Trainspotting at Euston discouraged?

[MG11]

It wasn't that bad when I visited last Saturday with a friend. Having arrived off of a terminating train, we spent a whole 10 minutes on the platform photographing the station and semaphore signalling, and left of our own accord. Last time I tried that, I managed about 2 minutes before a member of staff politely escorted me back to the safety of the holding pen station concourse.

What reason was given for removing you from the platform??

 

[NSEFAN]

What reason was given for removing you from the platform??

The reason given was that they have no CCTV on the station, so can't keep an eye on all parts of the platforms. Therefore they had to keep passengers on the concourse until the train is ready.

 

[richieb1971]

I got moved from 2 stations in London. Clapham Junction and one of the GWR stations just a few miles down from Paddington. It was a bad day to say the least. Once you get over 20 miles from London the attitude seems to change tremendously. By the time you get to places like Peterborough, Cholsey and Basingstoke they actually welcome you with open arms. I never go to the Terminus stations because I prefer trains to pass rather than park, which is much more interesting for video purposes. Paddington and Euston might be nice if you want a whole line of passenger trains in one shot.

 

[colchesterken]

I think it is just the luck of the draw as to who is on duty
A previous poster had problems at Charring Cross, last time I went there they opened the gate and let me go to the end of the platform
As to GWR my favorite at the moment is Southall good views in both directions
Last time I was there the platform lady came and checked the gate, I said sorry I am not going to jump just spotting
she was charming and said "it is on the list of things to do checking the gates". She said I was welcome.
I even got a long distance look at the Dutchess shunting naughty coaches around, to make up a special.

 

[375610]

Last time I went to Euston, I signed on and then I got free realm of the place, the staff were very helpful and friendly. This was a few years ago, but I doubt much as changed. I think for H&S reasons signing on is a good idea for everyone at a big station like Euston.

 

[greyman42]

I never had any issues taking pictures or filming at Euston, only once I was asked to sign in by staff. This was the same for Marylebone, Liverpool Street and Victoria. However staff did tell me to get lost at Charing Cross whilst I asked for permission or to sign in, may have been unlucky.

It would appear then that some staff at Charing Cross could do with some training.

 

[deltic]

I don't recall Euston having a problem with train spotting in the 1980's or 1990's. I spent quite a bit of time there photographing the class 83's, 85's and 86's and don't recall getting any hustle.

Some post office staff took offense when I was wandering along the platform when they were loading the TPO back in the 80s back in the day - preferred Kings Cross and St Pancras on a Saturday night watching the Sunday newspapers being loaded and often picking up a free copy when a bundle went under the wheels of a lorry or fell apart and got dumped to the side.

 

[MarkWi72]

My father has many a story about photographing trains and having some police come after him in Manchester in the 60s. Someone called the police as he and a friend where taking photos near Trafford Yard, on wasteground. He's had a couple of WCML near misses in the leccy days too - once at Tring Cutting and Shugborough tunnels.

 

[greyman42]

My father has many a story about photographing trains and having some police come after him in Manchester in the 60s. Someone called the police as he and a friend where taking photos near Trafford Yard, on wasteground. He's had a couple of WCML near misses in the leccy days too - once at Tring Cutting and Shugborough tunnels.

Why were the Police concerned about him taking photographs of trains back in the 60s?

 

[GRALISTAIR]

My father has many a story about photographing trains and having some police come after him in Manchester in the 60s. Someone called the police as he and a friend where taking photos near Trafford Yard, on wasteground. He's had a couple of WCML near misses in the leccy days too - once at Tring Cutting and Shugborough tunnels.

And I definitely have some stories to tell about myself and others from my spotting days. Wandering around Stewarts Lane with all the live 3rd rail is one of them .

 

[MarkWi72]

Why were the Police concerned about him taking photographs of trains back in the 60s?

I think someone saw him and his friend loitering on wasteground, close to the railway lines and they called the police. He said it was like a scene from Dixon of Dock Green (Northern Style).

 

[507 001]

Why were the Police concerned about him taking photographs of trains back in the 60s?

Maybe they thought he was a soviet spy?