One of the most enjoyable but difficult aspects of photographing the
railways is finding good locations where all the different factors can
come together. In order to get a decent result many different
aspects need to be taken into account. These can include variables such
as the direction of the line and lighting, line side vegetation and
access, together with unsightly obstacles.
CoedKernew is probably one of the better known locations situated
on the South Wales mainline between
Newport and Cardiff. It offers straight views in either direction
although trains heading east are best in the morning and visa versa.
Leave the M4 at junction 28 and take the A48 for Cardiff towards the LG
Electronics Factory. Turn right onto the road that leads to the factory
and follow the signs towards the golf club. Do not turn towards the golf
club but proceed along the narrow lane until you cross the railway
bridge. On the right is a drive leads to a field, park in this drive but
leave enough room for farm access.
Margam
near Port Talbot offers a locomotive servicing depot and several yards
emanating from the Port Talbot steelworks and docks complex. Iron
ore, coal together with steel form the main traffic mostly heading
east towards Llanwern. Access to the eastern end of the yard is via the
depot itself. For the western end car drivers should exit the M4
at junction 38 & proceed along the road that passes the BOC plant.
Continue along this road until you arrive at the crossing.
Llanishen
The Rhymney commuter trains
from Cardiff are difficult to photograph near the Cardiff end of the
line as suitable places are few and far between. Llanishen
provides one such opportunity with a clear if relatively tight view of
the line. Access to this location is via a lane to the south of
Llanishen station. Proceed out of the station across the road and the
lane is directly opposite. Walk towards the sports field at the bottom
and the line is on your right hand side.
Newport Alexander Dock Jct provides a good location to photograph
trains leaving the yard. Road users leave the M4 at junction 28 and
proceed on he A48 back towards Newport. At the roundabout head left and
stay on the A48. Pass under the railway bridge and after a short
distance turn right into Tesco's, then turn left into McDonald's. The
yard is
visible from the top corner of the car park.
Somerton also known as East Usk Yard provides great views in either
direction. Leave the M4 at junction 24 and take the A48 into Newport.
After about a mile turn right and just before the railway bridge
turn left into a side road.
Miskin
is
located between Cardiff and Bridgend just off the M4 motorway. Its one
of the best locations I know for autumnal scenery, providing a stunning
setting for the regular coal and ore trains between Llanwern and Port
Talbot. Lighting is at its best from mid morning through to mid
afternoon. Leave the M4 at junction 34 and turn left towards the Bosch
electronics factory. Almost immediately after the roundabout take
a right turn and look for the bridge straight ahead.