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Written by Richard Tearle - 08 Aug 2006
last update by Ian Bowskill - 07 May 2008
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Location notes
Millbrook station is location on the Bedford-Bletchley line, between the stations of Lidlington and Stewartby, just on the edge of the village it serves, and to the north of the famous Millbrook Vehicle Proving Ground. The platforms are both to the east of the level crossing at this station, and there is a small shelter on the Bedford bound platform should the weather take a turn for the worse.
Shots are possible from the station platform, but there is a better shot to be had from a foot crossing to the north east of the station, and there is a footpath from this station almost along the line to Stewartby where some shots can be had.
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 Saturday 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 is a little used station and foot crossing, and therefore is quite a quiet location.
Road directions
From the M1, Junction 13:
Exit and follow the A421 towards Bedford. Follow this road until you come to the roundabout just before Marston Moretaine (just before the road becomes a dual carriageway), and turn right into the village of Marston Moretaine. At the end of this road turn left, and then turn right out of the village. Take the next left, and this brings you to Millbrook Station. There are signs from the A421 to both the station and the Vehicle Proving Ground.

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Millbrook map co-ordinates
Parking
There is limited parking near the station, in front of some houses just beyond the station. If parking here, be considerate and do not block any drives.
Public transport
By far the easiest way to this location is to use the rail service from either Bletchley or Bedford.

Once you have arrived or parked at the station, head south down the road (that has just crossed the railway), and just as the road turns to the right there is a footpath heading northwards. Follow this footpath which leads to a crossing, where there are shots for both directions on both sides of the line. Crossing over the line, this footpath continues to Stewartby with the footpath close to the railway at numerous locations.

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Amenities
There are no amenities in the immediate area but there is a public house and the usual range of village shops in Marston Moretaine itself. Back on the A421 there are services, including a fast food outlet and a hotel.
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.
Millbrook

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

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Millbrook



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Photographic notes
The Bedford Bletchley line is running mainly east-west, but here the line is slightly more south-east to north-west. Photography is probably best for west bound traffic, in the morning for the nearside of the line, and afternoon for the far side. The line curves sharply just past the station to the south, but it's possible to get a full unit shot, and curves more gently to the north, with the added bonus of the brickwork chimneys in the distance.


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


Fig 1 - Looking north east

Taken from the southern side of the line, with a 50mm lens on a bright sunny April morning, at around 10. The brickwork chimneys at Stewartby are just visible in the background.

Fig 2 - Looking south west


Fig 2 - Looking south west

Taken from the southern side of the line, with a 60mm lens on a bright sunny April morning, at around 10:20. Millbrook station is visible just behind the unit.

Fig 3 - Looking north east - Photo © John Patston


Fig 3 - Looking north east - <i>Photo © John Patston</i>

From the northern side of the line.

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