N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: Jack on March 28, 2013, 05:54:44 PM

Title: Local Train Movements
Post by: Jack on March 28, 2013, 05:54:44 PM
I was thinking a trying some local loco spotting to see what's about apart from passenger traffic.

While I can get a timetable from my local station for regular passenger trains, is there any way I can find out about other rail traffic that might pass through my local area without having to spend days track side in hope of seeing something that's not FGW blue?

My local area is Central Cornwall.




Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: bluedepot on March 28, 2013, 05:57:02 PM
buy freightmaster.... the freight time table

it's expensive though and only gives the times for certain locations in britain...


tim
Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: Jack on March 28, 2013, 07:01:20 PM
Thanks Tim, I checked Freightmaster out on line, you're not wrong the subscription was  :jawdropping: :jawdropping:

Having said that, it put other thoughts into my head and after a bit more searching I came across this web site, it looks very good, and it's free!!  :claphappy:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced (http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced)

Now where is my flask and sarnie box......   :foodanddrink:

Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: Sea Mills on March 28, 2013, 07:12:52 PM
Jack

What a great site.   When walking the dog past the top of the Lickey incline, I often wonder about the destination of the freight trains, and what they might be carrying.  Might also help me to learn more about the different types of modern freight wagons.

David
Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: bluedepot on March 28, 2013, 08:06:14 PM
thats a great website

i will print it out next time i go out filming and see if its accurate
Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: edwin_m on March 28, 2013, 08:28:42 PM
There are also working timetables on the Network Rail website ("working" in the sense that they are documents the railway works to, not interactive in any way!).  These show the route and timings of all trains that are planned reasonably far in advance, though for freight trains some timetabled ones don't always run and some extras are added. 
Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: Newportnobby on March 28, 2013, 09:09:52 PM
Great link that, Jack :thumbsup:
:thankyousign:
Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: scruff on March 28, 2013, 11:56:33 PM
Excellent link... bookmarked!
Thankyou!
Cheers
Mark
Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: The Cuckoo on March 29, 2013, 12:07:32 AM
 :thankyousign: I will find this very helpful.
Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: Skyline2uk on March 29, 2013, 12:08:18 AM
That's brilliant!

In one quick visit I have learn't something about freight trains in/around Bristol (in this case coal trains going past my estate).

Nice work!

Skyline2uk
Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: 508111 on March 29, 2013, 09:21:56 AM
Quote from: Jack9465 on March 28, 2013, 07:01:20 PM
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced (http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced)

That has to be the most useful freight timetable site I've ever seen!
:thankyousign:
Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: B757-236GT on March 29, 2013, 09:42:29 PM
Yes a useful website. Id heard about it the other day but didnt know if it was any good. It even lists goods loops such as Chipping Sodbury Up Gd Loop, very useful for me as im about a mile from there.

Richard
Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: mr magnolia on March 30, 2013, 07:30:42 AM
Looking at the website, it looks like Mr tom cairns is a switched on sort of guy.
Hope my girls turn out smart in a similar way. < o/t: worries about children's futures...>
Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: guest311 on April 03, 2013, 09:26:23 PM
Quote from: 508111 on March 29, 2013, 09:21:56 AM
Quote from: Jack9465 on March 28, 2013, 07:01:20 PM
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced (http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced)

That has to be the most useful freight timetable site I've ever seen!
:thankyousign:

here, here.  :thankyousign:

for me theonly down side is it doesn't list the headcodes for freight movements, just gives as FRGT, but at least by clicking on that you can bring up the entire route and tmes for that particular movement.

is there a site where freight headcodes are listed, in the same way ??

cheers

alan
Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: Agrippa on April 03, 2013, 09:43:46 PM
 :thankyousign:
Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: Tank on April 03, 2013, 10:42:26 PM
I didn't understand it the first time I used it, but I do this time!  I have a Windhoff MPV shooting past my house in 35 minutes!  Two hours later than normal though. :hmmm:  He must have had a puncture! :scowl: :D
Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: OwL on April 03, 2013, 11:23:26 PM
Absolutely brilliant find. Thanks for sharing :thumbsup:

Bluedepot gave me a crash course on tbe website tonight and now its bookmarked and ready to be put to the test. Handy that i can access it on my phone whilst out and about.
:thankyousign:
Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: Greybeema on April 04, 2013, 01:16:26 PM
Thanks this is a great site.  I hvae jus used it to generate a timetable for my layout..  There are some interesting circular engineering working on the Northkent line...   :goggleeyes:
Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: davidjhope on May 16, 2013, 01:59:02 PM
Quote from: Jack9465 on March 28, 2013, 07:01:20 PM
Thanks Tim, I checked Freightmaster out on line, you're not wrong the subscription was  :jawdropping: :jawdropping:

Having said that, it put other thoughts into my head and after a bit more searching I came across this web site, it looks very good, and it's free!!  :claphappy:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced (http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced)

Now where is my flask and sarnie box......   :foodanddrink:

Thanks, Thanks and more thanks. :D
This is the site I have been dreaming about. I'm going to put it to the test tonight as I'm out and about picking my daughter up and it fits in perfectly with a freightliner going through Worcester. Looking forward to the light summer evenings.
:thankyousign:
Title: Re: Local Train Movements
Post by: OwL on May 16, 2013, 02:03:25 PM
That is the beauty about this site, the advance search lets you determine where and when you will be in relation to a passing freight for example.