Wareham

The goods yard at Wareham closed to general traffic 4th May 1970 but despite steam ceasing in 1967 the water tank was not demolished until 1972. Electric services commenced on 16th May 1988 replacing the twenty one year old push-pull operation on the line by a class 33/1 locomotive and TC units between Bournemouth and Weymouth. Since electrification the western crossover is regularly used by services from the east terminating at Wareham.

The level crossing carrying the A351 over the tracks had long been a bottle neck to road traffic in the area, especially during the summer holiday season, and it was replaced by a road over-bridge which opened on 3rd April 1980. A foot crossing over the tracks at the site of the level crossing has been retained. Despite the closure of the Swanage branch Wareham has remained the railhead for the Isle of Purbeck and buses connect with train services, though inconveniently not from the substantial station forecourt.

The 8:00 a.m .departure from Waterloo formed by Class 442 Nº442413 terminating at Wareham on 16th September 2000. Due to its delayed arrival London bound passengers were asked to join the train on the down platform and it reversed from there with passengers on board.

photograph by Colin Duff.

Several days earlier both the up (left) and down (right) platforms are empty. The current car park extending into the site of the former down bay can be seen. The space formerly occupied by the up bay is still vacant.

photograph by Graeme Pettit

The LSWR canopy supports are now painted in a South West Trains colour scheme.

photograph by Graeme Pettit

Wareham signal box on the 16th September 2000.....

photograph by Colin Duff

..... and its rear elevation several days earlier.

photograph by Graeme Pettit

All photographs are copyright

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This page was last updated 3 December 2002