SIGNALLING INTEREST GROUP  OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA ( S. I. G. W. A. )

Our small group is fighting a battle against time with limited resources and too few members and we welcome any assistance in salvaging the knowledge from the past before it is lost forever. CAN YOU HELP? Your information may be just the piece of information needed to fill in the all too many blanks in our state's signalling history.

We are looking for the following:

Information about any signal cabin, lever frame or signalling installation that has ever existed, anywhere in Western Australia;

Copies of "Driver's sketch" drawings, or 'Weekly Notice' Diagrams of Signalling of any W. A. station;

Photographs of the Signalmen, Safeworking Technicians, Interlocking Fitters and / or Maintainers, Signals and Signal Cabins of Western Australia;

Assistance with compilation, processing and archiving of data about Signalling;

Donations of signalling artifacts, or even photographs of signalling items currently held in private collections;

Anecdotal stories or reminiscences of former Signalmen, or others with interesting stories to relate about signalling;

Assistance with restoring equipment and artifacts already 'saved from the scrapyard'.

It is not our intent to infringe existing copyright on any existing work. Therefore, suppliers of any information will be required to state (in writing or via e-mail), their relationship to the material supplied, and where the material is not the copyright of the supplier, the name of the copyright holder - or the source (provided this is known).

The Clackline Junction signal box was located on the island platform of this curiously-named station situated at 62 Miles 61 Chains from Fremantle along the Eastern Railway of the W. A. G. R. This station was notable as being the junction for the Newcastle (later named Toodyay) Branch. In apperance, the signal box was similar to the Mt. Helena signal cabin.

Four years prior to the provision of the signal box, signalling at Clackline Junction was very rudimentary, as can be seen from the following instructions to Drivers issued amongst other stations entries, on page 10 of the Appendix to Working Time Book No. 1 of September 1892,"

...Clackline. - Approaching Clackline Station from Beverley way, a single arm Semaphore is fixed on the Main Line, and used as a “Home Signal.” Branch Trains to approach Junction and Station very cautiously, and Driver to satisfy himself Line is clear..."

The railway through Clackline Junction was originally built as a single line, and worked under the rules governing the "Train Staff and Ticket system". From September 1892 the sections were:

Chidlow's Well to Clackline - Shape of Staff Handle: Round; Colour of Staff: Black and Yellow.
Clackline Junction to Spencer's Brook - Shape of Staff Handle: Round; Colour of Staff: Green and Yellow.
Clackline Junction to Newcastle (later named Toodyay) - Shape of Staff Handle: Round; Colour of Staff: Caledonian Grey.

The Appendix to the Working Time Table - 1st February, 1901 reveals that Clackline Junction, on the Eastern Railway - Fremantle to Northam section, was a 4th Class station. It was provided with a 250 foot 'UP' Passenger Platform (exclusive of ramps); a 250 foot long 'DOWN' Passenger Platform (exclusive of ramps); 40 foot loading banks - including horse & carriage, (exclusive of ramp); two 6000 gallon water tanks; a 40 foot Engine Turntable; a Station Master's House; Latrines for Ladies and Urinals for Gents provided and that the Station was situated on the Right and Left Hand Side 'ex Fremantle'. Many of these items can be seen in an excellent early photograph of Clackline Junction (a link to this, can be found elsewhere on this page - Ed.), which also shows the reservoir used for locomotive water. Page 5, of the same document further reveals that the "Electric Train Staff system" was in use through Clackline Junction on the Main Lines. The sections were then as follows:

Baker’s Hill to Clackline Junction was coloured RED with a Round shaped head.
Clackline Junction to Mokine was coloured BLUE with an Oblong shaped head.
The Newcastle (later named Toodyay) Branch was still worked under the "Train Staff and Ticket system" with the shape of Staff Handle being Round, and the Colour of the Staff being BLUE.

At the same time, the Local Instructions for the station read as follows:

Clackline Junction.
Engine Drivers and Guards must have their trains well under control when approaching this station on the Down journey. In the event of two trains approaching simultaneously, precedence must be given to the Up train, in order to avoid, whenever possible, stopping on the grade. When the Down train arrives first, it must be brought to a stand at the Home Signal (provided a train is also approaching from Newcastle) before being admitted into the station. Special care must be exercised to properly secure any trucks that have been detached and when temporarily allowed to stand in the loop, all brakes must be pinned down, and the leading vehicles spragged in the direction of Newcastle."

Author's Note: A Sprag was a square length of timber, approximately three feet in length, tapered at each end. The tapered ends were painted White. Sprags were placed in the spokes of the wheels of railway wagons to stop the wheels turning. This was intended to prevent vehicles from 'running away'. Guard's Vans were usually supplied with a quantity of these to assist in shunting and emergency situations. The term "Sprag" was also the nickname given to the Guard of a train.

These instructions were an early recognition of problems being experienced with working trains over the line's gradients. Four years later, an additional siding was provided. This was described in Weekly Notice 29 of 1905 as: "... a new loop off back platform road at Clackline is complete and fit for traffic. Points are connected to the signal cabin, and catch points at each end of the siding are provided with point indicators."

At about 5 p.m. on Thursday, 19th September, 1907 the duplication of the Eastern Railway was completed to Clackline Junction and the method of safeworking along the main lines changed to from single line Electric Staff working to double line Absolute Block working using Winters Two-Position instruments. As a result of this, the signal-box at Karrijine was cut out and "Not in Use" boards fixed on the signal arms there. The signals were of course eventually removed entirely.

Adjacent stations and cabins along the line over the years were - on the west side: Baker's Hill (formerly Mt. Baker); Koojedda; Karrijine (later Coates); Wundowie; Werribee; Wooroloo. On the Main Line - eastern side - was: 54 1/4 Mile Signal Box (a Block Box rendered obsolete with the coming of colour-light signalling); Mokine and Spencer's Brook - the junction station for lines to Northam and York.

This author is grateful to Mr. Alan Penstone for supplying copies of photos of a family waiting for a train at Clackline around 1946, amongst these images were a distance view from the rail side of the station building located on the Up Platform, and also, a closeup of the island platform station building taken from the Back Platform side. In this latter image, note the use of diagonal boarding on the signal box walls just under the windows. Also, the 'rodding tunnel' under the platform can be clearly seen. These substantial platforms still stand, but alas the timber buildings have all long gone.

On Tuesday, September 29, 1959, Diagram of Signalling C. C. E. 49260 was published in Weekly Notice 39 / 1959 and the Two-Position Absolute block signalling system between Koojedda and Clackline was suspended, as three-aspect Automatic Colour Light Signalling was introduced. Only the Down Home signals and the Up advanced starting signal were removed and replaced with Semi-Automatic Colour Light signals however, as the section via the 54 ¼ Mile Signal Box and Mokine to Spencer's Brook was still being worked by Absolute Block working using Winters Two-Position instruments.

An entry in W. N. 28 / 1960 pronounced:

"EASTERN RAILWAY - Clackline Spencers Brook - Signalling. - On Tuesday, 12th July, 1960. the following alterations to signalling will take place on the above mentioned route, and Diagram of Signalling Chief Civil Engineer 49260A as outlined on centre pages of this Weekly Notice will apply.
The "Two Position" block signalling system between Clackline and Spencers Brook will be suspended and Automatic Signalling introduced."
In addition it was stated that...
"...An illuminated diagram is provided in the signal box to show the condition of the adjacent track sections."

Foreshadowing things to come, Weekly Notice 4 / 1966 announced:

"EASTERN RAILWAY. - Miling Branch. - On Saturday, 5th February, 1966, the following Train Staff and Ticket Sections will be closed:-
CLACKLINE - KEY FARM. COLOUR, GREEN.
KEY FARM - TOODYAY. COLOUR, BLUE.

With the diversion of rail traffic to the Avon Valley Route on the 13th of February 1966, the future of the line through Clackline might have looked bleak, however the line remained in use through to Wundowie from Spencer's Brook and Spring Hill for about 15 years after the closure for ore trains to service the Wundowie Foundry. Apart from the copious quantity of trees that now obscure most of the turntable area, any keen hiker or signalling enthusiast replete with a signalling diagram of Clackline for guidance can easily find the station platforms, location of the signal cabin, and even the locations of the turntable pits, etc. The site is readily accessible, being only metres from the Great Eastern Highway, directly opposite the local General Store.

Information researched and supplied by Chris. French of Signalling WA;
Diagram of Signalling courtesy of the Australian Railway Historical Society (W. A. Div. Inc.) Archives.
Photograph of Clackline Junction © courtesy Battye Library
Photograph of Sprag © and courtesy Chris. French.
Photograph Clackline Signal cabin supplied by Alan Penstone
Thanks to David Beazley for additional information.

Further information; corrections and reminiscences about this signal cabin are always sought - Can YOU Help?

CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW FOR A LARGER VIEW

Clackline Exterior - 90Kb	Clackline Diagram - 106Kb
The photo above, shows the tunnel under the platform for the point rodding. To see an excellent, detailed photo of Clackline in it's early years, click on the photo above.
The diagram above, being C. C. E. 49260A, gives a full lever description of Clackline and includes diagrams of Baker's Hill and Mokine. To see the entire Diagram of Signalling for Clackline in it's final decade, click on the partial image above.

NOTICE: The previously featured cabin Merredin has been moved to the WA Signal Cabin Archive

Thank you for your interest, and your time. The featured cabin will be changed as time permits, so please visit again.

The Signal Cabins and Signal Boxes previously featured on this page can now be purchased in the book
"SIGNAL CABINS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA"
In most cases, the previously featured cabins have been updated and more information has been included.
Details and Orders

NOTICE The information used in the S. I. G. W. A. 'Featured Cabins' on this, and the Archive Pages may not yet be complete. From time to time, and sometimes as a result of a cabin being featured, additional information is subsequently submitted. This information may not necessarily be reflected in the official signal cabin record cards to hand. Whilst we strive to portray the signal cabins of Western Australia in as much detail as we can, we welcome any additional information which increases the accuracy of our presentations. Such is the lot of any work in progress.

Have you visited the Signalling Interest Group of WA news page? To find out about what's happening in
Western Australian signalling preservation scene (not just S. I. G. W. A. ) click on the button below:

1979 W. A. G. R. Metropolitan District system map: To locate the archived cabins listed, click on the map image for the complete map - (124K)

If you have found this page interesting and would like to tell us so, or would like to contact the Signalling Interest Group of W. A. to assist us with information, please mail us by clicking on the envelope: 

If you prefer 'Snail Mail' you can always post to: Signalling Interest Group of W. A. c/o P. O. Box 250, Armadale, Western Australia 6992.

| Featured Cabin | Signalling Links | Claremont Signal Cabin | Attendance Book | Alterations |

Links to other signalling resources:

Resources and Link pages:

Western Australian Semaphore Signal Site: W. A. G. R. Semaphore Signals NEW

John Hinson's excellent British Signalling Site: The Signal Box Recommended

Railway Technical Web Pages - an excellent site with Signalling from many countries: Signalling Pages Index Recommended

The Signalling and Railway disaster Site: Danger Ahead..!

The New York Subway Signalling site: New York Subway

The Railway link Site with hundreds of Links: RailServe

The Railway link Site with thousands of Links:
International Railway Links

Historical Model Railway Society Links

Search - Railpage Australia

Chris Gordon's Victorian (Australia) signalling pages:V. R. Signals and Signal Cabins and MORE! Highly Recommended

Signals & Safeworking of N. S. W.; South Australia; Western Australia; Victoria - including Sydney Electrics; Trams & Trolley Buses: Andrew's Rail & Tram Site Recommended

Additional information Resources & Libraries for Signalling Research:

The Battye Library for Western Australia's railway history at the: Alexander Library of W. A.

Signalling Equipment Companies:

Union Switch & Signal Company Inc. Home Page: Union Switch & Signal 

Westinghouse Signals Australia Westinghouse 

Siemens Signals Siemens

Upper Quadrant Signalling Semaphores!

Professional Signalling and Research Groups:

The Institution of Railway Signalling Engineers Home Page: I. R. S. E.

Office of Rail Safety - W. A. Transport Western Austrlia New Link !

The Signalling Record Society U. K. S. R. S. - U. K.

Clive Feather's Signalling pages: C.D.W.F.

Groups with operating and / or preserved Signal Cabins or Signalling:

A.R.H.S. W. A. Division Inc.:  Bassendean Museum

Exeter West. The 131 lever, restored former G.W.R. signal Cabin by:  The Exeter West Group 

The Railway Age - 3 full size signal boxes and many signalling displays in Crewe, England:  The Railway Age museum. 

The Romsey Signal Box Project:  The Romsey Signal Box Group

The Bluebell Railway's S. & T. Dept.: Bluebell S & T

The South Devon Railway's S. & T. Dept.: S. D. R. S. & T.

The Midland Railway Signalman's Association: Midland Signalmen

CLAREMONT SIGNAL CABIN Links:

The MAIN Claremont Cabin page: To the Claremont Cabin @ The Signal Box

The Western Australian page: To the Claremont Cabin

Signalling Simulations:

Showing great potential for making 'virtual models' of real stations! Trainz

Siam Signalling and Driving Simulations. These have been around since the days of the C=64..! Siam

PC-Rail Simulations: PC - Rail

Train Despatcher - American and Australian Train control programs:  Train Despatcher

An Australian site with some of the above programs:  Series 567 Railvideo

Signalling in Miniature:

A 7 1/4" gauge railway with a great signalling system - The Great Cockrow Railway. England: Great Cockrow Railway's S & T Dept.

A 7 1/4" gauge railway with a great signalling system - Victorian practice:  Diamond Valley Railway

Signalling Models:

A supplier of superb S Scale (3/16" to the Foot) signal parts to suit modellers of New Zealand or Queensland or W. A. G. R. narrow (3' 6") gauge railways. These are highly accurate representations of the McKenzie & Holland Somersault signals and associated equipment used by these railways: New Zealand Finescale Highly Recommended!

Electronics & Computer control for Signalling Models:

A software supplier in the U. S. A. that makes controlling your signalled layout fast, easy, and fun. CTI allows you to interface your entire model railroad to any IBM compatible computer: CTI Electronics Recommended!

| Signalling Research | Featured Cabin | Claremont Signal Cabin | Attendance Book | Alterations |

You are visitor number:

to The Signalling Interest Group of W. A. page since 01/01/1999

SIGN the ATTENDANCE BOOK READ the ATTENDANCE BOOK

This site is a member of WebRing. To browse visit Here.

Page updated & Featured Cabin changed 27/03/2006

| Signalling Research | Featured Cabin | Signalling Links | Claremont Signal Cabin | Attendance Book |

G'day. My name's Chris French, (in case you haven't already guessed from the address) and this page (and others) are a part of my corner of the web. If you're reading this, I'm glad you dropped in to learn a little about signalling in Western Australia. You see, signal cabins are my speciality, having joined in 1975, the then Western Australian Government Railways. I had been interested in railway signalling for many years prior to this, but had the opportunity of working as a "Telephone Boy" in one of Perth's busiest Signal Cabins - "C" Cabin Perth - naturally, I took it! I worked for almost two years in that cabin, and assisted the various Signalmen whilst I studied for my railway Safeworking examinations. After passing my exams, I started on a path that was to see me learn most of the signal cabins of the Perth Metropolitan area. Signalling is a most responsible job, which has now all but gone here in Western Australia - replaced by computerised technology, job restructuring and workplace 'reforms'. So it is in the memory of this type of work, that I dedicate these pages. I hope you have found them interesting, and that you will come back again soon.

To find out what else I'm interested in, you can go to my Home Page: Merlin's Tower