( 2021-2022 entry / exit figures : 176 148 )
The station was opened in 1874, a little later than others on the line, and was originally named ‘barracks’ after the Invicta Parks Barracks nearby. A simple wooden platformed affair, both platforms were to be accessed by the road bridge via wooden steps.
It wouldn’t be long until a basic wooden station building was built on the Strood bound platform in 1876. This had a canopy extending along it, and toilet facilities. Goods facilities were provided a year later, running along side the paddock wood bound side, and these were further enhanced with two further sidings serving the malt houses.
Electrification arrived in the late 1930’s, and this extended to the sidings, which also gained concrete pathways. These would be used to store Electric Multiple Units. The platforms were also rebuilt in to concrete structures around the same time.
The early 1960’s saw a replacement of the wooden steps on the bridge to concrete ones, and unfortunately this is also when the Malt house sidings became disused. It was mainly downhill from here on in, as the 1980s saw the canopy reduced in length and the Multiple unit sidings closed.
The 1990s saw the buildings demolished, to be replaced only simple shelters, and little has changed since, the remaining sidings being have now gone and replaced by industrial units.
The bridge you see below carries the Kent Downs line, and can offer some good photographs if the timing is right.
At time of writing, passenger services are provided by class 375 electric multiple units, at a frequency of two per hour in each direction.
Although now quite a baron station, the fact of the two running bridges being close together, give this station a unique standing compared to others on the line. A distinct lack of parking makes this station only really accessible by foot or rail, but good, and indeed unique, views of rolling stock can be had here, however the surroundings are quite noisy so photography rather than videography is probably the best option.
Below is a video taken at the station :
Click for the Kent Community Rail Partnership
Rainham Rail Enthusiast 