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Written by Richard Tearle - 02 May 2006
last update by Mark Bearton - 11 Mar 2009
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Location notes
Husborne Crawley is located on the Bedford-Bletchley line, between the stations of Aspley Guise and Ridgmont, quite near M1 junction 13. There is no shelter should the weather turn nasty, although the only parking space available is quite close. This site provides west viewing shots only.
Railway type and traffic
The Bedford Bletchley line is operated by London Midland trains that run a mostly hourly service between the two stations, with all trains stopping at all of the stations on route, Monday to Saturday. Trains stop by request at Kempston Hardwick. There are no scheduled passenger trains on Sunday. These are operated by a small fleet of sprinter 150/1 units.
There are a number of freight workings, the most numerous being DB Schenker departmental workings to and from Forders Virtual Quarry (just to the east of Stewartby station). These workings serve locations on both the WCML and MML.
There is also a Tuesday and Friday, at the time of writing, morning Bletchley to Peak Forest stone empties, which leaves Bletchley between 10:20 and 10:40 - although earlier and later timings have been noted.
Environment
This small foot crossing in the middle of fields. The railway is quite tree lined at this point to the west, but open to the east. The track is very straight in both directions. You will be visible to any photographers using the A507 over bridge.
Road directions
From the M1, Junction 13:
Exit and head south on the A507. Just before the bridge over the railway on the left is a small parking space. The location is on the other side of the road, on the bank down towards the line.

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Husborne Crawley, A507 Bridge map co-ordinates
Parking
On the M1 side of the bridge is an old field entrance with plenty of space for several cars. (i.e. if you're the "first", try to park all the way to the bottom.)

Do not park in what looks like a lay-by - it's what the HGV's use to turn out of the services.
Traffic police will make you move on if they pass by and see you parked there (ed 07-07).
Public transport
The nearest station to the bridge is Ridgmont which has hourly trains from Bedford and Bletchley.

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Amenities
There are no amenities on the station but there is a public house and the usual range of village shops in both Aspley Guise and Husborne Crawley. Also the truck stop behind you often has burger vans and snack cafes.
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.
Husborne Crawley, A507 Bridge

Googly map
Streetmap links
Husborne Crawley, A507 Bridge general view map
Husborne Crawley, A507 Bridge close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Husborne Crawley, A507 Bridge



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Photographic notes
The bridge is on a busy road, with HGV services on the other side of the road, so it can be quite loud at times. This shot is east facing only, but is the only bridge over the line that has a good shot east facing, and can be a popular location. There are shots to both the north and south of the bridge, but in sunny weather, the sun would be on the wrong side of the line for the north shot. The line is quite straight here and very open.


General views - All photographs © Richard Tearle unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking west


Fig 1 - Looking west

This is the west facing view from the northern side of the line, showing the straight length, and some of the trees in the area. The foot crossing is just visible towards the end of the train.
This was taken in August at 10:30 with a 160mm lens.

Fig 2 - Looking west


Fig 2 - Looking west

This is the west facing view from the southern side of the line at the foot of the bank.
This was taken in January at 10:50 with a 35mm lens.

Fig 3 - Looking west


Fig 3 - Looking west

This is the west facing view from the southern side of the line at the top of the bank. Even though the line is clear, at this time of year shadows can still be a problem.
This was taken in January at 09:30 with a 50mm lens.

Fig 4 - Looking west


Fig 4 - Looking west

From the southern side of the line, a morning shot (July 09:00) using a Dslr @100mm

Fig 5 - Looking west



Fig 5 - Looking west

From the southern side of the line, a morning shot (July 09:00) using a Dslr @28mm

Location Video



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