Photo Location Advice : Swinton and Retford

[wensley]

It may seem to be a bit of a strange time of year to be looking outside of my normal area for different locations to spend a day photographing but that’s what I’m after!! Some mates and me are meeting up next week on a couple of occasions and have a couple of locations in mind and I would be extremely grateful if you could offer your opinions and experiences.

- Swinton (S Yorks)
I’m led to believe good for freight and a nice shot from what I can tell. I have also noted a nice footbridge just a short distance from the station to give a try. Any general comments and info on the levels of traffic that can be expected would be good!

- Retford
Not entirely a rail photography trip, as a mate and I plan to do some other shots as well, but a few hours will definitely be spent either on the station, or nearby (if there are some good lineside shots?). ECML traffic is pretty self-evident but what I could do with here is some info on freight workings!

Thanks in advance

 

[pappleby]

ref:Retford-High Level and Low Level are good spots,also turn left out of Retford Station,walk about 500yds(ish) keeping the ECML on your left,and you'll come to a footbridge.

 

[wensley]

ref:Retford-High Level and Low Level are good spots,also turn left out of Retford Station,walk about 500yds(ish) keeping the ECML on your left,and you'll come to a footbridge.

Thanks for that...very helpful

 

[142094]

Swinton station itself can normally be quite busy, so no doubt you'd get unwanted attention from some people. Probably better to try that footbridge.

 

[wensley]

Swinton station itself can normally be quite busy, so no doubt you'd get unwanted attention from some people. Probably better to try that footbridge.

Thanks, will give both a try.
Mexborough is also being considered - any opinions on if it's better or worse than Swinton in terms of traffic, shots and general surroundings?

 

[142094]

Mexbrough/Conisbrough area is alright, but the only traffic you'll get is the stuff from Donny to Sheffield, but at least at Swinton you get the possibility of freight coming down from Moorthorpe.

 

[Bevan Price]

South end of island platform at Swinton if O.K. for photos of northbound trains up to late morning. See first three photos on this page:
http://www.bevanprice.me.uk/Aug2011_P2.html

Position of sun may be difficult later in the day. Photos of southbound trains possible from station footbridge as well as from platforms. Should be no problems provided you behave in a safe manner (like many locations these days, it is probably not wise to be on your own in the evening. )

 

[wensley]

Bevan, thanks for that, useful info and a handy photographic reference for me! Hopefully that bush will have died off a bit

Generally,what are traffic levels like on a typical weekday at either location? Any days to go for or to avoid?

 

[Bevan Price]

A Freightmaster (on-line or book) subscription is the best way to find out if you do a lot of freight train photography. Swinton is one their locations showing freight passing times, and their rules don't allow me to give you much detail. However, most days you should see plenty of freight. Be aware that a few freights may run via the old Great Central line via the closed Swinton Central station. Also, there can be considerable day to day variation in the number of freight services operating. So, you might encounter long gaps between freight services then a sudden rush.

 

[wensley]

Right thanks, one of my mates who is planning on tagging along has Freightmaster so he will no doubt have a look there

I was aware of the avoider, but not how much traffic actually uses it, I suppose it might be worth spending some time over there as well, if there is a shot?!

 

[YorkshireBear]

Right thanks, one of my mates who is planning on tagging along has Freightmaster so he will no doubt have a look there

I was aware of the avoider, but not how much traffic actually uses it, I suppose it might be worth spending some time over there as well, if there is a shot?!

ONly seen something on the avoider once (spent quite a long time at swinton over years) And it was a FL 66 Light loco.

it can vary, youve got XC 4tph (as in two each direction), TPE 2tph, Northern various, as you have 4 of their hourly routes going through there. Then you got freight, which varies a lot. You can get steel and coal workings along with some intermodal stuff going to wakefield or leeds.

 

[wensley]

ONly seen something on the avoider once (spent quite a long time at swinton over years) And it was a FL 66 Light loco.

it can vary, youve got XC 4tph (as in two each direction), TPE 2tph, Northern various, as you have 4 of their hourly routes going through there. Then you got freight, which varies a lot. You can get steel and coal workings along with some intermodal stuff going to wakefield or leeds.

Right, thanks, we will give it a go and see what happens! If not it isn't too far to Donny for a change.

It's gonna be a busy week with plenty of photos
Monday : Mirfield and Doncaster, should get a DRS light loco move to NL
Tuesday : Travel to Hull
Wednesday : Hull to Swinton/Mexborough/Doncaster
Thursday : Retford
Friday : Might have to do something in readiness for the 25th