you can view from Acton Main Line station but you need to be there at the right time if that makes sense. Trains passing between Ealing Broadway and London Paddington will also give you views of what's there, make sure you're on the left hand side when heading towards Paddington. This does run the risk of a train passing at just the wrong time mind, so be prepared for a repeat run!
Stratford is good for freights too, the occasional 37 also produces on stock moves. 86s, 90s and 66s, I think also 70s, work freight here.
Carlisle overnight is legendary for freight!
Westbury also has Colas 70s, although I have yet to go there to see this for myself. Not been there for a few years now, I wonder if the cafe is still going there.
Acton Yard will also have 59s and 66s, which you can view from Acton Main Line station but you need to be there at the right time if that makes sense. Trains passing between Ealing Broadway and London Paddington will also give you views of what's there, make sure you're on the left hand side when heading towards Paddington. This does run the risk of a train passing at just the wrong time mind, so be prepared for a repeat run!
Stratford is good for freights too, the occasional 37 also produces on stock moves. 86s, 90s and 66s, I think also 70s, work freight here.
Carlisle overnight is legendary for freight!
47403
Established Member
Ipswich is a good spot, As is Doncaster and Carlisle can be depending on wht day you go, plus you have the 37's on the Loco Hauled Cumbrian Coast.
- Status