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Have you got a photo?
 
 
With anorak off:
 
I don't think this graffitti relates to trainspotting. There is a highly structured and elaborate series of rituals involving trainspotting, and in my observation this does not include grafitti. Indeed, it does not always involve direct communication at all. I would suggest this is probably something to do with railway operations and station staff than trainspotting.
 
 
With anorak on:
 
'GW 2610' probably refers to a Great Western locomotive No.2610. This was one of the last to be built of the 'Aberdare' class of 2-6-0 locomotives (numbered 2600-2680), which were built at Swindon between 1900 and 1908. These were designed for hauling goods trains, and stayed in service until the late 1930s. Some were kept in reserve during the war. Some detailed research will tell you the history of this locomotive and when and where this locomotive was shedded; Taunton was a key part of the west country network.
 
 
Good luck!
 
 
Paul
 

 

From: Discussion List for Contemporary and Historical Archaeology [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of SCHOFIELD, John
Sent: 21 January 2009 10:25
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Trainspotting

Dear all

 

I have found what I think might be trainspotters’ graffiti at Taunton railway station. On the wall at the far (south-west) end of the north-bound platform (Platform 5) is what appears fairly old chalk graffiti on the brick-work. It lists places (Manchester, Crewe, Reading etc) and also lists what I think are train numbers (GW2610 for example). I am going to start looking at other stations on my travels, but if others have noticed these graffiti anywhere, or can shed light on them I’d be interested. In particular, is this a recognised way of trainspotters communicating with each other, before the introduction of pagers, mobile phones etc? Is this a version of what trainspotters put in their note-books? Does trainspotting have a recognised and agreed methodology, as is/was communication through graffiti a part of that?

 

Thanks.

 

John  


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