11th May 1985

British Rail
Melksham Station Reopening Special

DMU Used set B438 (formed: W51339+W59492+W51382)

Route : 

DMU Route
as listed Melksham - Thingley Jn - Chippenham - Wootton Bassett Jn - Swindon
as listed Swindon - (reverse of outward route) - Melksham

Notes : 
(1) Melksham railway station, located between Chippenham and Trowbridge, opened in September 1848 but was closed under the 'Beeching Axe' with services ending on Saturday April 16th 1966 and closure taking effect from Monday 18th.  Following public pressure and after the relocation of Western Region administrative facilities to Western House, Swindon in 1984 it was decided to reopen the station under the terms of the 'Speller Act' for an experimental period of two years from May 1985. A special commemorative train ran on Saturday May 11th 1985 for invited guests, dignitaries and members of the public who were able to buy tickets, timetabled trains then commencing on Monday 13th May. Both cab ends carried a special sticker that read: 'Business Again at the New Melksham Station'.

Source : Guy Vincent

Photo Review


Reopening special at Melksham  (photo: Tony Seager)


Tony Seager's ticket.


Timings (Booked Only)
(from Guy Vincent)

Location Booked (out) Booked (rtn)
Melksham 10.15d 11.30a
Swindon 10.47a 11.02d


Associated E.C.S. Workings

Location Booked (out) Booked (rtn)
Westbury 09.35d 11.50a
Melksham 09.50a 11.35d


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