Best trainspotting station in the UK?

[Peter Mugridge]

I need about 30 class 345s so will be heading south as soon as the weather improves and was wondering what is the best place to see as many as possible in a few hours. I used to hang around Padd and Bethnal Green but is there anywhere better now the the Elizabeth Line is open?

Anywhere in the core, but I'd recommend Paddington as that's more of a traditional island platform distance apart between the two directions. The other stations there is a considerable distance between the two directions and you'll be running backwards and forwards along the cross passages for a couple of hours...

 

[1D54]

Thank you very much for that.

 

[Peter Sarf]

I need about 30 class 345s so will be heading south as soon as the weather improves and was wondering what is the best place to see as many as possible in a few hours. I used to hang around Padd and Bethnal Green but is there anywhere better now the the Elizabeth Line is open?

I was going to say Paddington (low level of course), you need to be in the core so Paddington-Liverpool Street otherwise you are losing one of the branches to the East or the 345s reversing just beyond Paddington.

Anywhere in the core, but I'd recommend Paddington as that's more of a traditional island platform distance apart between the two directions. The other stations there is a considerable distance between the two directions and you'll be running backwards and forwards along the cross passages for a couple of hours...

Yes. I have noticed the advantage at Paddington of the two platforms being closer and open to each other. There are iirc some seats and we could see both directions without running around.

But if your after 700s as well then try Farringdon. We have been staking out the upstairs there for 700s then dashing down for the odd 345 my granddaughter needs. That is possible because Part Time Spotter reports the 345s. Its probably not worth the effort if you need as many as 30 345s but when you are down to five or less 345s the information from Part Time Spotter will be usable and the dashes down bearable.

 

[bspahh]

Over the eastern side of the country, Ely is worth a visit. Plenty of freight, and a choice of places to get a coffee on the station. Can also see the Stadler 755s change-over from diesel to electric if that's your thing

The post box on Ely station has been yarn bombed

SecretYarnBomber on Instagram: "I was asked by Ely Plant Spotters to make a postbox cover to cheer up Ely Station, has it worked? #haresfares #hare #greateranglia #elytrainstation #trains #yarnbombing #yarnbomb #crochet #crochetaddict #crochetersofi

186 likes, 10 comments - SecretYarnBomber (@secretyarnbomber) on Instagram: "I was asked by Ely Plant Spotters to make a postbox cover to cheer up Ely Station, has it worked?..."

www.instagram.com

 

[1D54]

Lovely station in the summer months to while away a few hours is Ely. Highly recommended.

 

[Intercity110]

I quite enjoy Peterborough.

 

[JD2168]

Doncaster always looks good for spotting, quite a bit of variety & freight plus also Wabtec next door & if you get to North Bridge Road at the back with a long lens a look inside the Wabtec track area which is not visible from the platform as easily. If you like buses you also get First, Stagecoach & Arriva in Doncaster, the only one in South Yorkshire that has all three.