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Spotting at big stations
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xc170
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Year just dont bother with big stations, you only get harrased by some network rail idiot.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Defining what stations count as 'big' is required here. A few that come to mind:
London Victoria, Waterloo, Paddington, Liverpool Street, Bridge (east end of p5)
Leeds
York
Newcastle
Edinburgh Waverley
Glasgow Central
Cardiff Central (east end of p3/4)
Bristol Temple Meads (north end of p5)
Brighton
Ashford International
Manchester Victoria, Piccadilly (end of p8 )
By no means an exhaustive list of 'big' stations, but hey.
As for the above, I've put in brackets the parts of the station recommended for spotting/photography (if known). Those that aren't detailed I haven't a clue so can't recommend any spots.
But I know what you mean klambert, it's exhausting racing around places like Newcastle to get everything! London Bridge is easier for the best spot but is just a massive strain on the wrist when frantically writing everything down in the peaks.
No magical way to manage a long spotting session at large stations, although before starting a session at Bridge a big coffee and something substantial to eat would be recommended to keep you going! You just get used to rushing about the big stations eventually though.
London Victoria, Waterloo, Paddington, Liverpool Street, Bridge (east end of p5)
Leeds
York
Newcastle
Edinburgh Waverley
Glasgow Central
Cardiff Central (east end of p3/4)
Bristol Temple Meads (north end of p5)
Brighton
Ashford International
Manchester Victoria, Piccadilly (end of p8 )
By no means an exhaustive list of 'big' stations, but hey.
As for the above, I've put in brackets the parts of the station recommended for spotting/photography (if known). Those that aren't detailed I haven't a clue so can't recommend any spots.
But I know what you mean klambert, it's exhausting racing around places like Newcastle to get everything! London Bridge is easier for the best spot but is just a massive strain on the wrist when frantically writing everything down in the peaks.
No magical way to manage a long spotting session at large stations, although before starting a session at Bridge a big coffee and something substantial to eat would be recommended to keep you going! You just get used to rushing about the big stations eventually though.
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At Glasgow Central, spotters usually stand on Platform 12 (used to be 11a). From there, you can see all the workings in and out of the station and right across the bridge too. The only limitation is that, when a train is in Platform 12, you can't see 14 and 15. Furthermore, they like to stick the Paisley Canal trains in 12, so be prepared for osme harmless verbal abuse!
At Edinburgh Waverley, the ends of Platforms 2 and 19 also come to mind as having decent views for spotters, but they're literally about half a mile apart!
At Edinburgh Waverley, the ends of Platforms 2 and 19 also come to mind as having decent views for spotters, but they're literally about half a mile apart!
90019
Established Member
I would've said 11 or 19, as the bulk of traffic comes through the western side.
1D53
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- 2 Apr 2006
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- 2,889
Leeds: End of 6 West, End of 9 East.
37401
Established Member
Dont forget Birmingham New street for Big stations ive been there and its quite a run from one end to the other.
Thers nothing i can say that will help apart from run as fast as you can to get the money shot your after thats what i do.
Thers nothing i can say that will help apart from run as fast as you can to get the money shot your after thats what i do.
25322
Member
With an all unit diet there seems little point of dashing around new street now
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Depends though, one may be after the units there either as a newcomer to the hobby or just to get things recorded with their camera/camcorder for future reference.
Must admit I'm surprised I missed off New Street with my list!
Must admit I'm surprised I missed off New Street with my list!
GNERman
Established Member
Leeds and York are easy just run to wherever you want to go!
spoony
Member
andylloyd
Member
Newcastle are getting a bit over zealous about 'enthusiasts' now.
Being read the riot act etc etc... Just remember to sign in at the 'Toon' now to avoid being shouted and screamed at
Being read the riot act etc etc... Just remember to sign in at the 'Toon' now to avoid being shouted and screamed at
FusionRail
Member
87015
Established Member
Yes, Network Rail just stick to messing up the Network.... :roll:
andylloyd
Member
NXEC staff at the moment. However love to see their faces next time I get harrased and ask for the BTP to attend
I know that was in jest (maybe
) but I know they have quite a few non-infrastructure staff at BHM in the form of dispatch (or as they spell it, "despatch"), and the security/first aid staff (the ones in blue jackets).FusionRail
Member
I know that was in jest (maybe
And every other NR managed station
NR dont 'mess up' the network, its not an easy task to sort out the mess Railtrack and BR left it in, and to bring it all in line to current standards. ITs not just a case of oh lets fix this piece of track, theres various people you have to contact to get a possession, TOCs need to agree to it, etc etc.
AlexS
Established Member
NR are quite capable of messing up the network. They've admitted responsibility for killing people (see Grayrigg accident).
Their own performance isn't up to scratch either in places (planning in particular seems to fall to bits) and I hear more than enough complaining about 'The Evil Empire' from their employees at various levels to know they're not all that keen on them either.
Their own performance isn't up to scratch either in places (planning in particular seems to fall to bits) and I hear more than enough complaining about 'The Evil Empire' from their employees at various levels to know they're not all that keen on them either.
FusionRail
Member
Same story with Railtrack. Railways are not easy to run, and NRs performance is going up fast, achieving things greater than BR ever did (infrastructure wise)
Trains06
Member
- Joined
- 28 Jan 2009
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I don't normally have problems running, just walk everywhere .
The staff at Crewe are nice (as above) I have been spotting there years now and noone has had a bad word about it
. Then again I have known the staff longer than I have been taking railway photos.
.The staff at Crewe are nice (as above) I have been spotting there years now and noone has had a bad word about it
. Then again I have known the staff longer than I have been taking railway photos.
andylloyd
Member
Carlisle is very good for us enthusiasts during the day.
Been there several times and had no bother at all
nedchester
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Newcastle are getting a bit over zealous about 'enthusiasts' now.
Being read the riot act etc etc... Just remember to sign in at the 'Toon' now to avoid being shouted and screamed at
They should learn a bit of 'customer care' before shouting and screaming at people!
andylloyd
Member
ExactlyThey should learn a bit of 'customer care' before shouting and screaming at people!
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