Written by Paul Eccles - 25 Jan 2004
last update by Paul Davis - 20 Mar 2005
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.
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.

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.
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.
Where on the map

Sun Compass
Open this Image in a new window and use as a sun compass with the links below.

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

Multimap links
Moreton Cutting East on new multimap
Moreton Cutting East general view map
Moreton Cutting East close up map
Moreton Cutting East aerial view (where available)

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Moreton Cutting East
Some areas not available at all zoom levels,.

Helpful location information
Weather forecast
Forum Discussion Thread
Discussion of Moreton Cutting East on the Trainspots Forum
Photographic notes
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.

If you do find this information useful then please feel free to mention how you 'found' the location on your website or magazine submission.
Offical Guidelines for Railway Enthusiasts
British Transport Police Guidelines for rail enthusiaist
Network Rail Guidelines for rail enthusiasts
ATOC/National Rail Guidelines for rail enthusiasts

If you see anything suspicious the British Transport Police can be contacted on their crime telephone number:
0800 405040
Help all us railway enthusiasts get a better name by helping the British Transport Police catch the cable thief's and vandals.
Links to photographs at this location
Thames Rail
Doug Thompson's Gallery
General views - All photographs © Paul Eccles unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking west


Fig 1 - Looking west


Fig 3 - Looking west


Fig 3 - Looking west


Fig 4 - Looking east


Fig 4 - Looking east


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