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Written by Justin Buckley - 22 May 2007
last update by Gary S. Smith - 02 Mar 2008
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Location notes
Cosford is west of Wolverhampton on the line to Shrewsbury. The station serves the RAF barracks, as well as the RAF Museum based at the airfield.
The nearest town is Albrighton, a couple of miles South East.
Railway type and traffic
The line here is a double track mainline, with loops in both directions, although these are rarely used for freight to my knowledge. The Eastbound loop however is sometimes used to hold engineers vehicles.
Passenger services are operated in the main by Central Trains, using DMUs from class 150, 153, 156, 158 and 170. Arriva Trains Wales also operates along this route, mainly using class 158 DMUs.
Freight is few and far between, however coal trains to and from Ironbridge pass this way, usually hauled by a class 66. Also, engineers trains from Bescot to the Shrewsbury area will use this route, often with a class 37 loco if heading down the Cambrian line from Shrewsbury.
Environment
Cosford exists to serve the RAF barracks, so it is not somewhere to expect trouble, however, as with anywhere these days, probably best to be on your guard.
The location itself is just off a road which leads to the Aerospace Museum, so it can get busy at times, with cars, coaches and pedestrians.
Road directions
From the M6, Junction 10A:
Join the M54 Westbound, then leave at Junction 3 (Cosford and Albrighton). Head South on the A41 for approx 1 mile, until you come to a traffic light controlled junction with Worcester Road, which should be signposted for Cosford station. Turn right into Worcester Road, and follow it past the station, and under the railway line. Approx 200 yds beyond the station is a small electricity substation - there is room to park one car here, or there is more parking available at the RAF Museum. From the substation, the location is a short walk (20 yds or so) back along the road - you will see a path leading through the gorse bushes to the line side fence.

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Cosford map co-ordinates
Parking
Free parking is available at the RAF Museum, just a short way down the road - however note opening times etc here on the RAF Museum website.
Public transport
Mon-Sat:
Cosford is served hourly by Central Trains from Birmingham via Wolverhampton, and from Shrewsbury via Telford.

Sun:
An irregular service is provided by Arriva Trains Wales.

The 892 bus service from Wolverhampton to Wellington runs along the A41. The nearest stop is the Cosford Garage, which is just South of the junction for Worcester Road, which leads to the railway station and the location - around a 3/4 mile walk.

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Amenities
There are no amenities in the immediate area, however there is a service station on the A41 (turn right at the end of Worcester Road).
There are more facilities a short walk away at the RAF Museum - which is free to enter - there is a shop, cafe etc - however note opening times, and bear in mind special events which may not be free (Cosford Air show etc)
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.
Cosford

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

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Cosford



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Photographic notes
Update 02-03-08:
The signal box has now been removed.

The line here runs roughly East-West at this point. The best shot here is of Westbound trains, and the light is best in mid afternoon til around 18:00 - 18:30 when the sun moves too far around.
A set of steps may be useful to get some height over the gorse bushes, however they are not essential as the worst can be avoided by moving around to find the best spot.
Videographers should not have too many problems - although the road can be busy, the worst of any noise is screened by the bushes behind you. However now and then coaches and trucks etc do pass by which obviously can be noisy.


General views - All photographs © Justin Buckley unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking east


Fig 1 - Looking east


Fig 2 - Looking east


Fig 2 - Looking east


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