New Mobile Site
We have just launched a new mobile version of this site -
m.trainspots. This page will use your smart device's GPS to loctate you and guide you to locations that are close to your present location.
Location notes
Joan Croft is a few miles North Of Doncaster on the ECML. The line from Stainforth joins here for freight to continue north. However most freight continues over the line on a new flyover.
In a significant change from the former location the road level crossing has been replaced with a new overbridge. The flat junciton, although still in place, has seen the addition of a new flyover to allow traffic to pass over the ECML without conflicting with express trains.
Railway type and traffic
Passenger:
VTEC: Class 91 and HSTVirgin: VoyagersFirst Hull Trains: 180sGrand Central 180s and HSTsNorthern Rail: A few to Hull via Selby.East Midlands Trains occasional workings to York.
Freight: Class 60s: Oil, Steel and occasionally on the Enterprises. Class 66/0 : Coal, Steels, enterprises , plasmoors, oil. Class 66/5 : Coal, Intermodals and Infrastructure workings. Class 66/7: Intermodals and Occasionally on the new coal. Class 67: Enterprises now and again Class 92: Doncaster - Mossend Enterprise and the return working.
Others:There is also charter trains, usually at the weekend.Serco trest trains, including the NMT pass occasionaly.
Link to Real Time Trains
RTT Link Joan Croft JunctionThis 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
Location is rural and quiet. The road bridge is obvioulsy roadside and one should be aware of passing traffic.
Road directions
Coming from the A19, between Toll Bar and Askern there is a sign for ' Thorpe - In - Balne' on your left, follow that and keep driving towards it an, and you will go over a level crossing and then in about 30 seconds you will see the location.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location Joan Croft Junction map co-ordinates
Parking
Either roadside or just off the road close to the location. You can park your car where is should remain visible to you.
Public transport
You really need your own transport to come here its in middle of nowhere with no buses or trains etc.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Amenities
There are no amenities at this location.
Accommodation
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.
Joan Croft Junction
Googly map
Streetmap links
Joan Croft Junction general view map
Joan Croft Junction close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Joan Croft Junction
Who likes this location on facebook
Railway Gen Group
Photographic notes
The sun will favour southbound shots from the road bridge shots during most of the day. Only in the summer extremes will the light come round for northbound workings. The level crossing, although closed to get acrss the line itself, should still also provide angles. The area is open and exposed to the elements and wind may prove problematic for videographers.
The page's main link to Real Time Trains should show most traffic on the East Coast Main Line. For traffic heading alond the freight line and flyover try
Thorpe Marsh Junction
Links to photographs at this location
The Drax Flyer
General views - All photographs © Andrew Pearson unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south - Image �Albert Dawson.
From the road bridge a northbound charter heads up the ECML. The new flyover is the green bridge in the background and the former crossing can be seen in the middle.
Fig 2 - Looking north - Image �Albert Dawson.
From the road bridge.
Fig 3 - Looking south east - Image �Albert Dawson.
A freight approaches the flyover.
Fig 4 - Looking south - Image �Albert Dawson.
Crossing the flyover
Fig 5 - Looking south west - Image �Albert Dawson.
Descending from the flyover with the road approacing the standing postion in the foreground.
Fig 6 - Looking west - Image �Albert Dawson.
From the field to the east of the line a shot is available of workings descending from the flyover heading towards Stainforth.
Fig 7 - Looking south
This shot is now in shadow under the flyover but is still achievable from the site of the former foot crossing
Fig 8 - Looking north
From the lower part of the road bridge embankment a shot like this should still be possible.
Location Video
Coming onto the ECML
Going over the top on the new Flyover
All information contained within this is site is � Trainspots. The images used on this site remain the property of the original photographer, as credited at the top of the page, and are used with their kind permission.
The information on these pages is supplied for the benefit of railway enthusiasts who carry out a harmless hobby, and through the medium of photography and video, actually promote the railway industry. Railway enthusiasts can also act as eyes and ears against railway vandalism, and as such should surely be encouraged to do so by the supply of adequate information such as is found on this website.
This site has been created to assist railway photographers in their travels around the country. It is based on the personal knowledge and experience. No liability can be held against the web site or its contributions for incorrect information. Trainspots will endeavour to check all information and corrections will be accepted and posted accordingly.
Advice as to the locations general environment is given as a guide on each page. This information is a GUIDE only. ALWAYS be careful with your equipment, Trainspots can not be held responsible for your personal security. Avoid leaving your property on display for all to see, be aware of your surroundings at all times. There are, sadly, people who will not think twice about trying to steal your equipment.
Trainspots DOES NOT condone trespass and none of the information on this site should be taken as a right to trespass on either railway or private land. To the best of our knowledge all locations are publicly accessible areas, where they are not contact information will be given to the appropriate authority for permission to be obtained.
The content of this site is created and intended for all age ranges but the content of sites linked from this site are not subject to the same intentions. Trainspots will attempt to check links for validity but as time passes and the site grows this will not always be possible. Broken, or indeed updates to, links should be submitted to the editor for inclusion in the updates. All links external to the Trainspots site are opened in a new browser window. Trainspots has been running now for over 10 years and there are imitation sites and guides to railfotspots. But we are a free site and we continue on the path we started out on over a decade ago to provide a useful guide to UK Railway Photographic Locations.