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Written by Paul Eccles - 25 Jan 2004
last update by Paul Davis - 20 Mar 2005
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Location notes
Moreton Cutting lies about a mile east of Didcot Parkway on the Great Western Main Line.
Railway type and traffic
Traffic is very varied at Moreton with passenger traffic provided by First Great Western and Thames Trains which provide a fairly intensive service of 43(HST's), 165, 166, 180 and also on occasions loco hauled 47 or 57 workings.
Freight services are provided by DB Schenker and Freightliner. DB Schenker run Enterprise, Petroleum, Metals, Automotive, Intermodal, MOD, Refuse and Engineers traffic. Freightliner services are mostly Intermodal but also include Automotive traffic, common locomotive classes include 60, 66, 67.
Link to Real Time Trains
RTT Link Moreton Cutting East
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
The location is an over bridge on a farm track in the countryside. The farm track on the bridge is dusty in dry weather, and when breezy, can cause irritation to the eyes. Keep cameras protected when not in use.
The track is a public bridal way, the only people you are likely to meet are fellow photographers, horse riders and the local farmer.
Road directions
From Didcot Parkway turn left and head along station lane, follow the road alongside the railway until it comes to a roundabout and turn left. The road (B4016) will turn to the left and dive under the GWML and come to a roundabout. Turn Right and follow the road (A4130 This is the main Didcot Ring Road) to another roundabout where you go straight on, about 300 yards up the road is a turning on you right. Follow this road up and over the railway line and you will come to a sharp S bend in the road, after the S bend the road rises and 500 yards further along is a farm track on your left. Follow this track until you come to the over bridge which is your destination.

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Moreton Cutting East map co-ordinates
Parking
Parking is available by driving across the bridge and turning into a hard standing area where the mobile phone mast stands. There is easily room for 6 vehicles.
Public transport
The 130 bus service runs to South Moreton from Didcot Parkway station, just follow instructions from parking car if gate is locked.

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Amenities
South Moreton has a Pub that is about a mile walk from the bridge.

03-05 update - PD
There is now a large Sainsburys located near the location. There is a Café in the Sainsburys and it overlooks the eastern end of Didcot Parkway approach - all traffic using Didcot East Junction can be seen from the café (ie on the avoiding curve and through the station) . DB Schenker livery locos can be eyeballed although 'viewing aids' may be required for locos or units with smaller numbers.
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.
Moreton Cutting East

Googly map
Streetmap links
Moreton Cutting East general view map
Moreton Cutting East close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Moreton Cutting East



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Photographic notes
Due to line enhancements the bridge has been rebuilt with a new high sided bridge making shots impossible with out a set of steps.
Moreton Cutting is good all day. The line is nearly East-West so in the morning and early afternoon it is good stuff heading East and in the afternoon-evening for traffic heading west. No stepladders are required and the bridge features low walls.
Note. As the location is a cutting as the sun gets low shadows will stop some shots.
Links to photographs at this location

Thames Rail


General views - All photographs © Paul Eccles unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking west


Fig 1 - Looking west


Fig 2 - Looking east


Fig 2 - Looking east


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