I visited this location for the first time on 17/2/04

The Arpley yard is situated to the South of the station Several calss 66, 37, 60 and 08 could be seen either from the track or from the alleyway and footpath which runs beside the depot.

To gain access to the path come out of the station and turn right at once keep to the building line and follow the caged wakway over a small footbridge and it will take you to a service road which runs around the outside edge of the depot.
Good binoculars may help for those further away.

Walking around the other side of the depot is allright if you need freight wagons but did not help with loco stock.

As for the station plenty of class 90 and 87 Virgin stock

Several loco hauled freight including 66 EWS and Freightliner, Class 56 and 37 both EWS and DRS through station in 4 hours. Particularly engineers type freight.

Watch out for the freight line that also runs under the station travelling east - west. Can be difficult to get the locos from the platform as there are porta cabins blocking vision to the running lines. But these can be seen from the walkway explained above.

Tried the hot buffet on the platform not a large selection of hot food, mainly microwavable burgers etc or soup and roll. Cold sandwiches and ciabbata and coffee that has stood in perculator for some time. The chocolate machine was broken.

There is a large car park beside which appears to be £5 for 24 hours but was full. I travelled by train so cant say when it got full.

I also saw a Whitbread Travel Inn just over the bridge if you are planning to stay the evening / night.