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Written by Liam Chalk - 19 Sep 2004
last update by Les Steenton - 12 Oct 2004
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Location notes
Fratton is in Portsmouth in the south of England.
It is built up and is in the heart of the city. The line is the Portsmouth to either London, Brighton or the West Country. There are also low fences near the track and station enabling shots of not just the platform area but other places as well.
Railway type and traffic
This is a main line run mostly by South West Train (SWT) using class 159s, 170s, 411s, 412s, 421s, 423s and 444s, 450s.
Southern also run on this line using class 421s, 423s or 377s and Wessex run class 158. There is also one of the SWT's Depots here creating extra traffic. You may see a SWT Class 73 if you are lucky.
Environment
You are going to a bustling city full of life. It is best if you go in plain dress due to the large premiership football club and is a reasonably low crime area. Best to try to avoid and match days due to the large volume of traffic.
Road directions
To get to Fratton station, follow directions for Portsmouth east/A27 and come off the motorway to the A2030 and follow directions for Portsmouth FC. At every set off traffic lights (a total of 4) keep on the main road. You should see the Portsmouth F.C. ground. You should now be at a set of traffic lights where you can turn sharp left and right, or straight on left or right. Take the straight right. Go down the road until you see a roundabout with the sign Pompey centre on it. Take the first turn. Follow the road over all the roundabouts until you pass K.F.C. You might be able to see a T.M.D. from there. Take the second turning. Follow the road. And you will pass the station. There is a footbridge to the station and that is it.

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Fratton Station Bridge map co-ordinates
Parking
The area is pay and display. The area is safe but, as always, do not leave valuables in the car.
Public transport
Trains run from London frequently. Trains from Cardiff and Brighton run once an hour.

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Amenities
The station has toilets and a snack shop. There is also an ASDA store nearby.
Accommodation
There are numerous Bed and Breakfasts on the seafront.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Fratton Station Bridge

Googly map
Streetmap links
Fratton Station Bridge general view map
Fratton Station Bridge close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Fratton Station Bridge



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Railway Gen Group
Wessex Rail Gen [WRGen]
Photographic notes
The light is good between the daylight angles but in the morning the sun will affect pictures of trains coming inbound. Other than that you can see and shoot in all directions you can also see into the TMD.

LS
Inbound trains can be photographed all day from Goldsmith Avenue Fratton:
Take the stairs from all platforms and turn left on to the station bridge this leads to Goldsmith Avenue. Turn right and look over the railway wall you can get good shots of trains leaving Fratton for Portsmouth Harbour and of trains arriving from the harbour. Steps will give you a height advantage here.


General views - All photographs © Liam Chalk unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking west - Photo by Leslie Steenton


Fig 1 - Looking west - <i>Photo by Leslie Steenton</i>

From the station foot bridge

Fig 2 - Looking west - Photo by Leslie Steenton


Fig 2 - Looking west - <i>Photo by Leslie Steenton</i>


Fig 3 - Looking west - Photo by Leslie Steenton


Fig 3 - Looking west - <i>Photo by Leslie Steenton</i>


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