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Written by Tony Rispoli - 19 Nov 2006
last update by Steve Revill - 14 Sep 2010
and by Russ Burrows - 10 Feb 2017
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Location notes
Near to Thatcham station, a quiet level crossing which leads into a business park.
Railway type and traffic
Berks and Hants mainline from Reading to Exeter. Expect Intercitys, Adelantes (180s), and Thames Trains 165s.
DB Schenker and Hanson freights.
Environment
A level crossing and footbridge, a very quiet area, some noise from the business park depending on the time you go there. No people around when I have been.
Road directions
Head to Thatcham on the A4, the turning into Colthrop Lane is just to the east of Thatcham village.

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Colthrop Level Crossing map co-ordinates
Parking
I park by the telephone box, you can see the car from the footbridge and there are never people around really. Also the signal box overlooks the crossing so any suspicious sorts would be seen hanging around.
Public transport
Nearest station is Thatcham, you could walk it from there.

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Accommodation
Nearest hotel or Bed and Breakfast would most likely be Newbury which is not far away.
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.
Colthrop Level Crossing

Googly map
Streetmap links
Colthrop Level Crossing general view map
Colthrop Level Crossing close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Colthrop Level Crossing



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Railway Gen Group
Wessex Rail Gen [WRGen]
Photographic notes
Update 2016: This bridge has been demolished as part of the GWML Electrification program.

You will get the most warning of trains coming from Reading as the line is long and straight in that direction, trains coming from Westbury/Thatcham direction are not in view long before reaching the crossing, which will give you warning when it closes. Plenty of good photos to be had from the bridge and also looking head on at the crossing.
Update: There is now a large lamp post on the S W corner of the crossing (opposite side of the line to the signal box) which can get in the shot.


General views - All photographs © Tony Rispoli unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking west


Fig 1 - Looking west


Fig 2 - Looking east


Fig 2 - Looking east


Location Video


The Authors video from the location.

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