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 |