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Location notes
Manors station is the first station any train will pass going north on the ECML out of Newcastle Central. Until the late 1970s, trains ran through to Jesmond on the Tyneside Loop, however with the introduction of the Metro, the mainline Manors station was severely rationalised. Today the station is a shadow of it's former self, with only one centre platform in (rare) use.
Railway type and traffic
As it is the first station northwards on the ECML from Newcastle Central, all northbound services will pass through. East Coast trains to Edinburgh and Virgin trains to Glasgow and Dundee are the main passenger services, with Northern Rail services to Morpeth and Chathill. Chathill services will stop at Manors, but the amount of passengers is usually below ten. Further along the line is Heaton T&RSMD for Northern Rail, which throws up some very interesting empty carriage movements.
Typical units to be seen include: Classes 43,60,66,91,142,156,158, Virgin Voyagers and sometimes TPE units.
Freight consists usually of coal from Scotland to Yorkshire. There are workings from Blyth of aluminium ingots on steel flats (DB Schenker) and powedered alumia (Freightliner).
The Network Rail New Measurement train (Flying Banana) is also regularly based at Heaton. There are also many special charter traisn which will pass by too.
As of late 2007, Grand Central trains which will run from Sunderland to London will have their trains based at Heaton. Therefore empty workings will have to pass through Manors.
Environment
Manors station only has a bus shelter-type waiting area, with a telephone. Buildings which surround the area are used as offices and student accommodation. The area is not well sheltered, but is a great spot for pictures.
Road directions
By car from the south, use the A1 (M) over the Tyne Bridge. Take the 1st exit after the underpass for Byker/Wallsend. This leads to a roundabout. Take the 4 exit for Byker (at 3 o'clock direction). At the first lights turn right. Ahead is the railway bridge over the ECML. On the left is a car park.
From the north on the A1 (M), take the slip road for City Centre. Take the first exit and right at the first lights. Continue as directed above.
From Argyle Street, turn left before the railway bridge. Go down the bank and continue down to the left of the business centre. The station is not signposted but should be found after a few minutes searching!
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location Manors Station map co-ordinates
Parking
A car park is available on Argyle Street, just south of the junction with New Bridge Street.
Public transport
By Metro, get off at Manors. Turn left from the Metro station and keep walking left. The mainline station can be found in between two buildings.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Amenities
Two pubs are located across the road from the Argyle Street car park:
The New Bridge and Moot. The New Bridge is the better option and has cracking beer and meals. Moot is more of a student type bar. Others can be found in the immediate area.
Shops can be found in the city centre; best to stock up before going to the station.
Accommodation
No locations nearby. Plenty of locations throughout the whole of Tyne and Wear. Contact tourist information. for more details.
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.
Manors Station
Googly map
Streetmap links
Manors Station general view map
Manors Station close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Manors Station
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Photographic notes
All trains passing through will be going slow, as they will either be stopping at Newcastle Central, or slowing down to pass through. The view from the north is a long one, and as such trains can be seen from a distance. Whilst the view looking south is shorter, there is still time to prepare for a shot.
The station is located on a north east - south west axis, but of course is surrounded by buildings on the north side. Sunlight should not pose a problem for taking pictures during most of the day, although if you are there in the early morning, take shots looking south, and late evening, take shots looking north. During the main part of the day, it is possible to take from either direction.
As an alternative, a public footpath from Trafalgar Street runs past the tracks, and leads to the access footbridge. This is also good for getting shots looking North. However, the footpath is narrow, so try not to use bulky equipment in this location.
Videogrpahers: The station is located near to the Central Motorway, and as such there will be a lot of noise coming from that road, despite the buildings in the business park.
General views - All photographs © Shaun Morton unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south
Fig 2 - Looking north
Fig 3 - Looking south west - Image © Robert Clarke
Fig 4 - Looking north west - Image © Robert Clarke
Fig 5 - Looking north west - Image © Robert Clarke
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