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Location notes
On the Berks and Hants portion of the GWML between Reading and Newbury. The location is gated crossing in Theale Business Park, approximately 1/4 mile on the Reading side of Theale station.
Update from Howard Osiransky 02-12-2006
Please note the crossing has now had palisade fencing erected, with a high locked gate. It is not possible to gain entry. However, the gate position has been move dcloser to the line and it possible to photograph by poking camera through the fence. Photos in both dierections will be on the opposite side to the sun.
Railway type and traffic
Great Western Main Line - Berks and Hants.
Mostly FGW HSTs, and Thames Turbos.
There is a daily cement flow headed by Freightliner 66s from Theale to Earles (Hope Sidings) in the morning. Several stone trains to/from Merehead using 59s or 60s, and some DB Schenker workings using 66s.
Environment
A business park near Theale Station. Safe and secure - patrolled by private security.
Road directions
From the M4, junction 12:Follow the signs for Theale Station. This brings you into the business park. When you come head-on to the railway and the road bears right towards the station, there is a left turn. Take this turn and follow for approx 300 yards.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location Theale Business Park map co-ordinates
Parking
On street parking within the Business Park.
Public transport
Thames Trains run services to Theale Station.
From the station turn right on Brunel Road and walk for about half a mile through the business park to the location.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Amenities
There are services between Jct 11 and Jct 12 on the M4 and there should be basic shops in Theale.
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.
Theale Business Park
Googly map
Streetmap links
Theale Business Park general view map
Theale Business Park close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Theale Business Park
Who likes this location on facebook
Railway Gen Group
Photographic notes
The line runs east-west (approximately), so the sun will be overhead a lot of the day, this will favour London (east) bound morning shots and west bound afternoon shots.
Video and sound recordings will be ok as this is a reasonably quiet location.
Links to photographs at this location
UK Railpics - Theale and Purley
General views - All photographs © James Mayl unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking west
Fig 2 - Looking east
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