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Written by Richard Tearle - 02 May 2006
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Location notes
Bow Brickhill is located on the Bedford - Bletchley line, between the stations of Fenny Stratford and Woburn Sands, on the southern outskirts of Milton Keynes. The platforms are staggered either side of the crossing, with those for Bletchley bound traffic to the west of the crossing. There is a small waiting shelter on platforms which can provide shelter from sudden downpours.
Railway type and traffic
The Bedford Bletchley line is operated by London Midland trains that run a mostly hourly service between the two stations, with all trains stopping at all of the stations on route, Monday to Saturday. Trains stop by request at Kempston Hardwick. There are no scheduled passenger trains on Sunday. These are operated by a small fleet of sprinter 150/1 units.
There are a number of freight workings, the most numerous being DB Schenker departmental workings to and from Forders Virtual Quarry (just to the east of Stewartby station). These workings serve locations on both the WCML and MML.
There is also a Tuesday and Friday, at the time of writing, morning Bletchley to Peak Forest stone empties, which leaves Bletchley between 10:20 and 10:40 - although earlier and later timings have been noted.
Environment
This small station is on the very southern outskirts of Milton Keynes, with most of the housing and light industry hidden behind trees to the north, and open fields to the south. Few people use the station, as Milton Keynes is the land of the car. There is a small waiting shelter on the platforms which can provide shelter from sudden downpours.
Road directions
From the A5, take the exit sign posted for Denbigh North and Caldecotte, also signed posted for the A4146. Take the 3rd exit on the roundabout, from the south, or 1st from the north, and continue eastwards along the H10 "Bletcham Way". At the first roundabout, named "Walton Park", head south down V10 "Brickhill Street". Go straight across the next roundabout, and you should see the modern crossing barriers installed at this location.

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Bow Brickhill Station map co-ordinates
Parking
There is a little used car park on V10 "Brickhill Street" just before the crossing barriers that is free for use. There is little other parking in the area. You will not be able to see you car from the station.
Public transport
By far the easiest way to this location is to use the rail service from either Bletchley or Bedford. There are numerous buses serving the location from either the main Milton Keynes station or shopping centre. These include: 8, 11, 18, 33 - See the Milton Keynes website for more information.

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Amenities
There are no amenities on the station or in the local area, the nearest being the water sports club in Caldecotte, or pub/hotel in Walton Park. There are many varied shops in the centre of Milton Keynes, and both Bletchley and Milton Keynes stations have several shops.
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.
Bow Brickhill Station

Googly map
Streetmap links
Bow Brickhill Station general view map
Bow Brickhill Station close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Bow Brickhill Station



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Photographic notes
The Bedford Bletchley line is running mainly east-west, but slightly south-east to north-west at this point. Photography is probably best in the morning for east bound traffic, and best in the afternoon for west bound traffic. The trees to the north can make a nice backdrop, and due to the lack of trees to the south, the location is quite light, with little shadow trouble. There is quite a sharp curve to both ends of the station, which prevents whole train shots of the freight along the line.
The barriers closing and attendant buzzer indicates the arrival of trains. The road these barriers protect can be quite busy at times, and the drivers in the area aren't known for their patience, so videoing may include the sound of revving engines.


General views - All photographs © Richard Tearle unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking west


Fig 1 - Looking west

This is the west facing view from the end Bletchley bound platform, clearly showing the curvature of the line in the near distance.
This freight service, returning EMU translator vans to Bedford, finished in early 2005.
This was taken in February at 12:30 with a 50mm lens.

Fig 2 - Looking east


Fig 2 - Looking east

This is the east facing view from the middle of the Bletchley bound platform, showing the modern barriers, with the sprinter blocking the view of the Bedford bound platform. Again, the curvature of the line is clearly visible.
This was taken in February at 12:30 with a 50mm lens.

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