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Written by Dr. John Binch - 20 Jun 2007
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Location notes
The location is on the outskirts of Gainsborough in Lincolnshire. The nearest city is Lincoln.
The location is on an over bridge which crosses the Gainsborough to Lincoln railway line from a farm track on the main A156 road to Lea.
Railway type and traffic
The railway is double track and sees both passenger (Central Trains Lincoln to Doncaster and Northern Trains Sheffield to Lincoln services)
Staple freight flows include Selby to Felixstowe intermodal (GBRf) fly ash from West Burton Power Station (DB) coal from Immingham (DB) ballast from Mountsorrel to Doncaster (Freightliner) scrap metal from Lincoln to Healey Mills (DB) and gypsum from West Burton Power Station to Hotchley Hill (GBRf).
However, please bear in mind that most freight trains travel via Gainsborough Central on Saturdays.
Environment
The location is in a cutting adjacent to Warren Wood. The area is rural but there are no farm animals nearby and is within 400metres of a main road on the outskirts of Gainsborough.
Road directions
Take the A156 Lea Road out of Gainsborough passing Lea Road station on the right and then going underneath the railway bridge. Follow the road until passing Mayflower Close on the left. The track is immediately after this (left) and is designated Causeway Lane.

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A156 Lea Road, Gainsborough map co-ordinates
Parking
Roadside parking on the A156 may be possible, but I suggest that cars are parked on the track itself.
Public transport
Bus:
Stagecoach Lincolnshire services 100, 105, 106, and 107 from Lincoln to Gainsborough drop off along the A156.

Rail:
Central Trains Lincoln to Doncaster and Northern Trains Sheffield to Lincoln services. The nearest station is Lea Road.

It is a 10-15 minute walk (south) from Lea Road station.

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Amenities
There are no nearby toilets. There is a general store on the corner on Mayflower Close and the A156 selling confectionery, drinks, ready made sandwiches etc. There is also a telephone box nearby.
Further facilities including fish and chip shops and other places to eat can be found in Gainsborough town centre, a short drive or about a 25-30 minute walk away.
Accommodation
Bed and Breakfast facilities can be found in both Gainsborough and Lincoln.
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.
A156 Lea Road, Gainsborough

Googly map
Streetmap links
A156 Lea Road, Gainsborough general view map
A156 Lea Road, Gainsborough close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
A156 Lea Road, Gainsborough



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Railway Gen Group
Lincoln Rail Gen
Photographic notes
The line effectively runs in a north to south direction and lies in a cutting with trees on both sides. Therefore, on sunny days this can restrict photography options.
However, the parapet wall of the bridge is at a nice convenient height, and for the patient photographer some good shots (especially using a zoom lens) can be obtained. There is a particularly good shot looking south which includes semaphore signals.
In late afternoon the sun lights up the line looking south, thus giving good shots of freight trains running toward Lea Road station.
Due to the cutting and trees it may be difficult to correctly guess aperture settings, particularly when the sun is hidden behind the trees, which creates a distinct light and shade effect.
Conversely, if the sun is not out then the location can seem rather dull and uninspiring photography wise!
However, these problems aside the location does offer some good shots, although photography would be more successful with an SLR camera with all the 'mod cons'.


General views - All photographs © Dr. John Binch unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 1 - Looking north

This photograph was taken from the overbridge in question and looking north towards Lea Road station. It also highlights the potential photographic problems associated with a cutting setting of this nature.

Fig 2 - Looking south


Fig 2 - Looking south

The overbridge described is visible in the distance. The bridge seems closer than it actually is due to the distortion caused by the zoom lens. The bridge visible beyond should not pose too many problems regarding photgraphy of trains from the ovebridge.

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