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Written by Scott Borthwick - 03 Jan 2004
last update by Jason Rodhouse - 02 Nov 2006
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Location notes
The location is a footbridge located in a rural area that affords good views in both directions. About 2 miles north of Rugby on the Nuneaton (Trent Valley) section of the West Coast Main Line.

Update 19-02-08 from Phil Redcoat:
On a visit on 19 February 2008 I found parking full of Railtrack vans and parked down the lane. On arriving at location was asked by local if I had parked in the spot indicated by Trainspots and was informed that 'they' were clamping down on people parking there. He then went off to argue with the Railtrack guys.
There is an issue here be warned.
Railway type and traffic
Usual West Coast Main line Virgin WC traffic on the passenger front. Plenty of freight action from DRS, DB Schenker and Freightliner.
Link to Real Time Trains
RTT Link Cathiron
This link should be close to the location, but may not be the actual location so please check the page. This link will take you to what is happening 'around now'. Dates and times can be changed at the top of the page.
Environment
Outside a small village in rural Warwickshire.
Road directions
From the village of Brinklow (near to the M6 junction 2) follow the B4455 towards Bretford. Immediately after leaving the village of Brinklow the B4455 bears 90 degrees right, take the left turn at this bend, signed to Easenhall. Almost immediately the road will bear to the left, at this point take the right hand turn (actually you will be going straight on, but do not have right of way) signed Cathiron. Follow this narrow lane for about a mile and a half and you will eventually cross over the line. Shortly after crossing the line you will see an area of land that you can park the car on to the right.
The footbridge is visible from this spot. PLEASE ensure you do not block the driveway to the house. For the earlybirds and before the sun has gotten onto the southern side of the line, if you continue past this parking spot you will come to a small bridge at a T junction. Turn right here (headed for Rugby) and this will lead you back over the railway line. Early morning southbound shots can be had from this field.

Click here to set up your location for directions to this location

Cathiron map co-ordinates
Parking
As mentioned in the road directions, very close by and usually visible from the footbridge, depending upon leaf growth of the bushes.
PLEASE ensure you do not block the driveway to the house.
Public transport
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Amenities
None, although there is an award winning chip shop in Brownsover, Rugby. This is about 3 miles away.
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.
Cathiron

Googly map
Streetmap links
Cathiron general view map
Cathiron close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Cathiron



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Photographic notes
This can be a very popular location, please be courteous to other photographers if there are lots of people about

As the line runs SE-NW the sun (in summertime) isn't usually on the right side for the footbridge shot until gone midday. It is then good for sun on the nose southbound shots until around 15:00. From about this time the northbound shot comes into its own, and is on until sunset. Shadows from the trees do affect the line later into the evening. As mentioned above, there is a pre 11:00 southbound only shot from a nearby field.
The photos illustrate the shots that can be had. For the northbound standard lens shot, a set of steps is reccomended to get over the palisade fencing. The same set of steps could also come in handy to look over somebodies shoulders for the southbound shot as this location can become very popular, and space can be tight.
A large fence has been erected by Network Rail on the western side of the footbridge, enclosing the steps. Northbound workings can be photographed through the railings, but southbound shots are difficult. The northbound fast line is now only a few feet from the fence.
The Phantasrail Galleries


General views - All photographs © Scott Borthwick unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 1 - Looking north

A southbound shot from the base of the footbridge of a train passing on the fast line.

Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north

Pre lunchtime southbound shot from the field nearby. The footbridge is just visible above the blue containers.

Fig 3 - Looking north


Fig 3 - Looking north

As fig 2 but on the slow line.

Fig 4 - Looking south


Fig 4 - Looking south

A northbound telephoto shot, again from the base of the footbridge sitting on the footbrige fencing.

Fig 5 - Looking south



Fig 5 - Looking south

A northbound standard lens shot from the palisade fencing.

Fig 6 - Looking north - Picture � Jason Rodhouse



Fig 6 - Looking north - Picture © Jason Rodhouse

A new line is being installed close to the foot bridge, the location will be changing soon.

Fig 7 - Looking south - Picture � Jason Rodhouse



Fig 7 - Looking south - Picture © Jason Rodhouse

Taken March 2008 this view shows the wide angle looking south from the footbridge.

Fig 8 - Looking south - Picture � Jason Rodhouse



Fig 8 - Looking south - Picture © Jason Rodhouse

A new signal gantry elimnates any other shot apart from this. The re-laid slow line has also now been electrified, so it may not be too long until this location becomes suitable for southbound workings only.

Location Video



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