Looking at a flat next to rail station - do trees/shrubs and elevation help with noise?

Chilli6

I previously rented a flat with a train line about 20 metres from it.
Within a couple of weeks I didn't even notice them and that was despite the flat shaking a bit when freight trains went by. 
I'm a light sleeper but again they didn't wake me as it became familiar noise.
If I'd have been buying it would have put me off but now I've experienced it I would definately buy near one if I liked the place enough 

davidmcn

Weathergirl_76 said:

You could also possibly ask at the station if they have freight trains using that line and how often. 

Or look up the station on something like Real Train Times, which lists all train movements, including freight, engineering, empty stock etc.

nyermen

How major a station?  I ask because if it has slow and fast trains, then the fast ones will have to sound their air horns on approach.
I'm about 50metres (ish) from a track that leads into a mainish station, its only the horns that I really notice.  For comparison, the track is elevated, with trees in the way (as well as a couple of houses closer).

Section62

davidmcn said:

Weathergirl_76 said:

You could also possibly ask at the station if they have freight trains using that line and how often. 

Or look up the station on something like Real Train Times, which lists all train movements, including freight, engineering, empty stock etc.

RTT would have been my suggestion as well - but it needs to be checked for all days of the week and for multiple weeks to get a reasonable idea of whether occasional but very disruptive freight trains run. Some trains operate infrequently, but conversely future schedules may contain holding paths for trains that never run in practice.

The other issue is a quiet route which normally carries nothing but local passenger trains could be used as a diversion route for freight/long distance trains during engineering work elsewhere. The kind of work that often happens overnight/weekends/bank holidays when the non-normal traffic could be particularly disruptive to sleep or outdoor activities.

Section62

Ally_E. said:

I used to live in a flat that was right outside a rail station, trees really helped. However, one day we woke up and Network Rail have cut down all the mature birch trees that were blocking the view and noise from the train-track without any explanation. It became very different scenario with trains whizzing by, more noise and pollution.

^^This.

If the trees are on Network Rail land then be aware they have a bit of a reputation for removing all vegetation with little or no consultation with nearby residents.

Examples include the need to deal with autumn leaf-fall problems - and they can use the 'operational necessity' reason to justify an approach most other landowners would never get away with.

davidmcn

Section62 said:

Ally_E. said:

I used to live in a flat that was right outside a rail station, trees really helped. However, one day we woke up and Network Rail have cut down all the mature birch trees that were blocking the view and noise from the train-track without any explanation. It became very different scenario with trains whizzing by, more noise and pollution.

If the trees are on Network Rail land then be aware they have a bit of a reputation for removing all vegetation with little or no consultation with nearby residents.

Yes, I've experienced the "3am chainsaw massacre outside the bedroom window" myself at a previous house. Can't remember whether we got warned about that one but they did usually put letters through the door before planned night time work.