1973

The sad remains of the previous station are evident in this eastward view, which includes the then new enclosed footbridge and glazed ticket office. Part of the framework of the traditional canopy on the left still survives today and, indeed, has recently been extended as part of the latest station rebuilding scheme. 4 EPB No. 5207 is seen departing the then new platform 1 with a service to Charing Cross via Bexleyheath, which had originated from Gravesend. Note the old-fashioned guard's van at the rear of the engineers' train. © David Glasspool Collection

January 1983

Most of the former goods yard site was taken over for car parking, partly for the station and partly for then new council offices. The site can be seen in this capacity on the right-hand side of this picture, upon the hill. We see Route 494, for Eglinton Road in Swanscombe, at Dartford Home Gardens bus stop, the closest to the railway station. Behind the bus, on the left, can be seen a factory of J & E Hall Engineering. The main offices of this company are also in view – these were housed in the red brick building on the right, which can be seen overlooking the station car park. © David Glasspool Collection

1985

Burroughs Wellcome's pharmaceutical complex forms the backdrop of this view depicting the western approaches of Dartford. A pair of Class 33 diesels are seen fronting a long formation of ''Brett'' hopper wagons, presumably from Cliffe Gravel Works and bound for Angerstein Wharf. © Chris

1985

To the east of Dartford station exists rolling stock sidings, which have been a feature in this chalk cutting since the days of the SER. The photograph on the left shows a Class 47 hauling ARC hoppers from Allington (near Maidstone), a working which was usually in the hands of a Class 56 by this time. The 2 EPB alongside is BR-designed No. 6269. The photograph on the right depicts a Class 73 Electro-Diesel hauling cement tanks, with the platforms of the station just visible in the background. Both: © Chris