[tomos]

Architecture student seeking help on the subject of “trainspotting”.

Hello,

My name is Tom and I am an architecture student planning to do a small project on trainspotters in London. I understand that not everyone on this forum is a trainspotter but I hope that you can offer me some advice on the subject.

I am planning to convert selected derelict structures along the rail lines of London for the purpose of spotting trains. Located typically in-between stations, these structures will serve trainspotters in much the same way as huts for bird watchers. The sites I have selected run along the following lines:

Great Western Main line (including Heathrow Connect/Express)
West Coast Main Line
North London Line
Midland Main line
Brighton Main Line (including Tattenham Corner Line)
Stoke Newington and Edmonton Railway
Stansted Express
Hounslow Loop Line
Distrect Line (near Putney bridge and Kew bridge)
Central Line (near Hainault)
Piccadilly Line (near Cockfosters)

From an enthusiast’s perspective, are any of these lines more desirable to watch than others, and do people spot London Underground trains?
If you were to have a spotting hut, what would you want?

I also have some more generic questions:

Am I correct in thinking that the documentation is the most important ritual when trainspotting. If so, what is the most popular medium?
What duration of time will people spot trains for?
What are the main organizations/clubs in the London area?

If any of these could be answered, I would be extremely grateful.

Thanks, Tom