Advice needed for a newbie

[Toad2017]

Hi, i have just come back to spotting after 20+ years. I used to collect in the mid 80's to mid 90's.
I love diesel and live in Middlesex (Isleworth).
Can someone answer any of these questions for me please?

1. Whats the best stations in London area for freight/diesel?
2. Whats the best depots in London?

3. Whats the best stations outside London for freight/diesel?
4. Whats the best depots outside London?

Any advice would be great...Thank You

 

[PeterC]

Stratford is usally good, especially if the GOBLIN is closed.

 

[SGS]

For London, try: Stratford, Willesden Junction footbridge (though not much good for photographs), Acton Main Line, Kensington Olympia.
Outside London, try: Stafford, Barnetby.

There aren't many loco depots nowadays!

Regards,

SGS.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stuartstransport

 

[DarloRich]

you are going to have find it has changed a bit! Depots.................................

 

[Toad2017]

For London, try: Stratford, Willesden Junction footbridge (though not much good for photographs), Acton Main Line, Kensington Olympia.
Outside London, try: Stafford, Barnetby.

There aren't many loco depots nowadays!

Regards,

SGS.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stuartstransport

willesdon jcn footbridge, is that the only place you see the freight does it not pass threw the station so can take photos also is the bridge assailable for disabled pleaser

 

[Toad2017]

Stratford is usally good, especially if the GOBLIN is closed.

whats the goblin

 

[JaJaWa]

whats the goblin

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_Oak_to_Barking_line

 

[Toad2017]

how do i find out about open days as i read today i missed old oak common one recently

 

[SGS]

willesdon jcn footbridge, is that the only place you see the freight does it not pass threw the station so can take photos also is the bridge assailable for disabled pleaser

The footbridge is outside the station, but nearby. It goes over the West Coast Main Line (where the West London line branches off) rather than the North London Line, but you can see trains on both lines from it.

You can see the bridge here: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.5310539,-0.2436687,333m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en

Unfortunately it's not disabled-accessible as it's only got steps leading up to it. The station itself isn't any good for photos, as it's an island platform.

SGS.

 

[Toad2017]

The footbridge is outside the station, but nearby. It goes over the West Coast Main Line (where the West London line branches off) rather than the North London Line, but you can see trains on both lines from it.

You can see the bridge here: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.5310539,-0.2436687,333m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en

Unfortunately it's not disabled-accessible as it's only got steps leading up to it. The station itself isn't any good for photos, as it's an island platform.

SGS.

where is the best place for photos then please. whats the best times there please

 

[Mojo]

how do i find out about open days as i read today i missed old oak common one recently

Often if you keep an eye on the forum it will get posted here. As well as in Railway magazines.

 

[Toad2017]

Often if you keep an eye on the forum it will get posted here. As well as in Railway magazines.

thank u

 

[SGS]

where is the best place for photos then please. whats the best times there please

Camden Road is on the North London Line and would be a better bet for photos than the station at Willesden Junction.

I'm only an occasional visitor to London but for Stratford and Camden Road, I would say about 10am until 3pm. The freight starts to ease off when rush hour approaches. Not sure about the best times for Kensington Olympia or Acton Main Line. More generally, there is usually much more freight on a weekday than at a weekend.

Picking yesterday as an example, here are some links that will show you what freight was running at Stratford and at Kensington Olympia. If there either a bold time or a "N/R" on the right hand column, then the train actually ran and at that time:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/sea...0/09/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=freight&order=wtt
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/sea...0/09/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=freight&order=wtt

Regards,

SGS.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stuartstransport