Hampton-In-Arden or Berkswell?

[Jord]

Hi All,

I'm thinking when I am next down south in the Birmingham area I will have a day at either Hampton-In-Arden or Berkswell station.

I would prefer to do it at Berkswell as it's right in the middle of Birmingham International and Coventry so many trains will be passing through at linespeed and it also looks like the station that is mostly out in the open, say Hampton-In-Arden looks like there's a few houses and Tile-Hill or Canley have factories near them.

I was just wondering though, from looking on Multi-Map there's a slight bend at the east end of the station and if I was standing at the west end of the platform for Birmingham, is the bend so bad that by the time I saw say a pendo coming I wouldn't have time to turn camera on then start recording or is the bend not that exagerated?

Thanks for any help in advance.

Jord

 

[Phoenix]

Well if were still talking of the bend at berkswell to be honest no matter where you are you will have time to get a film because theres the advance warnings from the PA system and you can postion yourself around to best suit your need's.

 

[Jord]

Ah right, so I take it:

'Please stand back from the platform edge as the next train is passing through the station'

If it does that then that will be fine

 

[TDK]

Berkswell is the best location

 

[Respite]

The car park's alright sometimes at Berkswell, used to doss down there in my NR days waiting in the van(or on the motorbike) for the next job. It's also actually a nice place with a pub handy as well. Well it was when I was there last in about 2003.

 

[Phoenix]

The pub is still there and the car park isnt bad to watch from although it may be slightly overgrown but I do think berkswell definatly is your best bet and also the staff there are friendly and if you just let them know what your up to there always happy to help.
Even with passing time's if your lucky.

 

[Jord]

Ok, thanks for the replies.

I'm looking forward to it now

Also I know of these classes pass through there: 56, 66, 86, 90, 92, 220/221, 321, 323, 350, 390.

Just wondering have I missed anything? hopefully get some surprises say VT 57s through or Light Engine.

Do the WSMR 67s go this way to Coventry from Birmingham International then down to Leamington Spa?

 

[Phoenix]

Ok, thanks for the replies.

I'm looking forward to it now

when were you heading over to there like which day cause it's making me want to go now (Im only like 20 minutes from there).

 

[TDK]

Ok, thanks for the replies.

I'm looking forward to it now

Also I know of these classes pass through there: 56, 66, 86, 90, 92, 220/221, 321, 323, 350, 390.

Just wondering have I missed anything? hopefully get some surprises say VT 57s through or Light Engine.

Do the WSMR 67s go this way to Coventry from Birmingham International then down to Leamington Spa?

Some go that way and signals green they will be pulling 100mph at Berkswell, probably the only place you will get them doing 100mph.

 

[87015]

Berkswell is a fairly short time on the down to start camera etc, haven't been any regular 'fast train approaching' type announcements when I've been there.

You'll also be gutted to hear there are no booked 323s during the day until the 1918 x New St. Gap in 321s twix 1048 and 1718 x New St aswell, be lucky to get any FL sparkies unless one drops by on a LE route learner.

Only thing of any importance is the grid booked at 1550ish!!

Sun is bang on for Berkswell car park in the afternoon but you can be bowled if there is a track machine parked up or NR men messing around.

 

[Respite]

Only thing of any importance is the grid booked at 1550ish!!

I like your style there.....Yes Grids!

Oh & bring a small style stoat ladder for the fence in the carpark at Berkswell, I've seen the pro's use them there.:grin:

Also as a MOM I had the dubious pleasure of putting HRH the Queen into the siding there at Berkswell, check out the quality of it. Never has one MOM standing in HV's in the middle of night been sh*tting so many bricks as the timber creaked in that siding!

 

[Jord]

when were you heading over to there like which day cause it's making me want to go now (Im only like 20 minutes from there).

If you live 20 minutes away, surely you can go whenever you want? you don't have to wait for me 8)

One last question, are there signals near the station? then it would be easier to see if something was due or coming as the signal would be at amber, double amber or green, unless they are them signals like at Prestonpans where they automatically change to amber, double amber and green once the train has cleared the section.

 

[matt]

If you live 20 minutes away, surely you can go whenever you want? you don't have to wait for me 8)

One last question, are there signals near the station? then it would be easier to see if something was due or coming as the signal would be at amber, double amber or green, unless they are them signals like at Prestonpans where they automatically change to amber, double amber and green once the train has cleared the section.

The signals at Berkswell are automatic so if the line is clear they will show green.

 

[Phoenix]

If you live 20 minutes away, surely you can go whenever you want? you don't have to wait for me 8)

One last question, are there signals near the station? then it would be easier to see if something was due or coming as the signal would be at amber, double amber or green, unless they are them signals like at Prestonpans where they automatically change to amber, double amber and green once the train has cleared the section.

yeah i know what ya mean I was just wondering when someone else is there but dont matter