Dursley Station
 

Dursley station, in common with the others on the line, was built in the distinctive style of the independent Dursley and Midland Junction Railway. It was ready for the opening of the line in September 1856 and the building survived until the last passenger train ran on September 10th 1962, a working life of 106 years. In fact the station building itself lasted until the line finally closed to all traffic in July 1970.
The building was of red brick construction, with a slate roof, tall chimneys and all round canopies. Accommodation within the building initially consisted of a waiting room, booking hall and booking office although this was extended in 1890 to include a stationmaster's office.
The location of Dursley station, some distance from the town centre, at the lower end of Long Street, meant that it was at a great disadvantage when bus competition came along in the 20th century. It also suffered from lack of space due to being hemmed in by the vast buildings of R.A.Lister although the factory provided a significant portion of the goods carried over the branch.

 
  Picture Gallery (Click on picture for larger view)
    Dursley Station in the early 20th Century
This view of the station, taken from the lower end of Long Street, shows the unique style of the Dursley and Midland Junction Railway buildings with their tall chimneys and all-round canopy.
(1902 - courtesy Ian Thomas)
 
    Farewell to the soldiers
Crowds throng the railings at Dursley Railway Station to cheer off soldiers as they return to battle during World War Two. The short siding in the foreground was often used by Mawdsley's.
(c1943 - courtesy David Evans)
 
    Local branch train arrives at Dursley
Mr Edwin (Ted) Spilsbury (pictured) was for many years the guard on the Dursley to Coaley line and was also at one time a Parish Councillor. Here he waits alongside engine 41727 after it has arrived with the local passenger train from Coaley Junction. Some of the buildings of Lister's can be seen on the left.
(1950s - courtesy Ian Thomas)
 
    Dursley Station SLS centenary tour
On the centenary of the line's opening, the Stephenson Locomotive Society ran a special train over the branch. Tickets for the trip cost 12/6 and also included a trip down the closed Nailsworth and Thornbury branch lines. This view shows some of the group gathered around the engine in Dursley station.
(August 25th 1956 - copyright Bailey newspaper Group)
 
    Dursley Station from the lineside
This view gives a clear view of the canopy and platform at Dursley. The obligatory fire buckets hang on the wall and the 4:40pm return to Coaley awaits departure.
(April 13th 1962 - copyright David Aldred)
 
    Final passengers at Dursley
On the last day of its passenger carrying life, Dursley Station plays host to engine 46527 as it prepares to return to Coaley Junction.
(September 8th 1962 - copyright Bill Potter)
 
    Dursley goods yard engine
After closure of the station to passengers the line survived for another 8 years. This view shows one of the goods yard engines, D9500, with a train of trucks.
(May 16th 1966 - copyright Bill Potter)
 
    Dursley goods yard engine close-up
A close-up view of engine D9500 which used to shunt the yard in the 1960s.
(May 16th 1966 - copyright Bill Potter)
 
    Last BR engine at Dursley
The last British Rail engine to work over the branch line, D6342, here hauls a few trucks against the backdrop of the Lister's factory.
(June 28th 1968 - copyright Gilroy Kerr)
 
    Panoramic view of Dursley goods yard
Lister's sidings and goods yard with the buildings of Dursley Station in the background.
(April 6th 1965 - copyright Ben Ashworth)
 
    Dursley branch near to Lister's machine shop
Engine 78001 propels its trucks past the buildings of Lister's machine shop on the Dursley branch line. The brick engine shed used by the branch engine is in the background. The cottage opposite it was at this time disused but was once used by the engine driver.
(April 6th 1965 - copyright Ben Ashworth)
 
    Lone diesel at Dursley Station
Surrounded by the derilection of the goods yard near the end of its life, engine D6342 waits at the northern end of the station platform.
(June 28th 1968 - copyright Terry Bruton)
 
    DMU in Dursley
A Diesel Multiple Unit special excursion train rests at the end of the truncated branch line while its passengers record the moment.
(March 1969 - courtesy David Evans)
 
    Dursley Station near the end of its life
Still an attractive station building although completely surrounded by industrial development, Dursley Station lingers on through the 1960's after passenger traffic had ceased.
(1965 - courtesy Ian Thomas)
 
    Dursley Station swansong
Viewed through the railings the solitude of the now unused station at Dursley can be sensed.
(1960s - copyright Bill Turner)
 
    Fire buckets at Dursley Station
Hanging on until the end the old fire buckets at Dursley make a colourful sight.
(1960s - copyright Bill Turner)