Best spotting location at Clapham Junction

ThomasI · 30 Oct 2018

Hello all,

I am shortly going to be going to Clapham Junction to do some spotting and was wondering what the best platform(s) are to do spotting at?
I was also wondering what other stations in London are good for spotting?

Many thanks,
Thomas

RailUK Forums

trainmania100 · 30 Oct 2018

Provided you have binoculars, the north end of the station, platforms 5 is usually quite good.
West Ealing is also a nice one for HSTs, Stratford is also good for Anglia trains. South Kenton is also lovely

richieb1971 · 30 Oct 2018

Wouldn't bother unless your going hands free. As soon as you get a book out or a camera someone will approach you to move on or see the station master at an office for permission. I think permission is always granted though. Last time I went the wind was howling and trains were coming and going so its not relaxing by any means.

trainmania100 · 30 Oct 2018

richieb1971 said:
Wouldn't bother unless your going hands free. As soon as you get a book out or a camera someone will approach you to move on or see the station master at an office for permission. I think permission is always granted though. Last time I went the wind was howling and trains were coming and going so its not relaxing by any means.

I agree, Clapham junction is very fast paced. Tons coming and going every minute

Trainfan344 · 30 Oct 2018

Kings Cross is always a good one to look around.

Harbornite · 30 Oct 2018

richieb1971 said:
Wouldn't bother unless your going hands free. As soon as you get a book out or a camera someone will approach you to move on or see the station master at an office for permission. I think permission is always granted though. Last time I went the wind was howling and trains were coming and going so its not relaxing by any means.

I've been several times and this has never happened to me.

Harbornite · 30 Oct 2018

ThomasI said:
Hello all,

I am shortly going to be going to Clapham Junction to do some spotting and was wondering what the best platform(s) are to do spotting at?
I was also wondering what other stations in London are good for spotting?

Many thanks,
Thomas

Regarding other locations in London, I recommend Finsbury Park, Acton Mainline, East Croydon, Wandsworth Road, West Hamstead Thameslink, kensington Olympia, Stratford and Vauxhall.

ThomasI · 30 Oct 2018

Harbornite said:
Regarding other locations in London, I recommend Finsbury Park, Acton Mainline, East Croydon, Wandsworth Road, West Hamstead Thameslink, kensington Olympia, Stratford and Vauxhall.

Thank you!

ThomasI · 30 Oct 2018

Harbornite said:
Regarding other locations in London, I recommend Finsbury Park, Acton Mainline, East Croydon, Wandsworth Road, West Hamstead Thameslink, kensington Olympia, Stratford and Vauxhall.

Btw is that an Arriva TW 158 as your profile picture, if so at what station?

ThomasI · 30 Oct 2018

trainmania100 said:
Provided you have binoculars, the north end of the station, platforms 5 is usually quite good.
West Ealing is also a nice one for HSTs, Stratford is also good for Anglia trains. South Kenton is also lovely

Thanks, doubt I’ll take binoculars but might consider it!

richieb1971 said:
Wouldn't bother unless your going hands free. As soon as you get a book out or a camera someone will approach you to move on or see the station master at an office for permission. I think permission is always granted though. Last time I went the wind was howling and trains were coming and going so its not relaxing by any means.

Ah, I hadn’t thought of that, where would I find the station masters office?

Trainfan344 said:
Kings Cross is always a good one to look around.

Thanks for the suggestion!

DarloRich · 30 Oct 2018

richieb1971 said:
Wouldn't bother unless your going hands free. As soon as you get a book out or a camera someone will approach you to move on or see the station master at an office for permission. I think permission is always granted though. Last time I went the wind was howling and trains were coming and going so its not relaxing by any means.

Harbornite said:
I've been several times and this has never happened to me.

me neither - never had an issue anywhere.

Tim R-T-C · 30 Oct 2018

I've spotted at every large London station and taken thousands of photos - very rarely get even noticed by the station staff. Just stay behind the yellow line, stay out of the way of passengers and you'll be fine.

Clapham Junction usually has a dozen or more spotters.

On the GWR - Hanwell is nice and quiet but all passing HSTs, Heathrow Express and many locals, with good freight traffic. All the stations within the Oyster have low fencing on the fast platforms at present, but you can lean over.

43188 on a Bristol to Paddington service by Timothy Young, on Flickr

On the Chilterns, South or West Ruislip are nice and quiet but with all the loco hauled services. Rare freight.

DVT 82302 on the tail of 1K50 for Kidderminster by Timothy Young, on Flickr

You can also spot from the Underground stations along the Jubilee line which runs alongside the Chilterns - West Hampstead is great, but tube trains take up the whole platform and can block your view and you might get asked to move along.

DVT 82304 with a layer of snow on top by Timothy Young, on Flickr

For the full on freight and passenger experience, Stratford is probably best - all the freight off the North London line, plus a wide variety of units and 90 hauled Anglia trains.

I also enjoy the North London Line - lots of freights, varied stations and safe in daylight

60056 passing Homerton station by Timothy Young, on Flickr

sharpley · 30 Oct 2018

ThomasI said:
Ah, I hadn’t thought of that, where would I find the station masters office?

Station manager & control room was on platform 10 last time I worked there, but contractors and visitors sign on at a reception in the ticket hall / exit on the overbridge at platform 17 end (forgot its official title). Ive only ever worked there as a contractor, and always book on at the reception. Im sure if you make yourself known to a member of staff you'll be okay to spot.

Far north 37 · 30 Oct 2018

Tim R-T-C said:
I've spotted at every large London station and taken thousands of photos - very rarely get even noticed by the station staff. Just stay behind the yellow line, stay out of the way of passengers and you'll be fine.

Clapham Junction usually has a dozen or more spotters.

On the GWR - Hanwell is nice and quiet but all passing HSTs, Heathrow Express and many locals, with good freight traffic. All the stations within the Oyster have low fencing on the fast platforms at present, but you can lean over.

43188 on a Bristol to Paddington service by Timothy Young, on Flickr

On the Chilterns, South or West Ruislip are nice and quiet but with all the loco hauled services. Rare freight.

DVT 82302 on the tail of 1K50 for Kidderminster by Timothy Young, on Flickr

You can also spot from the Underground stations along the Jubilee line which runs alongside the Chilterns - West Hampstead is great, but tube trains take up the whole platform and can block your view and you might get asked to move along.

DVT 82304 with a layer of snow on top by Timothy Young, on Flickr

For the full on freight and passenger experience, Stratford is probably best - all the freight off the North London line, plus a wide variety of units and 90 hauled Anglia trains.

I also enjoy the North London Line - lots of freights, varied stations and safe in daylight

60056 passing Homerton station by Timothy Young, on Flickr

The majority of the freight on the north london line goes over the goblin now freights through stratford seem to be pretty sparse these days compared to what they used to be.
Gospel oak is the best place to catch all the freights on the north london line but the only units are are class 172 and 378s so not much variety there.

cactustwirly · 30 Oct 2018

trainmania100 said:
Provided you have binoculars, the north end of the station, platforms 5 is usually quite good.
West Ealing is also a nice one for HSTs, Stratford is also good for Anglia trains. South Kenton is also lovely

Not so many HSTs through West Ealing anymore.
West Hampstead Thameslink is good for EMT HSTs & 222s.
Alexandra Palace is good LNER HSTs & 91s

RichmondCommu · 30 Oct 2018

Far north 37 said:
The majority of the freight on the north london line goes over the goblin now freights through stratford seem to be pretty sparse these days compared to what they used to be.
Gospel oak is the best place to catch all the freights on the north london line but the only units are are class 172 and 378s so not much variety there.

There is a lovely pub right by Gospel Oak station called the Southampton Arms.

G_A_C_C_C · 31 Oct 2018

I tend to do platform 10 at CJ, just don't block the view of the end platform signal for the drivers of shorter trains....that tends to get you a quick visit. The recently extended Platform 15 sticks way North of the station and gives a fantastic view across the whole station throat....but that is Bins time for me!
The island platform at South Kenton gives good views of the WCML. Bethnal Green gives you a view of both mainlines out of Liverpool Street.

ThomasI · 31 Oct 2018

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and help!

Peter Sarf · 31 Oct 2018

ThomasI said:
Thank you everyone for your suggestions and help!

For Clapham Junction I now favour platform 11-12 at the London end of platform 11. It gives you a chance to see the Victoria side as that is harder to see from platform 9-10 now that the platforms are extended and walls/trains get in the way. But remember to avoid blocking the view of the signal at the end of platform 12. I have occasionally been acknowledged by security staff there but never really questioned.

You need to keep an eye on the stuff leaving Waterloo through platforms 5-6 as it is likely you will miss them on their way into Waterloo through platform 3-4. For the Victoria side (platforms 12-17) bear in mind some trains that come out do not seem to have gone into Victoria via Clapham Junction.

Since 1974 I have only had trouble a few times. Once being told that trainspotting is not allowed at Kings Cross - we ignored the staff member and the promised police never arrived. Been asked to book in at Euston once. Repeatedly thrown off Tamworth in the 1970s - I was young enough to not argue but would sneak straight back on again. Apparently the WCML stations between Stafford and Rugby incl were renowned for not allowing trainspotting back in the 1970s.

I have been asked by staff/BTP to move from where I was three times - this was due to what I shall call unusual and temporary circumstances on the day that were not obvious and I duly complied. So bear in mind sometimes a staff member needs you to move and as long as they explain why and are polite I endeavour to be polite back.

I do think trainspotters get more respect than they used to. Perhaps its because I am older or perhaps its because staff are trained better / more.

One thing I would say is TAKE YOUR LITTER HOME WITH YOU please.

Geoff DC · 31 Oct 2018

I stopped spotting around 1962/3 (about 14yrs old) a wonderful time when you would see such a variety as steam gave way to diesel: main line express locos working suburban routes (Mallard, Deltic 1 etc.) & still fast steam hauled goods.

Can someone explain the attraction of spotting identical EMUs & DMUs? are they interesting or have I missed something?

Bald Rick · 31 Oct 2018

Far north 37 said:
The majority of the freight on the north london line goes over the goblin now freights through stratford seem to be pretty sparse these days compared to what they used to be.

You might be comparing to a time when Gospel Oak to Barking was closed for electrification, and thus freight off the Tilbury Loop had to go via Stratford.

Under normal circumstances, very few trains are timetabled via Stratford that can go via the line ‘upstairs’, and this has been the case for as long as I have known the area.

Far north 37 · 31 Oct 2018

Yeah i was more referring to that recently all freight was going through stratford while the goblin was closed now most the electric freight goes via stratford now too.

Harbornite · 1 Nov 2018

ThomasI said:
Btw is that an Arriva TW 158 as your profile picture, if so at what station?

Aberdovey/Aberdyfi

ThomasI · 2 Nov 2018

Harbornite said:
Aberdovey/Aberdyfi

Oh cool, do you live near there?

Peter Sarf · 4 Nov 2018

ThomasI said:
Oh cool, do you live near there?

I had always assumed Harborne in Birmingham ?. But is that correct ?.

ThomasI · 4 Nov 2018

Peter Sarf said:
I had always assumed Harborne in Birmingham ?. But is that correct ?.

What do you mean?

Peter Sarf · 4 Nov 2018

ThomasI said:
What do you mean?

Harborn ite. Just a guess really, based on already knowing of the existence of that place. I could be totally wrong.

Cowley · 4 Nov 2018

Angela1966 said:
There is a lovely pub right by Gospel Oak station called the Southampton Arms.

We sometimes go to that area but I’ve never actually been in that pub Angela. What do you like about it in particular?

RichmondCommu · 4 Nov 2018

Cowley said:
We sometimes go to that area but I’ve never actually been in that pub Angela. What do you like about it in particular?

Vinyl records being played, the range of beers, hot pork cobs and the little garden at the back.

yorkie · 4 Nov 2018

Angela1966 said:
There is a lovely pub right by Gospel Oak station called the Southampton Arms.

Angela1966 said:
Vinyl records being played, the range of beers, hot pork cobs and the little garden at the back.

That sounds very familiar...

RichmondCommu said:
...the Southampton Arms by Gospel Oak station is one of the finest pubs that I've entered. Around a dozen well kept bitters all at £3.40, plus ciders. Lots of interesting photos on the walls, a record player in constant use along with an eclectic record collection and delicious hot pork rolls

Best spotting location at Clapham Junction

Member

RailUK Forums

Established Member

Established Member

Established Member

Established Member

Established Member

Established Member

Member

Member

Member

Veteran Member

Established Member

Member

Established Member

Established Member

Established Member

Member

Member

Established Member

Member

Veteran Member

Established Member

Established Member

Member

Established Member

Member

Established Member

Forum Staff

Established Member

Forum Staff