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Best Photo Ops for TMDs, depots, infrastructure

E

Edwired

New Member
Joined
22 Oct 2023
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1
Location
Manchester
Hey all,

To keep a long story short I'm working on a photography project where I'm producing photos of the railways on a traditional camera, 4x5 large format shooting onto tin plates, to then present alongside some archived images from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

While I've got some images so far, I've been really trying to get some access inside depots and maintenance sites as it's a bit of a missing link but there is obviously so much red tape and even press accreditation doesn't help. So I'm looking for some suggestions as to where you get your best views of trains in sidings, general infrastructure and depots as a fall-back.

If you have any example photos yourself that would be much appreciated to plan my visits! I'm Manchester based but fully expecting to travel for the best shots, imagining that there must be some opportunities around Crewe and Derby for example.

Thanks in advance!
Ed
 
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RailUK Forums

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Trainfan2019

Member
Joined
9 Aug 2019
Messages
452
I would definitely recommend Crewe. The station is sprawling and has abandoned parts with lines going into the Locomotive Services depot. Plus you get a good variety of trains old and new passing through. Then there's the Crewe independent avoiding lines just outside the station.
 
Sun Chariot

Sun Chariot

Established Member
Joined
16 Mar 2009
Messages
1,492
Location
2 miles and 50 years away from the Longmoor Milita
Edwired said:
Hey all,

To keep a long story short I'm working on a photography project where I'm producing photos of the railways on a traditional camera, 4x5 large format shooting onto tin plates, to then present alongside some archived images from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

While I've got some images so far, I've been really trying to get some access inside depots and maintenance sites as it's a bit of a missing link but there is obviously so much red tape and even press accreditation doesn't help. So I'm looking for some suggestions as to where you get your best views of trains in sidings, general infrastructure and depots as a fall-back.

If you have any example photos yourself that would be much appreciated to plan my visits! I'm Manchester based but fully expecting to travel for the best shots, imagining that there must be some opportunities around Crewe and Derby for example.

Thanks in advance!
Ed
Click to expand...
Hello Ed, sounds an interesting project.

Are you seeking to photograph the exact same locations from your period images? Or, are you merely seeking the comparison with "what happens [for the subject matter] these days"?
Is your travel UK wide, or just a particular geographic area?

You're Manchester based. For "infrastructure" there's a good view - with longer focal length - from the throat of Piccadilly station, of the 25kV overhead wiring clutter.

For aggregates handling infra', I'd recommend a trip over the "hills" towards Buxton, to Peak Forest / Great Rocks. A lot of potential there, photographable from public access spots.

You might find interesting dockside railway infrastructure at Preston. The Docks line was still BR-operated when I lived in Preston; however it's now operated as a private preservation.
Occasional photo charters are organised there, if I recall.
 
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