Ashford International: well managed 6 platform regional hub station, with about 13/14tph including SE highspeed, 2 gatelines, Pumpkin on the domestic platforms. Some E* as well. Good local bus links, direct services to Brighton makes District a happy guy!
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Where is your local station?
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Clunderwen, two staggered platforms with a shelter on each platform, not great service usually 1 every 2 hours each way. The only stock passing through are 175's and 150'sArriva should buy some pendolino's to run to Milford :P
Not much use without electrification!
Also, 158s do run down to Milford Haven -- I worked a CDF - MFH - NWP service a few Sundays back that consisted of one of the refurb'd 158s. Lovely ride, pleasant interior, easy to manoeuvre my trolley... only problem was as we left MFH, the ATOS Annie said we were approaching Cardiff. That was a short shift I thought.
I also thought that it was called Llunderwen, and the announcer was just pronouncing their Lls a bit hard.
Shirehampton on the Severn Beach Line. Single platform on a singled branch line.
Small brick built shelter with wooden canopy which unfortunately sometimes gets used as a toilet.
A CIS screen that has mercifully not been the victim of vandalism for some months now.
There are planters on the platform made from old sleepers, one of which was set on fire earlier this year.
Three trains every two hours in each direction, until recently almost exclusively Class 143s, but they've gone to Devon and I now see a mixed bag of Class 150/1, 150/2 and 153s. I've also traveled from Shirehampton in a 158 and through Shirehampton on a HST.
Best of all, 50% reduction for fares wholly on the line (Severn Beach - Bristol Temple Meads) for railcard holders and no increase in January!
Small brick built shelter with wooden canopy which unfortunately sometimes gets used as a toilet.
A CIS screen that has mercifully not been the victim of vandalism for some months now.
There are planters on the platform made from old sleepers, one of which was set on fire earlier this year.
Three trains every two hours in each direction, until recently almost exclusively Class 143s, but they've gone to Devon and I now see a mixed bag of Class 150/1, 150/2 and 153s. I've also traveled from Shirehampton in a 158 and through Shirehampton on a HST.
Best of all, 50% reduction for fares wholly on the line (Severn Beach - Bristol Temple Meads) for railcard holders and no increase in January!
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Eagle
Established Member
What do you mean by local? In Dorset my nearest station is a tossup between Holton Heath and Hamworthy, but the one I actually use is either Salisbury or Bournemouth (usually the former as it's almost always cheaper to go anywhere)—or in extreme circumstances Southampton Airport Parkway, which is surprisingly quick to get to by road.
frodshamfella
Established Member
Acton Bridge....closest, tidy un-manned,limited service but find it handy for trains to Liverpool and Birmingham...could do with more parking available, sometimes full and no where else in area to park, then Frodsham, again pretty tidy station, pity lovely old brick station building is shut up, hourly service which I use for Chester or Manchester. Lastly Cuddington, ok, no ticket office,slow local service, have used for Chester, and once to Manchester, but takes an age, so use Frodsham.
Buffer68
Member
Basically, the nearest to where you live. I prefer Salisbury too, so much easier to get West and North from here.
Also, if you're interested, there are plans afoot to restore buildings along the old S&D route. The nearest to here is Spetisbury - work should start soon to clear the platforms and rebuild the station building. Eventually the plan is get trains running again but that could take many years but as the saying goes, from small acorns etc. The aim now is to have a presence to involve local communities. http://www.somersetanddorsetrailway.co.uk/
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Mine is the next stop along - Parkstone , or 'Parkstone for Sandbanks' as it was once called.
Although the old tramway to Lilliput has long gone, you can still get a sense of the original makeup of the station by its original station building. The WH Smith has gone on the down platform, but the foot bridge remains minus its cover - a great view can be had of the railtours climbing the Parkstone Bank out of Poole .
btw Buffer68 , if you are on Facebook , you will find some of the local stations , bridges etc as Facebook check-in locations that I have addedFor example I have added Bournemouth West Station - look for the '::' prefix . Educating Joe public by social media is my idea
Good to find some local rail enthusiasts - and thanks for the info regarding Facebook check ins.
McBoo
Member
oooooo, I haven't been lucky enough to catch one of those. Let's hope it becomes a more often affair.
YorkshireBear
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Depends where i am! Chapeltown when at home with parents, about a 5.5 months a year. Burley park when at uni again 5.5 months a year, then the other month my nearest station is haworth on the KWVR...
swtandgw
Member
For 75% of the time, Plymouth is my local station. 25% of the time, it's either Basingstoke (what I call the 'home' line, hence the SWT part of my username) or Reading (as a transit hub for going to and from Plymouth, hence GW).
KentonCanary
Member
My local station is Kenton and located on a Bridge on the Kenton Road. Harrow on the Hill is a mile away and Kingsbury a couple of miles in the other direction.
It has a small ticket office and a couple of barriers but that's about it. It's under five minutes walk to Northwick Park Station and not a bad option for a Bakerloo/Metropolitan train change.
It has a small ticket office and a couple of barriers but that's about it. It's under five minutes walk to Northwick Park Station and not a bad option for a Bakerloo/Metropolitan train change.
Buffer68
Member
Sounds pretty busy - good place for photos??
1018509
Member
Looks like they are going to be used on the "increased" service in 2014.
Adding one or two coaches to a train according to BBC South news.
I'd say so! We have a flyover for the fast Eurostars as well!
traji00
Member
- Joined
- 17 Aug 2009
- Messages
- 241
during my uni' days (which are coming to an end soon ), the nearest station to me is Kingston/Norbiton -- but I still sometimes prefer travelling to Surbiton for it's more frequent (and sometimes quicker) service to WAT.
All other times, it's Crouch Hill on the ol' GOBLIN.
), the nearest station to me is Kingston/Norbiton -- but I still sometimes prefer travelling to Surbiton for it's more frequent (and sometimes quicker) service to WAT.All other times, it's Crouch Hill on the ol' GOBLIN.
Ah, this is something I only became aware of a few months ago. Imagine the Douglas Vally near Gathurst. To the west is the M6 viaduct, to the north is firstly the River Douglas and a few more metres beyond is the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Now the local explosives factory you mention is on the bank of the canal opposite that of the station if that makes sense. It's easily Google-able BUT is now being transformed into another housing estate but hopefully the woods along the canal will obscure this development and keep the atmosphere of the area.
Sydenham on the outskirts of Belfast on the Bangor-Newry line.. Its the station that serves Belfast City Airport although since they moved the terminal building hlf a mile down the road but not the station, there's now a minibus link rather than direct access.
Its just a couple of open platforms with shelters although there is a portakabin that has a sign claiming there are staff inside if they are needed. I've neve had cause to knock on the door and find out though.
For those who live near the station its a cheaper way of getting into Belfast than the bus. A Metro off-peak day ticket on the bus is £2.90 whereas a day return on the train is £1.90. Comfortable modern trains with usually helpful staff.
Its just a couple of open platforms with shelters although there is a portakabin that has a sign claiming there are staff inside if they are needed. I've neve had cause to knock on the door and find out though.
For those who live near the station its a cheaper way of getting into Belfast than the bus. A Metro off-peak day ticket on the bus is £2.90 whereas a day return on the train is £1.90. Comfortable modern trains with usually helpful staff.
Sydenham on the outskirts of Belfast on the Bangor-Newry line.. Its the station that serves Belfast City Airport although since they moved the terminal building half a mile down the road but not the station, there's now a minibus link rather than direct access.
Its just a couple of open platforms with shelters although there is a portakabin that has a sign claiming there are staff inside if they are needed. I've never had cause to knock on the door and find out though.
For those who live near the station its a cheaper way of getting into Belfast than the bus. A Metro off-peak day ticket on the bus is £2.90 whereas a day return on the train is £1.90. Comfortable modern trains with usually helpful staff.
Its just a couple of open platforms with shelters although there is a portakabin that has a sign claiming there are staff inside if they are needed. I've never had cause to knock on the door and find out though.
For those who live near the station its a cheaper way of getting into Belfast than the bus. A Metro off-peak day ticket on the bus is £2.90 whereas a day return on the train is £1.90. Comfortable modern trains with usually helpful staff.
Cruithne3753
Member
- Joined
- 1 Jul 2011
- Messages
- 76
15 mins walk from Bristol Temple Meads. Bendy platforms. Looking forward to seeing the wires go up. A bit of a bummer if I get back from work to find something steamy there and I don't have my camera.
Buffer68
Member
Ah Bristol Temple Meads - I will get there one day, dying to see all the action here. Hopefully it will happen soon - just either not had money for fare or not had time so far.
Mine is Kemsley. It's a bit crap really. No buildings at all (apart from a bus shelter on each platform that would be crowded if more than 3 people stood under each one), and no ticket machine (apart from a PERTIS); and just a couple of platforms.
Sittingbourne, 5 minutes down the line on the main line is infinitely preferable, but it's a ~20 minute walk away.
Sittingbourne, 5 minutes down the line on the main line is infinitely preferable, but it's a ~20 minute walk away.
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Forest Hill on the southern extension of the East London line and also Southern metro services from London Bridge and Victoria.
The station building is a prefab dating from the 70s after the original building was damaged during the Second World War.
FH has had various improvements since London Overground replaced Southern as the station operator in 2009 including the demolition of the concrete shelters, new benches, a lick of paint, a new sheltered bridge which includes lifts on the platforms enabling disabled and buggy access and TfL signage.
Recently platforms were extended to accommodate 10 cars as Southern now run 10 car services during the peak to London Bridge.
Some relics of the Southern era remain including the Share SMART ticketing system. (LO uses FasTIS) and the CIS is still operated by Southern on behalf of London Overground.
Trains used regularly are LO 378's and Southern 377, 455 and 456.
12tph run to destinations such as Highbury & Islington, West Croydon, Crystal Palace, Caterham, Victoria and London Bridge.
The station building is a prefab dating from the 70s after the original building was damaged during the Second World War.
FH has had various improvements since London Overground replaced Southern as the station operator in 2009 including the demolition of the concrete shelters, new benches, a lick of paint, a new sheltered bridge which includes lifts on the platforms enabling disabled and buggy access and TfL signage.
Recently platforms were extended to accommodate 10 cars as Southern now run 10 car services during the peak to London Bridge.
Some relics of the Southern era remain including the Share SMART ticketing system. (LO uses FasTIS) and the CIS is still operated by Southern on behalf of London Overground.
Trains used regularly are LO 378's and Southern 377, 455 and 456.
12tph run to destinations such as Highbury & Islington, West Croydon, Crystal Palace, Caterham, Victoria and London Bridge.
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coupwotcoup
Member
- Joined
- 29 Jul 2007
- Messages
- 287
Harold Wood - last station in Zone 6 on the Liverpool Street - Southend Vic line.
Ten minutes walk from Chez Coup and a similar interval between trains from 04.50am to 1.30am 24/7 so cannot complain really
apart from the fact that it takes longer to get into London now, than it did when I started work in 1967.
Apart from a few 'rush-hour' jobbies, most are 'all station' apart from Sundays oddly enough,
when they convert to an odd timetable with 'semi-fast' 321s in operation on some trains.
Before converting to four lines in the 30s? it had split platforms and a minor goods yards, now a car park.
A few years back, on the slow platform from London, the toilets were converted into a takeaway Indian restaurant.
At the moment the barriers are going up but for some reason so far, it has taken around six months and they still haven't finished yet.
It only took a year and 45 days to complete the Empire State Building, so make of that what you will.
All in all have very few complaints really, reasonably well staffed, clean and a pub outside too...
Ten minutes walk from Chez Coup and a similar interval between trains from 04.50am to 1.30am 24/7 so cannot complain really
apart from the fact that it takes longer to get into London now, than it did when I started work in 1967.
Apart from a few 'rush-hour' jobbies, most are 'all station' apart from Sundays oddly enough,
when they convert to an odd timetable with 'semi-fast' 321s in operation on some trains.
Before converting to four lines in the 30s? it had split platforms and a minor goods yards, now a car park.
A few years back, on the slow platform from London, the toilets were converted into a takeaway Indian restaurant.
At the moment the barriers are going up but for some reason so far, it has taken around six months and they still haven't finished yet.
It only took a year and 45 days to complete the Empire State Building, so make of that what you will.
All in all have very few complaints really, reasonably well staffed, clean and a pub outside too...
Carlton on the Nottingham-Lincoln line. Two Bus Shelters either side and its at the end of Netherfield High Street. Service has improved due to lobbying by the local rail user group.
The other one is Netherfield, about 8 minutes walk away, limited service but it has a direct train to Liverpool and Skegness(For Grantham)in the morning, which is useful.
The other one is Netherfield, about 8 minutes walk away, limited service but it has a direct train to Liverpool and Skegness(For Grantham)in the morning, which is useful.
scotsman
Established Member
- Joined
- 6 Jul 2010
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- 3,252
Aberdour. (7 mins from - hence my rule)
1990 station of the year, a wall full of awards obtained from ScotRail since then, a "stationmaster" (sorry, everyone calls him that) with the best knowledge of ticketing tricks in Scotland!
Oh, yeah, and the station garden is the dug's baws!
1990 station of the year, a wall full of awards obtained from ScotRail since then, a "stationmaster" (sorry, everyone calls him that) with the best knowledge of ticketing tricks in Scotland!
Oh, yeah, and the station garden is the dug's baws!
43106
Member
I have 5 local stations, but all for different reasons...
As the crow flies, my nearest station is KINGSKNOWE (pronounced Kings - now), which is on the Haymarket - Kirknewton line. Stopping trains to Glasgow Central (via Shotts) stop there, but if I want to use it, it would take 2 buses to get there, entailing a change of buses outside Slateford station. It's just 2 platforms each with a bus shelter.
WESTER HAILES, next station down the same line - still takes 2 buses to get there, but they're different buses. Same facilities as Kingsknowe, but the bus shelters are often used as shooting galleries (drugs).
SLATEFORD is, again, on the same line, but nearer to Haymarket. Exactly the same facilities as Kingsknowe, but from a personal point of view, the road away from the southbound platform has substantial bushes where you can "communicate with nature" on an emergency basis without being observed!! I have NEVER used any of the above stations, but I've passed through them on VT or XC trains.
I go to HAYMARKET for trains to Glasgow or Fife (same bus as one to Slateford) or WAVERLEY, for the ECML. It takes a different bus to get there, but it's a bit of a hike, cos the buses are diverted cos of the tram chaos.
As the crow flies, my nearest station is KINGSKNOWE (pronounced Kings - now), which is on the Haymarket - Kirknewton line. Stopping trains to Glasgow Central (via Shotts) stop there, but if I want to use it, it would take 2 buses to get there, entailing a change of buses outside Slateford station. It's just 2 platforms each with a bus shelter.
WESTER HAILES, next station down the same line - still takes 2 buses to get there, but they're different buses. Same facilities as Kingsknowe, but the bus shelters are often used as shooting galleries (drugs).
SLATEFORD is, again, on the same line, but nearer to Haymarket. Exactly the same facilities as Kingsknowe, but from a personal point of view, the road away from the southbound platform has substantial bushes where you can "communicate with nature" on an emergency basis without being observed!! I have NEVER used any of the above stations, but I've passed through them on VT or XC trains.
I go to HAYMARKET for trains to Glasgow or Fife (same bus as one to Slateford) or WAVERLEY, for the ECML. It takes a different bus to get there, but it's a bit of a hike, cos the buses are diverted cos of the tram chaos.
The one just down there *points*
*collects coat* :P
In all, I think "officially" Batley is the local station but don't ask me what it is like to use as I have never used it!
Main local here in Dewsbury station - all in all I really like it - find it bright and has a nice looking booking office area. Naturally, there is the West Riding next to it as well. Can be a little bleak on the coldest of days and there has been trouble there in the past but all in all, I still like it
I think I may have got a photo of that when calling there the other month! Haborough is certainly an interesting little place...secluded is an understatement...hardly any life round there at all from we saw!
Not sure how recent you mean - was there on the WY Metro challenge and yeah, very basic. Just standard wooden platforms and a wooden bridge and a card only ticket machine on one side from what I could see. The announcement system was also useless as it could only be heard when stood pretty much next to the tannoy and also seemed to play everytime a train came the other way and drowned it out! Very annoying when you are trying to see if your hourly connection is delayed which is less than ideal for a challenge!
Can completely agree with you on Newcraighall...called there on a slightly bleak day in May (day of the insanely high winds!), got off the train, saw there was nothing there at all, took a few photos whilst getting wet from the rain and then got back on to await the return working!
Ah, that explains that then...I wondered how we bypassed the station when running non stop back from Brussels the other month
I'm roughly the same distance from 2 different stations - Manchester Airport and Heald Green, both of which are on the Manchester Picc - Crewe via Styal line.
I prefer to use Heald Green because, in my opinion, its got a much nicer atmosphere than Airport does, however, Airport is much more convenient due to its better service (I mean, where can't you get to in the north from Manchester Airport
)
I prefer to use Heald Green because, in my opinion, its got a much nicer atmosphere than Airport does, however, Airport is much more convenient due to its better service (I mean, where can't you get to in the north from Manchester Airport
)
Xenophon PCDGS
Veteran Member
Mine is Prestbury station on the line from Manchester Piccadilly to Macclesfield (and onwards). It is unstaffed, but at least it is on an electrified line. Like Morley in West Yorkshire, we have a tunnel nearby. It is supposed to be Class 323 served, but "whisper it quietly", the occasional Class 142 Pacer appears as cover for certain services.
Lampshade
Established Member
Mine is whichever station I happen to be nearest to at any given time 
Currently Preston is my nearest but still over half an hour away at best, it's actually quicker to get to Salwick from where I live despite it being a good two miles further (60mph country roads as opposed to the A6/A59 and the multitude of traffic lights)
hock:
Currently Preston is my nearest but still over half an hour away at best, it's actually quicker to get to Salwick from where I live despite it being a good two miles further (60mph country roads as opposed to the A6/A59 and the multitude of traffic lights)
hock:- Status