Rob Alipen

Tracking the lines. Capturing the history.

Welcome to the Platform

I'm Rob, and when I'm not untangling complex IT infrastructure, you can find me trackside. This blog is where I log my favorite spots, rare locomotive catches, and the photography I capture along the UK rail network.

"There is a unique rhythm to the railways—a mechanical history still moving through the modern landscape."

Recent Spotting Log

A quick look at what has passed through my lens recently.

Date	Locomotive Class	Livery / Details	Location
May 10, 2026	Class 66 (66779)	GBRf "Evening Star"	Crewe Station
May 4, 2026	Class 43 (HST)	InterCity 125 Heritage	York
April 28, 2026	LNER Peppercorn Class A1	60163 Tornado (Steam)	Carlisle

Top Spotting Locations

If you're looking for great vantage points and heavy traffic, these are my regular haunts:

Crewe Heritage Centre: Excellent views of the West Coast Main Line.
Stafford Station: A brilliant junction for freight and express passenger services.
Doncaster: The birthplace of the Mallard and a hub for East Coast traffic.
Dawlish Sea Wall: Unbeatable coastal scenery for passenger train photography.

Got a tip on a rare movement?

I'm always looking to connect with fellow enthusiasts. Drop me an email:

rob.alipen@ralipen.com