East Croydon is a very busy suburban station in South London, situated just south of where the main lines from London Bridge and Victoria merge. It is also still in the London travel card area so worth a visit if after units.
As you would expect with this part of the Southern Region, the movements are dominated by passenger trains, with a few regular freight workings to Purley and Crawley New Yard. Also you can get freight diversions which are heading for the channel tunnel via Redhill and Tonbridge. These are more likley at the weekends and late at night.
Three main operators here with Southern being the main one, with all operated classes seen here, including the 171's. Also Thameslink 319's serve the station and Gatwick Express pass through. There is also an hourley South Eastern service between London Bridge and Tonbridge with normally 508's and occasional 375's, normally 375 3's. Virgin Cross Country also operate a couple of services through here, normally with 220's but very occasionally a 221.
For anybody doing track machines, there is a small depot to north of the station on the up side, which normally has something in. This can be seen from the station, but you will need bins to read the machines. However the stock is clearly visible from passing trains.
Photography is best from the northern ends of the platforms, with 3/4 probably being the best.
There are pleanty of places to eat, mainly on the station concorse, but you must have a ticket as there are barriers which are manned at all times.
Just a note for any one into trams, Croydon Tramlink passes the station entrace.