Below you will find the INDEX which has been broken up into numerous sections for ease of viewing and will be regularly updated, when there has been any major alterations to the locations mentioned. All information in this section is copyright of "8A Rail"
This is a guide of the 'photographic' locations within the above area but not necessary the definitive guide because it is always inevitable there are one or locations that have been overlooked! In order to find most of the locations, it is recommended to purchase (or borrow) the following "Philip's" Ordnance Survey street atlas books 1) Merseyside and 2) Cheshire, available from WH Smith and good book shops (price £5.99 each). Alternatively, the following "OS" Landranger maps No108 (Liverpool) and No117 (Chester) could prove excellent substitutes.
All locations named have been visited over the last couple of years with some only possible during the spring / summer months when the daylight hours are longer or the sun is higher. If you are looking for spectacular "train in the landscape" shots, you will be disappointed. However, the area does lend it self to numerous industrial, urban and rural backdrops as you would expect but to get some of these locations 'travelling by car' is necessary. Unfortunately, you will find some 'ordinary looking' locations were it will not be everybody's cup of tea! If travelling by train around the area, most of the stations have got photographic potential as well as some within short walking distance. However, going by train will restrict visiting some locations on the 'Bootle Branch' and 'Low Level' (Ditton - Arpley) Lines. Certainly as part of your photographic equipment, a small step-ladder will be required for some views from bridges as well as other locations.
If you are looking for 'semaphore signals' to be part of your shot, the best place for these are the 'Low Level' line and around Helsby on the Warrington to Chester line. There are fortunately still some traditional signal box's around the area, these will be highlighted in the relevant sections below. It goes without saying, get them while you can but at the time of writing, no signals or boxes are under immediate threat of disappearing or closure.
Contrary to the popular media belief that Merseyside (especially Liverpool) is an 'unsafe' area to visit, it is no different to any other 'urban' area, dare I say it is probably better than most cities in the United Kingdom. It goes without saying as long as you take sensible precautions as you would normally do when visiting any area, you will enjoy your visit and certainly in the main, receive a warm welcome by the locals. There are plenty of food outlets, pubs and other shops to be had and the 'public transport' system is generally reliable and reasonably price. The main photographic outlets are in Liverpool City Centre were you will find 'Jessops' and 'Jacobs' amongst a couple of smaller outlets. Near to 'Brunswick' station on the Northern Line, you will find 'KJP' Photographic.
Finally, it goes without saying, when travelling about the area, please respect other peoples property, were necessary please seek permission first to obtain access and do not trespass on the railway.
In order to photograph the trains within the Port of Liverpool, a photography permit is available from Merseyside Docks and Harbour Company either on a daily or annual basis which allows you to photograph inside the dock boundary subject to certain conditions and by-laws. Unfortunately, photography with Seaforth Container Terminal is not allowed as it is a restricted area within the Liverpool Freeport. The cost of the permit is £12.00 (daily) or £20.00 (annual) and is available from the company's headquarters (The Mersey Docks & Harbour Company, Maritime Centre, Port of Liverpool, L21 1LA. Tel: 0151 949 6000) at Seaforth. A current passport photograph is required along with a Hi-Vis vest and good sensible footwear. It goes without saying that once within the 'Docks' you must be extra vigilant regarding your own personal safety because there is numerous HGV movements and other dangerous obstacle's around, remember an 'extra' grab shot may cost you your life!
Fortunately, photography inside the docks is ideal early morning or mid afternoon onwards depending on the time of year. Certainly as rule, mid-day photography is difficult especially for arrivals. All trains must arrive or depart from near the Strand Road 'main gate' entrance where the EWS shunters cabin is also located. This area up to early 1999 use to be outside the MDHC boundary but this has been expanded and now includes most of the former 'dock road' namely Regent & Strand Roads. The road crossing at Regent Road still survives and it makes for some interesting combinations between road and rail traffic! There are five main areas that receive and send goods by rail, they are
The busiest area for the arrival and departure of trains is certainly centred around the Liverpool Bulk Terminal with on certain occasions two or three trains could be in attendance. Trains to and from Seaforth CT work on the 'one train in section' rule. For further information and times of trains for this area see Current Rail Services page.
The first location outside the dock boundary is Derby Road bridge (A565) where you can photograph trains departing the port and crossing Regent Road as they prepare to attack the 1 in 60 climb to Bootle Junction. The best time to photograph is the morning but you could get away with it during early afternoon. The next location for incoming afternoon trains is Millers Bridge (Bootle), which overlooks Bootle Junction and gives a backdrop of the famous Liverpool skyline. The bridge is near to Bootle Oriel Station on the Liverpool - Southport line and a step-ladder is a must! A mile further on, after Westminster Road and Spellow Tunnels, the line emerges at a deep curved cutting under City Road bridge (Walton). This location is ideal for outward trains but is recommended for high summer only. Incoming trains is possible from this bridge also, but best on a bright day only. Clubmoor Recreation Ground is the next location, mid point on the line at the corner of Townsend Lane / Cherry Lane. The line runs on a long embankment and is best for early morning trains (up to approx 10.00hrs) in both directions. It is possible you can get near to the line (looking towards Edge Hill) and keeping on the legal side of the fence (step ladder required!) for some close up shots of incoming trains. Moving on, the line runs in a cutting up to Bootle Branch Junction and on this 1.5 mile section are five road bridges with good vantage points. Bar one, they lend themselves to head on shots only! The first is Lister Drive, near Newsham Park which is acceptable for morning head-on shots. Prescot Road (A57) bridge is recommended for incoming traffic were the whole train is in view. Edge Lane (end of the M62!) is the most popular bridge, especially for the outgoing afternoon trains. Again the whole train is in view with a backdrop of the Stanley Fruit market and Norton's scrap yard. Incoming trains can be photographed early morning and late afternoon. The next bridge is Binns Road, overlooking Edge Lane Junction (site of) were photographing incoming trains leaving Picko No2 Tunnel is best in the morning only. The final bridge of the five is Pighue Lane, again overlooking Edge Lane Junction but only possible for outgoing trains at most times of day.
EDGE HILL to EARLESTOWN / NEWTON LE WILLOWS (L&M Line)
Over the years, this particular line has become increasing difficult to photograph especially in the winter. In simple terms, it is about 10 years past its sell by date. The main problem concerns the amount of tree growth at many locations although 'Railtrack' have attempted over the last couple of years to combat the problem. Unfortunately, it is has not been at locations were it suits the photographer. However on the plus side there has been two new stations opened which has presented new opportunities. The L&M line is best for eastbound trains and also presents opportunities to photograph 'Infrastructure' trains to and from Tuebrook Sidings near to Bootle Branch Junction. At the latter location, it is possible to photograph trains to and from the Docks from the new Wavertree Technology Park via Stephenson Way which is on the site of Edge Hill MPD (8A). The following locations are the best for eastbound trains unless otherwise stated. Beginning with the new Wavertree Technology Park Station which has offered us with track level shots for the first time in living memory, but because of the unusual feature of this station, it has also made it almost impossible to obtain the traditional Rathbone Road bridge shot with the backdrop of the Liverpool skyline. However the bridge now gives a view of the whole station using a max 45mm focal length lens and is also good for westbound trains with Olive Mount cutting as the backdrop. The next two locations are best in high summer, the first being Mill Lane bridge which oversees the former Olive Mount Junction were any number of lens could be used. Unfortunately the location is not the same without the signal box. The next bridge is Sturdee Road which is mid way of the famous Olive Mount cutting and ok for westbound trains too. This bridge is probably the better of the two locations now, if only for the close proximity of the cutting wall to the line. Broadgreen, Roby and Huyton Stations are the next three vantage points were it is possible to photograph eastbound trains at close quarters. At Huyton Station, the signal box is still operational but unfortunately it has no name boards and the old semaphore signals are now history. After Huyton Station, there are two road bridges, the first is Hall Lane which overlooks the site of Huyton Quarry station & sidings which is OK for head on shot only for Manchester bound trains. There had been some tree clearing at this bridge which on a bright day, lends itself to a good eastbound shot especially of an e/MGR train. The second bridge is on Pottery Lane which is half way up the 1:96 incline to Rainhill. Bar one tree, an acceptable shot is obtainable with the Liverpool skyline as the backdrop. Just a short distance from this bridge is Whiston Station (which is accessible via 'Driveway') were there is some scope to use different lenses as all trains are working hard and fortunately tree growth is minimal. Between Whiston and Rainhill Stations, there are four over bridges, namely Cumber Lane, Stoney Lane, Old Lane and Warrington Road (A57). Unfortunately, there is limited scope for any shots off these bridges but eastbound shots are possible. Rainhill Station is the next vantage point were the station buildings and the famous 'skew' bridge make an interesting backdrop but beware of the tall station lamp posts. Westbound trains will offer you the closed Rainhill Signal Box in the background but only on a bright day or an early summer evening. The next photographic location, Lea Green Road bridge is about a mile further and providing you are careful with your composition, will be able to avoid the electricity pylons on the left. Oh by the way, this was the original site of Lea Green Station before the new station was built by Marshalls Cross Road (A570), St Helens. The new Lea Green Station has potential on the platform and from the occupation bridge at the east end of the station. Less than a mile away, is St Helens Junction Station which is now a sad reminder of its former glories but never the less one of the better 'open' photographic locations on the line including westbound trains if you use a telephoto lens. You will be able to include the whole train in your shot and the 'Junction' is best in the morning. Just before Earlestown, is the famous Sankey Viaduct which is a very open location on both sides, therefore it is entirely up to you how you want to interpret this location but you will not see the train bogies regardless of the angle and there is no height to overlook the viaduct. Outside Earlestown Station is Junction Lane bridge were there is scope to photograph in both directions especially westbound trains with the station buildings making a very interesting backdrop. On Earlestown Station, photographing eastbound trains to Manchester is only possible during the early part of the day but there is scope on a bright day (or early summer evenings) to record trains approaching Earlestown West Junction to gain access to the WCML.(Although not part of the L&M line, the link line to Winwick Junction (WCML) which passes the Vulcan Foundry is an section worth recording especially for southbound trains to Warrington. Access to this line is best from Alder Lane bridge (nr Burtonwood) overlooking Winwick Junction). The section from Earlestown to Parkside Junction is under the 'wires' but midway is Newton le Willows Station which again is best for eastbound trains which includes any ex WCML trains travelling to Yorkshire etc.
LIVERPOOL LIME ST to RUNCORN (LNWR London Line)
Photography on this particular line is not easy for one main reason, where ever you go there are the 25Kv wires and mast's. For some photographers that is one obstacle too far! Unfortunately, you will never get the ultimate shot on this line and "compromise's" will be the order of the day when composing your shot. Within the Liverpool area, you are restricted to the stations for decent photography and should have no difficulty accessing them with that purpose in mind. This line also gives you the option to photograph the loco hauled Virgin 'inter city' and 'cross country' services which travel the fast lines. As far as 'freight' traffic is concerned they do travel both 'fast' and 'slow' lines but as a rule, any MGR / Enterprise traffic travel slow lines with Freightliners / Scrap traffic travelling fast lines. However, please note Freightliner traffic between Garston FLT and Edge Hill always traffic the slow lines. Starting at Edge Hill station, photography is restricted to passenger trains to and from Lime St Station on the up slow and down fast lines. Photographing 'freight' trains arriving and departing Wapping is near impossible due to trees! The next station is Mossley Hill (access from Rose Lane) were morning shots are possible on both slow lines and down fast line. During the afternoon and summer evenings, the down fast line is normally only possible. West Allerton station (Booker Ave) is next, located at the end of R/H sweeping curve, again early morning best for up fast and slow lines with the afternoon and early evening, both up lines and down fast line. Of the five stations open on this line, West Allerton station is probably the best but is the only station closed on Sundays. From West Allerton you can actually make out the next station on the line which is Allerton Station where also find Allerton Junction signal box located at the south end of the station. This is the junction of the former CLC lines from Warrington Central and the LNWR lines. Within sight of the station you can see EWS's Allerton T&RS depot which normally repairs wagons but you can also see the occasional loco stabled there. Early morning both up lines are possible with afternoon / early evening trains best from the down fast line and providing platform 1 is accessible, down slow line too. It is planned in the future to redevelop this station along with the nearby Garston Station (Merseyrail) into major single 'interchange' station. Unfortunately between Allerton Junction and Halewood which includes the impressive Speke Junction signal box there are no accessible photographic locations. High fencing in the Garston area precludes any photography of the departing or arriving 'Freightliners' from the terminal. The remainder of the line between Halewood and Runcorn is mostly in the open but it is still very limited to obtain any decent shots not without asking permission from local land owners to access their land in the first instance. First open location is near the sidings for the Jaguar Car Factory at Higher Road, Halewood. This location is a triangular field by the A561 junction and obtaining shots at the trackside boundary was easy and you are able to obtain trains on all 4 lines in both directions. Also you have the opportunity to climb the A561 road embankment and gain height for shots of train travelling in the Runcorn direction. Unfortunately recently 'Railtrack' have now put high fencing in placed which may need you to use a step ladder to obtain some of the shots and it looks this is being put in place further along the line heading towards Ditton Junction. During a summer's evening, it is possible to obtain shots of southbound trains on both slow & fast lines from Lower Lane, Halebank near to the site of the old station which unfortunately there are no remains. Before the closed Ditton Station there are open farm fields overlooking the line namely 'Linner Farm' which is on the south side and 'Newstead Farm' fields which is on the north side. Linner Farm fields is access from Ditton Road and OK during the day from approx 9.00 to 16.00hrs with sun always highlighting the side of the trains. Newstead Farm is access via a single lane path from Lower Lane, Halebank and to gain access you must walk pass the landowners residence. There are numerous angles from his fields for shots in both directions but only ideal during a summers evening when the sun is on the north side of the line. Next spot was Ditton Station but this closed some years ago, therefore no official access to the station is possible. Likewise both Ditton Junction No1 & No2 Signal Boxes have now been consigned to history being replace by Ditton Power Box which overlooks the closed station. Next location is Vickers Road which runs along side the viaduct leading to the Widnes / Runcorn rail bridge. The location is on the banks of the River Mersey, being the site of the old Widnes Docks now reclaimed and now a small public park. Here during afternoon sunshine you have the opportunity to photograph Liverpool bound trains coming off the bridge but they are wharf by the size of both road & rail bridges. Not everyone's cup of tea but you certainly get a very good shot of one the classic landmarks in the area. Final location on this stretch of line is at Runcorn Station itself were you can obtain early morning shots of Liverpool bound trains along the platform. At the south end of the station is the brick built Runcorn Signal Box were trains arrive from within the background cutting passing the box and into the station. For afternoon and early evening shot you need to go on the opposite platform to obtain trains heading south. Certainly during end of winter / early spring before the leaves are on the trees, it is possible to get a train arriving / passing through Runcorn Station with the two bridges in the background. At the Signal Box is the connection to the Folly Lane Branch were a twice weekly EWS "Enterprise" visit the line. Finally, on a personal note the ex LNWR line is I find the hardest line (bar 1/2 locations) to obtain any classic shots and really you are left with everyday records shots but at least their is plenty to photograph between the various passenger and freight trains.
DITTON JUNCTION to WARRINGTON ARPLEY (known as the Low Level line).
TO BE CONTINUED