Hi to you enthusiasts

[ChuffChuffpuff]

Hello everyone

does any one have a number one piece of advice to give me to get me startedin this new hobby?

[pre65]

Originally Posted by ChuffChuffpuff

Hello everyone

does any one have a number one piece of advice to give me to get me startedin this new hobby?

Depends what your interests are.

You are in a prime position to see the Felixstowe freight trains.

[ChuffChuffpuff]

freight is good but i prefer passanger units! I've heard Colchester is a good place to start??

[pre65]

Originally Posted by ChuffChuffpuff

freight is good but i prefer passanger units! I've heard Colchester is a good place to start??

Must admit I quite like Manningtree myself.

[ChuffChuffpuff]

brilliant! thanks so much you must be a dab hand at this. do you have any advice on what sort of kit i should take? thyanks again

[pre65]

Originally Posted by ChuffChuffpuff

brilliant! thanks so much you must be a dab hand at this. do you have any advice on what sort of kit i should take? thyanks again

Well, A notebook and pen if you like recording numbers. And a camera if you want pictures.
The anorak is optional.

There is even a bar at the station. Be prepared to pay for parking however.

[ChuffChuffpuff]

my friend has taken a number of pictures, but they seem to be a bit fuzzy, would you recommend tripod? I am not sure if I can stretch to a zoom lens.
nice one about the anorak! will dig out my old favorite from BHS

[pre65]

Use the camera you have and see how things go. No point in spending unless you have to.

Must admit I can't get the hang of digital cameras and action shots.

[48111]

Yes good afternoon and welcome to the Forum.
A briliant site with lots of friendly people and advice is always available.....enjoy.

48111

[33056]

Originally Posted by ChuffChuffpuff

my friend has taken a number of pictures, but they seem to be a bit fuzzy, would you recommend tripod? I am not sure if I can stretch to a zoom lens.

No need for a tripod unless you want to do night shots or time exposures, a zoom lens will give you more flexibility but it is perfectly possible to manage with a fixed lens. With regard to fuzzy shots, they can be avoided by:
a) making sure you (or the camera if it has autofocus!) focus properly
b) when taking something moving, use a high enough shutter speed to freeze the subject, 1/250 second should be adequate for stuff pottering around at fairly slow speed. With regard to fast moving freight or passenger you need to be looking at 1/400 second or (preferably) higher.

Anyway, whatever you decide to do, the main thing is to enjoy yourself

PS if you want to take up spotting, you will find one of these useful