Getting Started - Train Spotting

[Sheepyaidan]

Hi all,

I've been interested in trains for a while now and would like to start train spotting.

What do I need? Books, equipment and the such.
How do I get on the platforms?
Does anybody have any tips?

Thanks for any responses.

//Aidan

 

[Michael.Y]

Anorak
Adenoids
High-viz
Selection of 1980s memorabilia off eBay
Sense of entitlement
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
OK how about this.

If you are serious about spotting then get yourself a decent coat as you will be on platforms in all weathers. May be worth getting a decent umberella as well. Some even have deckchairs.

You will need a good, sturdy notebook, preferably ring bound, perchance by Black&Red. You'll need a couple of coloured pens for recording different things like DMUs, locos, carriage numbers etc.

If you make your intentions clear to station staff, most of the time you will be allowed onto the platforms with no hassle whatsoever, except locations where spotters have caused problems. Position yourself away from the main station activity, like towards the ends of platforms. Not only will you have a better view of the incoming and outgoing services, but you will not be confused for a passenger. Just obey all signs and do not go where you are not allowed.

You will doubtless be interacting with other spotters, many of whom will try and impress you with their "knowledge" and try and belittle you for your lack of same. You will quickly learn to understand there is a heirarchy, and that you will only be accepted into the social circle when you have a basic working understanding of practically everything on the railway.

You are not staff. Do not try and play railways. Do not make out you are to other rail users. There is nothing worse than a person's day being ruined by someone they think is rail staff. The genuine staff get it in the neck and the person is less likely to trust the railways. You are harming your hobby.

Finally, it never hurts to flesh out your hobby with a few badges or something like a BR scarf, diary etc. Be proud to be a railophile. It promotes conversation and not everyone on this earth will shun you. You may even meet new people this way.

 

[FQ]

Basically, what I use is just a couple of train-spotting books, 1 for units and 1 for locos and I usually take my camera.

With getting up on the platforms, just ask at the barriers.

 

[Sheepyaidan]

Anorak
Adenoids
High-viz
Selection of 1980s memorabilia off eBay
Sense of entitlement
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
OK how about this.

If you are serious about spotting then get yourself a decent coat as you will be on platforms in all weathers. May be worth getting a decent umberella as well. Some even have deckchairs.

You will need a good, sturdy notebook, preferably ring bound, perchance by Black&Red. You'll need a couple of coloured pens for recording different things like DMUs, locos, carriage numbers etc.

If you make your intentions clear to station staff, most of the time you will be allowed onto the platforms with no hassle whatsoever, except locations where spotters have caused problems. Position yourself away from the main station activity, like towards the ends of platforms. Not only will you have a better view of the incoming and outgoing services, but you will not be confused for a passenger. Just obey all signs and do not go where you are not allowed.

You will doubtless be interacting with other spotters, many of whom will try and impress you with their "knowledge" and try and belittle you for your lack of same. You will quickly learn to understand there is a heirarchy, and that you will only be accepted into the social circle when you have a basic working understanding of practically everything on the railway.

You are not staff. Do not try and play railways. Do not make out you are to other rail users. There is nothing worse than a person's day being ruined by someone they think is rail staff. The genuine staff get it in the neck and the person is less likely to trust the railways. You are harming your hobby.

Finally, it never hurts to flesh out your hobby with a few badges or something like a BR scarf, diary etc. Be proud to be a railophile. It promotes conversation and not everyone on this earth will shun you. You may even meet new people this way.

Hi!

Thanks for your reply.

What books do you recommend?
What information will be useful to note down?

Thanks,
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Basically, what I use is just a couple of train-spotting books, 1 for units and 1 for locos and I usually take my camera.

With getting up on the platforms, just ask at the barriers.

Hi,

What books do you use?

Thanks,

 

[Michael.Y]

http://www.waterstones.com/watersto...+locomotives+26+coaching+stock+2014/10350057/

http://www.waterstones.com/watersto...tchard/electric+multiple+units+2014/10102618/

http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/bradshaw27s+guide/8686045/

 

[Sheepyaidan]

http://www.waterstones.com/watersto...+locomotives+26+coaching+stock+2014/10350057/

http://www.waterstones.com/watersto...tchard/electric+multiple+units+2014/10102618/

http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/bradshaw27s+guide/8686045/

Hi,

is the second books content not included in the first?

Thanks,

//Aidan

 

[bb21]

Hi,

is the second books content not included in the first?

Thanks,

//Aidan

It is.

The Platform 5 book in the first link is what I use for reference. (I don't go out spotting but it is handy to have a reference book for all rolling stock.) It has been recommended by several people and I find it excellent. That said, you may find that the whole volume does not fit in a pocket so you may wish to purchase separate volumes for DMUs, EMUs, Locos & Coaching Stock, etc.

That Bradshaw's book is pricey! hock: You can pick up a cheaper version for under a tenner. Amazon has it for about £7.

 

[Sheepyaidan]

It is.

The Platform 5 book in the first link is what I use for reference. (I don't go out spotting but it is handy to have a reference book for all rolling stock.) It has been recommended by several people and I find it excellent. That said, you may find that the whole volume does not fit in a pocket so you may wish to purchase separate volumes for DMUs, EMUs, Locos & Coaching Stock, etc.

That Bradshaw's book is pricey! hock: You can pick up a cheaper version for under a tenner. Amazon has it for about £7.

Oh! I get it.

Might need to go and find 20 quid now...

I think I have that bradshaw book somewhere, because I borrowed it from the library. (I must stress, I'm taking it back soon)

Thanks,

//Aidan

 

[168lover]

A good introduction to the hobby would be just heading down to your local station and either Videoing/Photographing/noting down numbers of trains. A good website to use for finding special trains in your area is http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/

If you need any other help don't hesitate to Private Message me!

 

[Condor7]

There is no set rule as to what or what not to make notes of.
Some hard core spotters want to record everything that moves on the rails, including all the numbers of the wagons and coaching stock and you will see them speaking into small tape recorders quickly reading off the numbers of the stock as it passes, to later record into their books.

At the other end of the scale you get some who just photo and don't record anything in writing.

After a while you will get a feel of what you enjoy the most.

For me I have what they call a mole skin note book, they are more expensive than an ordinary one, but I like to keep a record of what I see and refer back to it over the years, so I like it to be a bit more substantial than most note books.

I record the location and date, and underneath the loco or unit number the time ,the headcode, where it came from and is going to, and the train operating company. As a result I spot both passenger and freight trains, but others only want to spot loco hauled trains, again you will find your preferences as time goes on.

The Platform 5 books mentioned are very good, but if you want to keep price down then this is also very good http://www.anticsonline.co.uk/1692_1_107109737.html

There is a website called RealTimeTrains which is free to use and can be easily found on your phone which will let you know what is about to arrive and gives the headcodes for passenger trains but not freight. A good website for freight info and headcodes is Freightmaster but does cost £80 a year, and there is often a debate on here as to whether it is worth it, personally I think it is, and it compliments RTT very well, but again it is personal preference and often down to finances with these things.

 

[FQ]

There is no set rule as to what or what not to make notes of.
Some hard core spotters want to record everything that moves on the rails, including all the numbers of the wagons and coaching stock and you will see them speaking into small tape recorders quickly reading off the numbers of the stock as it passes, to later record into their books.

At the other end of the scale you get some who just photo and don't record anything in writing.

After a while you will get a feel of what you enjoy the most.

For me I have what they call a mole skin note book, they are more expensive than an ordinary one, but I like to keep a record of what I see and refer back to it over the years, so I like it to be a bit more substantial than most note books.

I record the location and date, and underneath the loco or unit number the time ,the headcode, where it came from and is going to, and the train operating company. As a result I spot both passenger and freight trains, but others only want to spot loco hauled trains, again you will find your preferences as time goes on.

The Platform 5 books mentioned are very good, but if you want to keep price down then this is also very good http://www.anticsonline.co.uk/1692_1_107109737.html

There is a website called RealTimeTrains which is free to use and can be easily found on your phone which will let you know what is about to arrive and gives the headcodes for passenger trains but not freight. A good website for freight info and headcodes is Freightmaster but does cost £80 a year, and there is often a debate on here as to whether it is worth it, personally I think it is, and it compliments RTT very well, but again it is personal preference and often down to finances with these things.

Very well put. Personally I think Freightmaster is worth the money for lots of reasons.

1. It has freight timetables for about 135 stations.
2. It gives you the real head codes.
3. It gives you freight TOPS lists (not every day)

There are many more though.

Have a good time on the forum Sheepyaiden.

 

[alex17595]

I use a free app on my tablet to tick off all f the numbers, its gives you what livery they are in, the depot they are allocated to, pool, owner and operator. It even has some withdrawn stock on it.

 

[Sheepyaidan]

A good introduction to the hobby would be just heading down to your local station and either Videoing/Photographing/noting down numbers of trains. A good website to use for finding special trains in your area is http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/

If you need any other help don't hesitate to Private Message me!

Looks like a great website and the app looks cool.

Thanks,

//Aidan
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I use a free app on my tablet to tick off all f the numbers, its gives you what livery they are in, the depot they are allocated to, pool, owner and operator. It even has some withdrawn stock on it.

Hi,

Which app do you use?

Thanks,

//Aidan

 

[alex17595]

Hi,

Which app do you use?

Thanks,

//Aidan

Its called trainspotter on Google play. No idea if there is an apple equivalent.

 

[PaxVobiscum]

Its called trainspotter on Google play. No idea if there is an apple equivalent.

We Apple users are weird enough as it is!

 

[87019Chris]

Most important thing is to stay safe, and enjoy your self, and in terms of knowledge start local, learn bits that will come in handy to yourself then, learn the interesting stuff then everything else. To what extent you record things it doesn't matter do as much or as little as you want, If you like collecting things then I suggest you take as much detail as you can, as you can always refer to it later. Also I find that multi-coloured highlighters and a red pen come in handy
Happy Spotting!