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Written by Paul Bowery - 29 Dec 2003
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Location notes
UPDATE Feb 05: This location has now changed dramtically. The bridge now has been moved and a wire mesh now encloses the walkway, thus rendering the locaiton no longer viable.
Update from Lester Hayes 12-11-04:

Smitham Station Car Park is currently closed and will be until January or February 2005. More importantly, on 25th & 26th December 2004 the existing footbridge is scheduled to be replaced by a new anti vandal type structure, which will make photography and simply watching the trains, much more difficult.
This work is in connection with the building of the Coulsdon By-pass. The existing bridge is in a structurally poor condition. The section over the old Coulsdon North Station site is supported by Jacks.

About 10 miles south of Central London, between Croydon and Redhill on the Brighton Main Line.
Railway type and traffic
Almost completely passenger trains, with South Central services from London to the South Coast, Gatwick Express, and South Eastern Trains from London to Tonbridge via Redhill. A few freight services pass by if you are lucky. Also a couple of Virgin Cross Country trains use this route. It is very busy with a train passing about every 3-4 minutes. Smitham station is very close with South Central suburban services.
Link to Real Time Trains
RTT Link Coulsdon
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
A footbridge crossing the main line, used by residents to get to local shops. Fairly respectable area, feels quite safe.
Road directions
From the M25, take the M23 northbound towards London, and stay on the road when it becomes the A23. After a couple of miles you will pass under two railway bridges near Coulsdon South Station. After about 500 yards, turn right into the approach to Smitham station, where you will be able to see the footpath leading to the footbridge.

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Coulsdon map co-ordinates
Parking
Smitham station car park, also street parking seems quite easy.
Public transport
Smitham station has frequent services from London and East Croydon.

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Amenities
Local shops nearby on the A23 Brighton Road.
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.
Coulsdon

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

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Coulsdon



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Railway Gen Group
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Photographic notes
Close to Stoats Nest Junction where the Quarry Line diverges from the former main line via Redhill. There are good views from the footbridge along all the lines, so it is easy to see when a train is approaching.
Best time of day for photography is the afternoon because there is a bank on the eastern side of the tracks which tends to cast a shadow in the mornings. The sun can also be a bit tricky with southbound shots. It is difficult to get a shot from the side because there are bushes on the east side of the line and the west side is well fenced off.


General views - All photographs © Paul Bowery unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south


Fig 1 - Looking south

With the Redhill line on the left and the Quarry Line on the right. Coulsdon South station is on the Redhill line in the far distance.

Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north

This view shows a rail tour heading towards Redhill. The signals for Stoats Nest Junction can be seen in the distance.

Fig 3 - Looking south


Fig 3 - Looking south

Gatwick Express heading northwards on the Quarry Line. Smitham station is out of picture to the left.

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