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Request stops etc

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Thoth

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I'm looking into doing a photography project in some way related to the railways. Ideally I'd like to do day trips to stations, do some shooting and come back on the same day.
I need some sort of structure of where to go and which stations to go to, I don't want to go to hundreds but I want quite a few. I live down in the SW, in Dawlish and want to go to places I've never been before, so none of the mainline big stations. I know there are some request stops around like Exton, Lympstone Commando etc as I have heard announcements.
Another idea was closed stations where there are still signs of what was there, I know there are lots of closed lines in the southwest.

So if possible could anybody give me some advice and links of:

  • Request stops in SW/Devon
  • Maps etc of closed lines and stations
  • Or perhaps small stations with no ticket offices etc
 
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MidnightFlyer

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Request stops in Devon and Cornwall:
Exmouth line: Lympstone Commando *, Exton.
Barnstaple line: All except Crediton, Eggesford and Barnstaple.
Cornish Main Line: Dockyard.
Looe line: St Keyne, Causleand, Sandpalce.
Newquay line: Luxulyan, Bugle, Roche, St Columb Road.
Falmouth line: Perranwell.
St Ives line: Lelant.
(None on Main Line in Devon, Axminster line, Paignton line, or Gunnilslake line.)

* - Do not try and alight or take photos at Lympsotne Commando: it is for use by army personnel only, and I think the consequences of people without permission being there can be quite severe.
NB - I think Sampford Courtenay on the Okehampton line may be request, however it is only served by 10 trains per day on Sundays in high summer!

Do you want info for Somerset and Devon too?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
The majority of Devon and Cornwall stations are unstaffed, the following are the only ones that are staffed:
Barnstaple, Okehampton (all year round however only served by mainline trains on high summer Sundays), Tiverton Parkway, Axminster, Honiton, Feniton, Exmouth, Exeter Central, Exeter St Davids, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, Torquay, Paignton, Totnes, Plymouth, Liskeard, Bodmin Parkway, Par, Newquay (May-September only), St Austell, Truro, Redruth, Cambourne, St Erth, St Ives and Penzance.

(The above is all from memory!)

Most branchline stations are the unstaffed ones, however the frequency of service (some as little as 3 or 4 trains per day each way, or less) may make getting to them other than via car hard. Some however enjoy an hourly service or better, like the Falmouth line.
 
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moonrakerz

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Do not try and alight or take photos at Lympsotne Commando: it is for use by army personnel only

.......a bit of friendly advice - NEVER say to a Royal Marine that he is in the Army, your life expectancy will be measured in milliseconds :lol::lol:

The Royal Marines are part of the Royal Navy.
 

mirodo

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Request stops in Devon and Cornwall:
* - Do not try and alight or take photos at Lympsotne Commando: it is for use by army personnel only, and I think the consequences of people without permission being there can be quite severe.

The station falls under National Rail ownership rather than MoD, so they have conceded they can't prevent people from alighting there (although there is no legitimate egress from the platform if you do).

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/reque...ch/3/Final reply to 15 05 2012 125455 007.pdf

You're right about the photography issue - not a good idea unless you have prior permission!
 

moonrakerz

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http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/reque...ch/3/Final reply to 15 05 2012 125455 007.pdf

You're right about the photography issue - not a good idea unless you have prior permission!

"However, anyone taking photographs from the platform should be aware that this would attract interest from the security staff at Commando Training Centre RM (CTCRM) Lympstone, particularly if photographs of the camp are taken. To avoid any such concerns, individuals wishing to take photographs of trains, etc, should contact the CTCRM Guard Room and inform them of their intentions beforehand."

A typical load of meaningless double speak ! Unless Lympstone is an area where photography is forbidden under the Official Secrets Act (and signposted to that effect) - which it doesn't appear to be, as the letter would have said so, you can take photographs of whatever you wish. You do not have to tell anyone in advance. (Although very strictly speaking you should ask the owner of the station if you can take photos from there)

However, the Official Secrets Act didn't seem to worry Google who put photos of the Royal Marines SBS base on street view - complete with a sign saying that photography was forbidden clearly visible in the photograph :roll::roll:

PS: Just had a look on Google, there do not appear to be any notices on the perimeter fence at Lympstone saying that it is a Prohibited Place :lol:
 
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district

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I am planning to visit Lympstone Commando soon, hence why I did the FOI request. Apparently, there is access to the station from the Exe Valley trail.
 

cuccir

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Bucephalus:1149512 said:
A typical load of meaningless double speak ! Unless Lympstone is an area where photography is forbidden under the Official Secrets Act (and signposted to that effect) - which it doesn't appear to be, as the letter would have said so, you can take photographs of whatever you wish. You do not have to tell anyone in advance. (Although very strictly speaking you should ask the owner of the station if you can take photos from there)

Repeatedly photographing an individual, a group of people or a private property can still be illegal under harassment laws. One/two photos = fine. Stand on a stool with a high zoom lens for ten minutes to photo private property = not OK!
 

DavidBrown

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I am planning to visit Lympstone Commando soon, hence why I did the FOI request. Apparently, there is access to the station from the Exe Valley trail.

No there isn't. The Exe Estuary trail does pass between the Commando Centre and the station, but there is still high fencing and guards preventing access to the station. That said, it may be possible now to take photos FROM THE TRAIL ONLY, but I would strongly advise asking for permission from one of the guards.
 

Xenophon PCDGS

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I'm looking into doing a photography project in some way related to the railways. Ideally I'd like to do day trips to stations, do some shooting and come back on the same day.......Another idea was closed stations where there are still signs of what was there, I know there are lots of closed lines in the southwest.

With regards to the closed stations part of your query, there was a cross-country line in Cornwall that is no longer in existence, that was over twenty miles in length, called the Truro and Newquay Railway which had closed stations (going from the Truro direction) at:-
Chacewater
Mount Hawke
St Agnes
Goonbell
Mithian
Perranporth Beach
Perranporth
Goonhavern
Shepherds
Mitchell and Newlyn
Trewherry and Trerice
 

Thoth

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Thanks guys. So I think I will go for request stops for now as opposed to closed stations or unstaffed. I'll leave Lympstone Commando to the end, I can't see it being a problem though, I've managed to get access to loads of places before when public entry wasnt allowed. I just ask, they say its impossible, I say I'm a photography student doing a project and they always end up letting me in.
I think I'll keep it really simple to begin with and just go with the Barnstable line, if it goes well I'll do other lines. I've only been on the Barnstable line once... by getting on a wrong train at Exeter St Davids, had to hang around for ages in Crediton :(
So am I right with these as being all the request stops on the line:

Newton St Cyres
Yeoford
Copplestone
Morchard Road
Lapford
Kings Nympton
Portsmouth Arms
Umberleigh
Chapelton

Also, what are the best books, sites etc for info? To start with particularly on the Barnstable line and stations. Or is it best to just go to Exeter or Barnstable libraries and local history shops. I want maps in particular, and also just general info.

Also, are there any particularly unusual words that get used other than "alight" on trains? I know its not a rail term, but most people only hear it on trains.
 

MidnightFlyer

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That list is correct, note however it would be virtually impossible to get all them photographed extensively (i.e. other than hoping of at each stop, taking one picture, and reboarding the same train) using trains as a get around on the same day - the timetables is quite sporadic at the Newton St Cyres, Lapford, Kings Nymoton, Portsmouth Arms and Chapelton; however Yeoford, Morchard Road, Copplestone and Umberligh all have roughly an hourly service.

This book may help as a line guide and 'then and now' pictorial - http://britishrailwaybooks.co.uk/books/ISBN/1858950090.html. I should imagine it is available from local bookshops and Waterstones across Devon.
 

Thoth

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That list is correct, note however it would be virtually impossible to get all them photographed extensively (i.e. other than hoping of at each stop, taking one picture, and reboarding the same train) using trains as a get around on the same day - the timetables is quite sporadic at the Newton St Cyres, Lapford, Kings Nymoton, Portsmouth Arms and Chapelton; however Yeoford, Morchard Road, Copplestone and Umberligh all have roughly an hourly service.

This book may help as a line guide and 'then and now' pictorial - http://britishrailwaybooks.co.uk/books/ISBN/1858950090.html. I should imagine it is available from local bookshops and Waterstones across Devon.

I'm planning on making it a slow project, so probably over the summer. Take each stop one at a time and stick with it until I am happy. So I'll start with Newton St Cyres and spend most of a day there, not just sticking with the station but also the surrounding area, depends what I find. Its unlikely I'll try to do more than one a day, more like one a week, maybe with several visits, it depends.
 

fairysdad

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London, Surrey... bit of a blur round here...
This is a pretty good book as well: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Devon-Railw...9552/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342298192&sr=8-1. It covers all railway stations in Devon, past and present, open and closed. You may also find the Railway Studies Collection at Newton Abbot library useful - I've never been there myself (have meant to a few times, never got round to it! Being a North Devonian, the Barnstaple record office is easier to get to!): http://www.devon.gov.uk/railwaystudiesleaflet.pdf.

On the subject of signs in situ at closed stations, it's difficult to see on Street View, but here: http://goo.gl/maps/4fZJ at the site of the old Tiverton Junction station, there is a sign (hidden in the trees) reading 'Station Car Park'.
 

Requeststop

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The majority of Devon and Cornwall stations are unstaffed, the following are the only ones that are staffed:
Barnstaple, Okehampton (all year round however only served by mainline trains on high summer Sundays), Tiverton Parkway, Axminster, Honiton, Feniton, Exmouth, Exeter Central, Exeter St Davids, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, Torquay, Paignton, Totnes, Plymouth, Liskeard, Bodmin Parkway, Par, Newquay (May-September only), St Austell, Truro, Redruth, Cambourne, St Erth, St Ives and Penzance.

(The above is all from memory!)

Most branchline stations are the unstaffed ones, however the frequency of service (some as little as 3 or 4 trains per day each way, or less) may make getting to them other than via car hard. Some however enjoy an hourly service or better, like the Falmouth line.

St. Ives: Staffed? well it has a ticket office but it's run by the staff who have the franchise for the attached travel agency. It's known locally as "Please Go Away". (Joke) Don't expect any platform staff for assistance, but the train crew are very forthcoming for any passengers who need assistance at St. Ives.

By the way, if you want to take photo's at Lelant (a station I am particulary fond of, see my avatar), check the tide times for High Tide otherwise you may be taking pictures of the mud of the Hayle river at low tide.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
.......a bit of friendly advice - NEVER say to a Royal Marine that he is in the Army, your life expectancy will be measured in milliseconds :lol::lol:

The Royal Marines are part of the Royal Navy.
.........and given the original posting where you said you'd like to do some "shooting", you'd better make sure you mean photographic shooting.:lol:
 
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