The use of the Weymouth Wizard name was actually a revival of a title used by the Western Region of British Railways between 1981 and 1985 on a locomotive-hauled high summer midweek special.

At the time the Chippenham-Trowbridge stretch of line was under threat of closure and the success of this train went some way to laying the foundations for the route to re-open under the terms of the 'Speller Act' with a limited, experimental passenger service commencing in May 1985.

For the later HST service GWR collaborated with the Heart of Wessex Line to promote rail travel along the popular route.

Previously First Great Western operated a summer Saturday service on the route with hired in Class 67s and Mark 2 carriages.

Its presence in the siding led to some complaints from adjacent residents, as the engines were initially left running in the absence of any 'shore' power supply.