Easiest way to Elford loop is head out of Tamworth on B5493.
At traffic lights turn left onto A513 then immeadiately turn right onto Wiggington rd and follow this for around 3 miles.Just before the village of Harlaston turn left (signposted Lichfield).Follow this road for 1 mile until you pass over the railway. Parking is good for 4 cars (seen it) but pull in close as you can to fence as minor road is used as a short cut to A513 hence busy at times.
Rail traffic is the same as top level at Tamworth station with the addition of the loop for freight but a better location for photography as the line is on a long gentle curve.
Line speed is at present 90mph and you usually hear the approaching train before you see it.
From coming into veiw to passing the bridge takes most trains about 10 secs,plenty of time to get that picture.
As for traffic expect to see class 150/153/156/158/170/220/221 plus the usual 60/66 and the odd class 31/47 but these are becoming rarer.
In a typical hour expect around 12 trains ( ie every 5 mins) and of these 1 or 2 freight.
There is a shop at the village of Harlaston but not sure about toilets besides Tamworth is only 4 miles away.