News of signalling activities of other railway groups in Western Australia not already covered, may also be included - if provided. Notes from observers of Westrail signalling alterations are also encouraged.

News from the Signalling Interest Group of Western Australia

NEWS to 01/10/2006:

On-going: As and when time permits - information retrieval from various sources. Including: collection of signalling alterations from Weekly Notices; photocopying and/or transcribing of this information into document files and archiving of photographs. Updating of web pages.

29th July 2006: Restoration of Smith’s Mill Railway Signal

The old semaphore Home Signal in Morgan John Morgan Reserve Glen Forrest was restored in time for the 2006 Trek the Trail, thanks to a unique partnership between local heritage groups and businesses. Trek the Trail is the Shire of Mundaring's premier annual community event. Cyclists, runners, and walkers "put their sole into it" each year by trekking over a different section of the former railway formation Heritage Trail. This year's route was between Mundaring and Darlington and therefore passed through Glen Forrest. The remains of the Glen Forrest Distant were also passed on the way, but it is unlikely that many would have recognised these ruins. The Home Signal however was easily recognisable, yet was in a very poor condition.

In the years since the closure and removal of the line, the had signal stood as the sole remnant of the railway station which was once located in the hills suburb now known as Glen Forrest. As some of the parts of the signal were damaged by years of exposure and could have caused a significant safety hazard if left unaddressed. Accordingly, an authentic replacement signal arm was donated by S. I. G. W. A. member Chris French and conserved by Ruth McCole of the Mundaring and Hills Historical Society. Time was also taken to re-glaze the Spectacle Plate.
With the aid of a cherry picker provided by Total Tree Services, the parts were then installed and painted by Chris and Ruth, with paint donated by Glen Forrest Hardware Store. Ms McCole said that the classic semaphore signal was installed at the former Smith’s Mill Station in 1913. It is now one of the few (and possibly the only) signal of its type in the State still in its original location.
Smith’s Mill was a very busy station in its heyday. In 1893, the outward tonnage of goods exceeded its nearest rival, Fremantle, by more than 1,000 tonnes.

19th September 2004: In an effort to make signalling history more widely available, Chris. French, founder of the Signalling Interest Group of W. A. has published "Signal Cabins in Western Australia". Edited and published by fellow historian Ruth McCole of Historical Highlights, the book contains the first 29 signal cabins previously featured on the Signalling Interest Group of W. A.'s web site, plus new pages on the history of Mount Helena signal cabin (formerly known as "Lion Mill". The book incorporates a removable binding that permits the updating of pages (when and if subsequently issued) with the intention of creating an expandable signalling resource. Details and Orders

9th September 2001: In a further attempt to source elusive information about the W. A. G. R.'s Electric Train Staff and Ticket instruments, manufactured by the Railway Signal Co. of Liverpool, England. A letter has been sent to the Signal Record Society in England. This has subsequently been published in the Sept. / Oct. 2001 edition (No.89) of "The Signalling Record" - but without the illustration which was sent. Here is the image that should have been published for those interested. Hope you can help us.

20th January 2000: The latest word back from knowledgeable sources in England regarding the Electric Train Staff and Ticket once used by the W.A.G.R. and reported in "One Bell" on 21st September is, quote: "You have stumbled upon a great mystery here!" So, the quest for enlightenment continues..!

17th January 2000: S.I.G.W.A. placed a repeat advertisement in the West Australian newspaper's Can You Help? column seeking assistance with the project and or the donation of material, stories, photographes, etc. In response to this,in the week that followed, four responses have been received, this time mainly via electronic media (telephone & e-mail). As a result of this least there is at least one potential new volunteer for S.I.G.W.A. We look forward to meeting him shortly.

11th January 2000: A new database has been set up to record all the Diagrams of Signalling currently held by S.I.G.W.A. - there are quite literally hundreds yet to input, so this will become part of our "on-going" tasks.

10th December 1999: At the 465th general meeting of the A.R.H.S. (W.A. Div. Inc.) S.I.G.W.A. (and A.R.H.S.) member Chris French offered to undertake a 'stocktake' of the signalling equipment recently donated to the Rail Transport Museum by Westrail following the closure of the signal maintenance workshops at Forrestfield. It has since seemed prudent to extend this offer so that a complete picture of the signalling equipment held at the museum can be ascertained.
Also, the manning of the museum's signal cabin for RailFest 2001 by S.I.G.W.A. has been offered. We hope to be putting together an interpretive program for the signal cabin similar to the one currently in use in the Claremont Cabin. The museum's cabin has an interesting history in itself, being a combination of the Carlisle structure, surrounding the Maddington cabin's lever frame and depicting the era of two-position block working! Explaining all this will certainly be a challenge!

21st September 1999: S.I.G.W.A. member Chris French has uncovered evidence of the former existence and use in Western Australia of a form of railway safeworking previously unknown to S.I.G.W.A. members - Electric Train Staff and Ticket. An image of instruments has been found which clearly shows the maker's name, and the operating rules for their use on the W.A.G.R. are being transcribed. More information on their useage, and the sections over which these instruments were used is required, so if anyone has any information, this will be gratefully received. The search for additional information is shrouded in confusion however, as there seems to have been some 'mis-information' about the correct name for the 'tickets' - these being possibly (and more correctly) named 'tokens'. The quest for clarity continues..!

6th September 1999: S.I.G.W.A. placed an advertisement in the West Australian newspaper's Can You Help? column seeking assistance with the project and or the donation of material, stories, photographes, etc. In the week that followed, five responses were forthcoming; two from retired W.A.G.R. Signalmen, and the rest from relatives of former Signalmen, but now, sadly deceased.
Retired Karrakatta and Mt.Lawley Signalman Arthur Brean has submitted a batch of black and white negatives for the production of prints. These are real 'gems' and show a very different Mt.Lawley than can be seen today. One image clearly shows the interior of the Mt.Lawley Signal Cabin and this is just the sort of information that we hoped to uncover. Others have sent in personal reminiscences which adds volumes to the personal element of the facts gathered. S.I.G.W.A. thanks all those that replied, and look forward to further developments in the future.

25th June 1999: S.I.G.W.A. was pleased to receive from Mr. Geoff Smith, a fellow railway researcher, some personal reminiscences and two photographs of the Electric Staff cabin at Shotts, which is between Collie and Muja in the state's South Western coal district. Thanks Geoff, that's just the sort of information that adds the human touch to our research.

Saturday 5th - Monday 7th June 1999: Members of S.I.G.W.A. were pleased to present a display at Perth's annual Australian Model Railway Association's 1999 Model Railway Exhibition. 5759 visitors came to the exhibition, and there was a great deal of interest shown in our stand over the three days. Many people were seemingly mesmerized by the workings of the model interlocking frame and explanations of Staff and Ticket working. A PC presentation was running on the Sunday and Monday explaining what S.I.G.W.A. is doing, and how. Many demonstrations were given of the S.I.G.W.A. web site, also loaded onto the PC. At the trophy presentations, the group was considerably heartened by the news that we rated a mention (as a 3rd place runner-up) to a trophy as 'Best presented non-trade stand'. Not bad for technically the group's first 'outing', maybe next year, we will do even better!

Special thanks must go to Morris Cooper of Armadale, (the person in charge of the signals at the Castledare Miniature Railway), who has provided some photocopies of articles of the W.A.G.R. Eastern Railway colour light resignalling project of 1962 / 1963. These photocopies have given us a valuable insight into the project as presented at the time of its implementation, and have revealled some clues to the origins of the 3 position block instruments used by the W.A.G.R. Thanks again Morris!

Sunday 21st - 30th March 1999: Members of S.I.G.W.A. were pleased to be of assistance to interstate visitor and member of the Signalling Record Society (Victoria) - Chris Guy. Chris is on a short holiday from Victoria, and was shown the Claremont Signal Cabin, and the signalling on the Bennett Brook railway, Whiteman Park. Also, (whilst S.I.G.W.A. members returned to paid work), Chris travelled the country side, finding the last remnants of our once prolific signalling system. His report of the current state of the derelict Narrogin cabin was disturbing. Before returning east, Chris will be visiting the A.R.H.S. museum at Bassendean (and he hopes, time permitting) the Northam Railway Preservation Society's museum in the old station Northam.

Sunday 21st February 1999: Another visit to the Bennett Brook railway ended up in an impromptu discussion regarding 'approach locking' in W.A.G.R. lever cabins, and the best way this could be carried out for the Subiaco cabin when connected up to its new home.

Sunday 14th February 1999: A visit to the Bennett Brook railway to view the relocated Subiaco Signal Cabin turned into a bit of a 'Busman's holiday'. An initial tour of the cabin, revealed it was well on the way to being put back together. The catch-handle spring boxes removed from some levers during the re-location were re-bolted, and the electrical interlocking in the 'between decks' area (interlocking room) was disabled.

BACKGROUND:

The Signalling Interest Group of Western Australia began life in 1994, as the research arm of the Claremont Cabin Group. It is privately funded, with a very small number of members. The aim is to research the signalling of the railways of Western Australia and restore whatever we can of the signalling equipment used in this state.

To date, much of our efforts have been directed towards the continued research of the Claremont Signal Cabin with activities centered around providing the best possible display of this cabin's equipment. Once a month, between March and December, we provide the 'guides' for the Claremont Cabin public open days.

Whilst researching the Claremont Cabin, it became apparent that information on a great many signal cabins could be collected at the same time. To this end, a number of filing systems; databases and spreadsheets have been developed and maintained, both in hard copy, and on a personal computer. This ambitious project will, we hope, lead to the production of a comprehensive resource, detailing all of the signal cabins, signalling equipment and safe working / operational procedures in the state of Western Australia.

Signalling news from the preserved Claremont Signal Cabin

NEWS to 01/10/2006:

COMING SOON: Saturday 14th October 2006: The Claremont Signal Cabin - the Only Perth metropolitan railway signal cabin that still stands in the location where it was built, reaches it's Centenary. Download the poster here and please feel free to print and distribute. Note: The normal Public Open Day scheduled for the 7th October 2006 will still be held as normal.

Saturday 23th September 2006: The editor has been hard at work re-creating the 'black' type illuminated track diagram (which has now been in use since March 2005) and has completed this by the fitting of the final five pairs of track circuit indicator lights. The indicators are operated by one of the signal cabin volunteers via means of the simulator box. This simulates a train occupying each of the track circuits and thereby the movement of a 'train' through the station. 'Trains' can now be seen operating over every track section on the diagram. Combined with the repainted levers and the progressing mechanical re-interlocking of the lever frame, the simulations provided to the visiting public will be much enhanced. Much of the work was carried out in the interlocking room out of the public gaze, and involved the provision of a new relay rack and alterations to existing electrical interlocking. Further work will need to be carried out on these, and other circuits will be required when the four new sets of "Normal" and "Reverse" point indication shelf lights are wired in.

Saturday 26th August 2006: Ric Edwards (left) and former Claremont Signalman Phil Bailey (right) put the final touches to one of the Claremont signals being restored in the Goods Shed yard compound. It is hoped that the three signal posts will be ready for re-erection in time for the Claremont Signal Cabin Centenary Celebrations.

Saturday 27th October 2001: The mechanical part of Stage 3.1 of the R. S. Metcher Lever Re-activation Project had to be interrupted due to urgent structural repairs to the Signal Cabin floor. Clive Woodward, who has been recently carrying out work on the cabin's low voltage telephone and signal wiring noticed that the floor joists near the hand basin were in danger of collapsing. His speedy work at rectifying this problem is to be much commended and has also removed the annoying creaking at that end of the cabin.
Meanwhile, work on the mechanical part of this stage has slowed due to the necessity to manufacture more interlocking components. The electrical components required for this stage are currently in progress and include the manufacture of new foot-plunger switches to operate the T-Iron gravity locks. Once completed, six levers; Nos. 23; 24; 25; 27; 40 and 44 will be returned to 'simulated use'. This will enable the demonstration of train movements from the 'Down' Main Line into and out of, Nos. 4 and 5 Platform roads, the Goods Shed road and the second shunting neck at the Fremantle end of the yard (accessed only from No. 5 Platform and Goods Shed road). Upon completion of the electrical component of this work, stage 3.2 - the final stage - will commence, rendering all but two of the cabin's 45 levers usable - and taking the cabin back in time to the 1962 - 1983 era.

Friday 2nd March 2001: The Claremont Cabin was the venue for the second local (Western Australian) meeting of the Institution of Railway Signalling Engineers (I. R. S. E.). On the hottest day of Perth's Autumn heat wave eleven Engineers from various signalling companies assembled in the cabin. Traditional airconditioning was in use - all the windows were open! For some, it was their first time in an actual signal cabin and the visit provided an interesting insight into the origins of signal engineering for some, whilst for others it reminded them of the working conditions they were very glad to have left behind. Claremont cabin guests Jim Appleyard (former Claremont Safeworking Technician) and Barry Campbell (former W. A. G. R. interlocking fitter and now Mechanical Signalling Consultant) were available to answer any questions about the McKenzie and Holland lever frame. Needless to say, due to the very hot conditions, time spent in the cramped interlocking room was quite short! At a dinner held in a nearby restaurant, the Engineers reported having had a very enjoyable time at Claremont and have expressed interest in following future developments.
The day did have it's drama however as Signal 37 would not come to proceed when the relays were powered up. With the clock counting down to the time of the visit the Editor had to rapidly drag out the circuit book and start tracing feeds! It eventually turned out to be a HRC (high resistance contact) on 37 LS (lock Stick) relay. Having a spare relay handy, the faulty relay was changed out and we were back in business. This has been only the second relay failure in seven years and is a testament to Tandy "214" & "206" relays.
At this point, the Editor wishes to thank the team of Claremont volunteers (Ric. and David Edwards and Clive Woodward) who have assisted the Editor in preparing the cabin for this visit. The cabin was looking resplendent as a result of all of the preceeding weekends of work, a point not lost on the visitors who commented on how neat, tidy and clean the cabin was kept. Thanks again team.
Thanks must also go to Penny Kollosche of the Claremont Museum who organised and delivered the 'makings' for afternoon tea and coffee.
All in all, a very successful day and we at Claremont are now in a very good position to host further such events should they eventuate.

Saturday 2nd September 1999: A visitor to the Claremont Cabin's October open day has submitted ten black and white photographs taken at Claremont and Cottesloe. Among these, are a rare photo of the Claremont Cabin's 'black' diagram, which has come just at the right time to enable accurate re-drawing of same, and has alerted us to the need for a further 4 pairs of bakelite "SGE" (Siemens General Electric) "Normal" and "Reverse" shelf-mounted, point detection indicator lights. If anyone has any of these lights, and would be willing to donate them for a worthwhile cause, then we'd be very pleased to hear from you. It is interesting to note that even in the 1970s when these photos were taken, the level crossing on the Fremantle side of the cabin is still shown on the diagram!

August 1999: Paul Hrebtiewsky, member of the Claremont Signal Cabin Group (also a founding member of S.I.G.W.A.) moved to Ireland. Paul's contibution to both the Claremont Cabin and the Signalling Interest Group will be greatly missed. In particular, Paul's development and operation of timetable working at Claremont will be very difficult to replicate by any one person. Perhaps another way can be found to accomplish this very realistic demonstration technique, in lieu of human effort? Still, if there is anyone 'out there' reading this who would like to take on this very challenging role we would be most interested to hear from you!

Saturday 5th - Monday 7th June 1999: Members of Claremont Signal Cabin Group (also S.I.G.W.A. members) were pleased to present a joint display with S.I.G.W.A. at Perth's annual Australian Model Railway Association Model Railway Exhibition. Altough exhibition attendance figures are unknown at present, there was a great deal of interest shown in our stand, which is the fourth consecutive year the Claremont Cabin has been represented at this event. Many brochures we handed out, and we look forward to seeing many new visitors at the Cabin from our next open day - 3rd July.

Thursday 25th March 1999: The funeral for the late Jack Stanbridge was held today at the Karakatta Crematorium. Jack's coffin arrived at the cemetary draped in the Australian flag to symbolise his service in the RAAF. His much-badged engineman's cap rode atop the coffin silently, along with the wreath in the hearse. This sad occasion was attended his family, and by many representatives of many of this state's hobby clubs. The service was conducted by Graham Mayberry who had only interviewed Jack a few months earlier for his 6PR radio programme. It was, I believe, a fitting farewell, one that Jack would have wanted. Tributes from his family members and close friend Gregg Hill were truly a celebration of his life. Those present were encouraged to laugh, as well as be solemn in the re-telling of his years. It was, and will remain, this group's priviledge to have known Jack, to have had him as a visitor at the Claremont Cabin, and to have his permission to use one of his photographs on the cabin's main internet page. Thanks Jack, you will always be remembered.

Saturday 21st March 1999: Jack Stanbridge, a figure known to a great many railway enthusiasts here in Western Australia and no doubt in many other states of Australia and even overseas, passed away today, at the age of 84. Jack was known to this author for most of his life, and it was an honour to call Jack one of my best friends. He was an easy fellow to get to like, and although some critised his rough-and-ready way, he did get things done. I liked him because of that, but mostly because of his untiring devotion to his chosen hobby - which he tried his utmost to support until the end. It is perhaps impossible to calculate just how many lives Jack has touched through his many years at "Jack Stanbridge's Hobby Shop". One may ask: How many of today's enthusiasts began to follow the various facets of this rich hobby after buying their first 'train set' at Jack's Hobby Shop? Farewell old friend, thanks for your constant source of inspiration and leadership. Sympathies to Pat and all the family. You will be greatly missed. Chris French. Co-Ordinator, Claremont Signal Cabin Group & S.I.G.W.A.

Saturday 6th March 1999: The first opening day of the Claremont cabin's 1999 "Season of Signalling" was very well attended - including several visitors from the United States. Visitors were treated to enhanced demonstrations of train movements through the Claremont station made possible by the completion of second stage of the lever re-activation programme. The demonstrations, by David Edwards (acting Signalman); Paul Hrebtiewsky (Simulator Operator) and Chris French (Narrator) showed the true weight of the Claremont Signalman's responsiblilities in the face of various failure scenarios and train operating situations. Positive feedback from visitors was encouraging, and further refinement of the demonstrations is planned for the next open day - April 7th.

Friday 5th March 1999: Electrical work now complete for Stage 2 of lever re-activation programme.

Friday 26th February 1999: The mechanical part of Stage 2 of the lever re-activation programme has been completed. Work on the electrical component of this stage is currently in progress and should be completed by 6th March 1999. Levers: 22 (signal); 28 (FPL); 30 (points); 31 (FPL); 32 (points); 38 (signal) and 39 (shunt signal) have been returned to use. These provide for train movements onto the Back Platform (No. 3) from the Down Main, and from the Back Platform to the Up main. Upon completion of the electrical component of this stage, the track layout will be returned to the post 1983 track rationalisation era.

Thursday 18th February 1998: Robert (Bob) Metcher, one of the Claremont Cabin's most loyal volunteers, an ex-Claremont Signalman of many years and former Safe Working Inspector passed away. Bob was a key figure in the saving and restoration of the Claremont Signal Cabin. Deepest sympathies to his family from all the volunteers at the Cabin. It is sad to lose such a good mentor and such a great friend - he will be missed, but never forgotten.

Saturday 5th December 1998: Stage 1 of the lever re-activation programme has been completed. Levers: 26 (FPL); 29 (catch point); and 42 & 43 (shunt signals) have been restored to use. These levers provide the 'road' between the Back Platform (No. 3) and the West shunting neck - the path of the Claremont / Garratt train derailment of 1944.

August 1998: Volunteer Don Loxton has completed restoration work on the first of three signal posts. This post, one of two original Claremont signals, supports Starting signal No. 35 (Back Platform to Down Main) and No.21 (Shunt, Back Platform to East Shunting Neck). This signal is now awaiting the restoration of the next two signals before placement of all three can be undertaken.

BACKGROUND:

The Claremont Signal Cabin Group was formed in 1994 when a group of volunteers assembled to act as guides for the interpretation programme devised by the Claremont Museum for the newly restored Claremont Signal Cabin. The group is comprised of ex-Westrail employees, signalling enthusiasts and other volunteers. Currently the group is looking for additional members whilst continuing to research and improve the displays at the cabin. For more information, please follow the links to the Claremont Cabin on the main S.I.G.W.A. page.

Currently, a project has been started to restore - in stages - the many 'spare' (white) levers in the cabin's frame to usable levers. The purpose of the lever re-activation programme is to allow the provision of more authentic demonstrations of the Signalman's work. It is hoped that on completion of all the stages, the programme will eventually return the cabin to the 1962 era. A time when the cabin was at it's most interesting!

Signalling news from the A.R.H.S. Rail Transport Museum

10th December 1999: At the 465th general meeting of the A.R.H.S. (W.A. Div. Inc.) S.I.G.W.A. (and A.R.H.S.) member Chris French offered to undertake a 'stocktake' of the signalling equipment recently donated to the Rail Transport Museum by Westrail following the closure of the signal maintenance workshops at Forrestfield. It has since seemed prudent to extend this offer so that a complete picture of the signalling equipment held at the museum can be ascertained.
Also, the manning of the museum's signal cabin for RailFest 2001 by S.I.G.W.A. has been offered.
S.I.G.W.A. hope to put together an interpretive program for the signal cabin similar to the one currently in use in the Claremont Cabin. The museum's cabin has an interesting history in itself, being a combination of the Carlisle structure, surrounding the Maddington cabin's lever frame and depicting the era of two-position block working! Explaining all this will certainly be a challenge!

28th February 1999: Ian Studham, primary contact person for signalling at the A.R.H.S. Bassendean, advises that his signalling project for the forthcoming year is to erect two restored semaphore signals (one from Perth and the other from Geraldton yard) under the the museum's overall roof, and connect them to a very rare example of a McKenzie & Holland No. 10 Patt. lever frame recovered from the Leighton marshalling yard.

BACKGROUND:

The Australian Railway Historical Society, W.A. Division Inc. (A.R.H.S. for short) officially opened their museum in 1974. It is located between Ashfield and Bassendean stations on Westrail's Midland suburban line (the old Eastern Line).

The museum has a large number of signalling items. These include Block Instruments of every type used on the W.A.G.R.; Staff Instruments - both Large and Miniature types; Signal hand-lamps; early Telegraphy instruments; Signal Panels; Illuminated track diagrams and an extensive archive section with many Diagrams of Signalling and photographs. The main signalling exhibit is the preserved Carlisle Signal cabin, now located on the museum's 'Platform Road'. This cabin has been fitted around the lever frame from Maddington. In addition to these items there is much equipment awaiting restoration. These include examples of the G.R.S. 3-position upper quadrant signals used on the old Eastern Line, and (the now rare) examples of the Saxby and Farmer lattice-post signals used on the old Midland Railway (Midland to Walkaway) and the Great Southern Railway (Spencers Brook to Albany).

This Museum, like most other groups represented here, are always ready to welcome new volunteers. Many unique items of signalling interest are just waiting for the budding signalling enthusiast. Can YOU help?

Signalling news from the Bennett Brook Railway

NEWS to 10/06/2004:

Thursday 10th June 2004:
Bob Baker reports:

"Upper Quadrant Signals on the B. B. R."

For some time it had been a desire of the Signals Dept of the Bennett Brook Railway (BBR) to have some General Railway Signal Co. (GRS) 3-position Upper Quadrant electric signals operational on the Railway. It was planned to have 2 signals as starter signals at Maine, approximately midway round the BBR's Bushland Loop.
Upper quadrant signals were in operation on the old eastern railway between Bellevue and Koojedda from circa 1926 until line closure in 1966. The patent for these signals is dated 1918.
As a result of a request for assistance to the Western Australian branch of Australian Railways Historical Society, the BBR obtained a long-term loan of 2 spectacle plates, 2 semi-automatic arms and 1 spectacle casting. Westnet Rail donated a complete upper quadrant mast, lamps, enough hardware to assemble a second mast and relay box for the control circuitry. The Signalling Interest Group of W. A. provided a copy of the 1951 GRS handbook for the upper quadrant mechanisms.
These were the catalysts for authorisation by the BBR committee to fund the installation of the signals.
The 2 signal motors required were in store at the BBR. The authentic glass convex lenses were obtained from USA, a second spectacle casting was made and signals staff refurbished the motors, manufactured the platforms, assembled the signals, designed and manufactured the control circuits. The finials are unique and impossible to obtain until a neighbour of BBR's signals technician manufactured the finials from timber and fibreglass using old photographs as a guide.

With all the assembly completed, 12 BBR members gathered one weekend, erected both signals and wired them up. There was great jubilation late Sunday afternoon when the signals moved from danger to caution, then clear.
At the time of writing, there are still some adjustments to be made, a final coat of paint and full commissioning tests to be carried out.
When operational, the signals will rest at danger (horizontal). Approach of a train will cause the signal to go to caution (45 degrees) for 15 seconds and then to clear (vertical) until the locomotive passes the signal when it will return to danger. This will allow passengers to observe the full operation of the signals.
The BBR is proud of the results and is pleased to have invested the money and the 900 manhours to preserve these unique examples of WAGR heritage signalling equipment and thanks ARHS WA Division, Westnet Rail and SIGWA for their valuable assistance.
Bob Baker BBR Signals Dept.

NEWS to 01/04/2001:

Sunday 11th June 2000:
Simon Mead reports:
On a day of unseasonally sunny weather, groups of invited guests and officials witnessed the official re-dedication and opening of the relocated former Subiaco platform shelter and Signal Cabin.
Following a brief welcome talk by Tony Barry, Chairman of the Western Australian Light Railway Preservation Association (WALRPA), the dais was handed over to The Mayor of Subiaco Tony Costa.
In Railway uniform, Tony Costa, himself a former W. A. G. R. Ticket Examiner, gave an insightful 'potted' and sometimes colourful history of the Subiaco station and surrounds before introducing The Minister for Planning, the Hon. Graham Keirath MLA. Mr Keirath then proceeded to praise the work of the volunteers of the B. B. R. in the work put in to restoring the historic railway structures. He then unveiled two plaques officially re-dedicating the relocated and restored buildings.
Following the unveiling, The Hon. Mr. Keirath joined a special train hauled by steam locomotive Ng118, and fittingly, the train was despatched by Tony Costa 'setting the road'.

Great interest was shown by the many guests and members of the public during the rest of the day, and if the enthusiasm of the visiting children is any indication, the B. B. R. stands ready for an increase in signalling volunteers.
[Congratulations to all who were involved - Ed.]

Friday 14th April 2000:
Garry Howieson of the B.B.R. reports:
After much preparation, the steel work, (the legs and supporting frame) of the Subiaco signal cabin, have now been repainted externally with "metallic" grey paint as used on the nearby turntable.
A fence has been built around the equipment pit, which includes an access gate. This has been erected, and is complete with a coat of white paint. The downpipes are being extended the full length to the platforms before winter sets in.
The stairs have just completed the design and engineering stage and a start on construction is anticipated very soon. Once the stairs are complete, work can begin again inside the cabin to complete the interior restoration, electrical and plumbing work.
The edging on platform 2 is being replaced with a concrete slab poured in situ and is close to completion. When this is finished, bitumen will be laid over bot rodding tunnels.
The main island platform canopy and building also ex Subiaco, is externally complete apart from some minor paint touching up while the interior of the building just needs cornicing for the ceilings and painting to be done.
The Subiaco canopy and signal cabin complex are due to be officially reopened in June. The B. B. R. hope to have either one or both starter signals on 1 & 2 road operating for the day to enable the first train controlled by the cabin to be given "the stick".

Monday 17th January 2000:
What a way to start a century..! On a day which threatened much rain but then delivered a bright day punctuated by thinning clouds, the restored ex-Subiaco Signal Cabin stood for the last time on the patch of ground that had been it's home since being acquired by the Bennett Brook Railway only 11 months ago.

With the use of a mammoth 130 Tonne capacity mobile crane, the 18 Tonne cabin was lifted and swung into position over the island platform. This platform, which now has a canopy and buildings also from Subiaco has recently been closed off to the public to permit the pouring of a complete set of concrete footings for the cabin and 'rodding tunnels'. Supported by the footings, the four steel girder 'legs' of the cabin awaited final adjustment before the arc-welder set to work making the cabin safe. It is anticipated that welding will be completed by Tuesday afternoon.

The next major task to be undertaken, is the construction of stairway access to the cabin's operating floor and interlocking room. This will be in the form of a replica of the one previously at Subiaco, but in Steel for durability. Presently, the cabin can only be visited by a long extension ladder - too precarious for this author!

The signalling crew of the B. B. Rly.; other helpers; management and staff from Whiteman Park are to applauded for what is truly a monumental achievement in the realms of railway preservation and signalling heritage in this state and perhaps even Australia. One can only look forward to the day when the cabin is fully operational and ready for inspection!

Compare the cabin's condition (above) to the cabin when it was at SUBIACO

The event was captured by Channel Nine News and shown following the weather report. The "West Australian" newspaper also attended the event, so watch your papers! Thanks to Simon Mead for submitting a variety of digital images, one of which is displayed above. Congratulations from the S.I.G.W.A. and Claremont Cabin Group guys, this is really a BIG step forward.

Tuesday 13th April 1999:
Subiaco Signal Box: Good progress has been made on the restoration of the signal box with the building now basically complete. New roofing iron and eaves lining were fitted to the building and the opportunity was taken, with the scaffolding still in place, to paint the facia boards and eaves lining. The rusticated weatherboards removed for the move to Whiteman Park have been re-attached, although some of them were damaged and could not be reused. A quantity of new weatherboards was therefore specially planed by a local sawmill to match the old boards.
Unfortuantely, the ceiling was damaged beyond repair by heavy rains which leaked through the tarpaulins that covered the building before the new roof was fitted. The old ceiling has now been removed and is awaiting replacement panels. The section of floor that was removed in front of the lever frame, during the move from Subiaco, has now been replaced along with the bevelled timber surrounds for the lever frame. Further work has halted for the time being to allow reconstruction of the platform canopy to proceed. (This is required to be in place prior to the cabin - Ed).

Wig-Wag Level Crossing Signal:
A replica wig-wag level crossing signal was recently installed on a crossing on the railway at Whiteman Park. A B.B.R. member was reading through Jack Stanbridge's book "70 Years of Rails and Wire" when he spotted a photo of what is believed to be the only wig-wag crossing signal on the W.A.G.R. at Guildford. After several months of building prototypes then producing the finished model, the wig-wag was mounted on a gallows, and attached to an old signal mast. Although a bell could not be sourced to match the original, a standard level crossing bell was generously supplied by the Pemberton Tramway Company. The completed mast was erected together with a relay cabinet, track circuits, associated wiring and a solar panel to charge the batteries (just visible on the telegraph pole at right).

Tuesday 16th February 1999: The Bennett Brook Railway (B.B.R.) recently acquired the elevated 45 lever signal box from Subiaco station on the Perth suburban rail network. This signal box had been out of service since 1989. Fortunately, this heritage listed building had been retained at the request of the local council as an historic exhibit.
Due to the sinking of the railway through Subiaco, and the eventual redevelopment of the old station site, the continued existance of the signal box in its original position was no longer a viable option. Demolition was looming as a very real prospect. However, the B.B.R. was able to obtain support from the Subiaco Redevelopment Authority, and the W.A. Lotteries Commission which enabled the relocation of the building, along with the adjoining station canopy, to Whiteman Park.
Re-construction and restoration of the signalbox and canopy is currently under way, and is funded by the Lotteries Commission. Work is well advanced, and it is anticipated that the signal box will be substantially complete by June 1999.
The signal box will eventually control all train movements through Whiteman Village Jct. station. The other signal boxes in the collection have been relocated from Collie, Fremantle and Cottesloe.

BACKGROUND:

The Bennett Brook Railway at Whiteman Park, Perth, Western Australia, is operated by the Western Australian Light Railway Preservation Association, and has an extensive collection of ex. Western Australian Government Railways (W.A.G.R. - now Westrail) signalling and interlocking equipment. Some of this equipment is in daily use to control train movements along the many kilometers of two-foot gauge line.

Included in this collection are: 4 signal boxes; 3 ground frames; about 40 semaphore signals including bracket and single post varieties, 4 colour light signals, 2 operating flashing light level crossings, a range of electric staff instruments and associated communication equipment.

Background and news article supplied by Simon Mead and Garry Howieson - thanks guys.

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Signalling news from Westrail

NEWS to 01/04/2001:

August 1999:

Developments at Claisebrook: Services on the Midland line were disrupted for three days as the double line was connected up through a new cut & cover type 'tunnel' between Claisebrook and Perth Terminal stations. The work went reasonably to plan with no extension to line closure as was evident in the similar works at Subiaco when that station was moved underground.
The sinking of the line between Claisebrook and Perth Terminal is an integral stage of the Graham Farmer Freeway. This road emerges from the eastern end of the controversial Northridge 'tunnel' and then crosses over the Midland suburban line (now underground) before crossing a new bridge (currently under construction) over the Swan River only a matter of a few feet from the Goongoonup rail bridge. Once on the eastern bank of the river, the freeway then runs past the Belmont Park racecourse, over the original alignment of the South West main line, and right over the top of the former location of the Goodwood (later named Belmont Park) station. Eventually, the freeway will connect up with Orong Road at an intersection with Great Eastern Highway, Rivervale.
A lesser known fact of the developments at Claisebrook, is that a new footbridge is being constructed at the western end of the platforms. This will completely replace the characterisric, but aging, wooden structure which currently stands at the eastern end, and which, for many years permitted access to the East Perth (Claisebrook) Signal Cabin. The new concrete and steel footbridge looks set to span not only the suburban lines (Midland and Armadale) and the E.M.U. depot, but also the 'trench' containing the Freeway itself. This will allow rail passengers to reach Lord Street and 'Silver City' (the Government offices) on the south side of the line. Developments at Kenwick: Yet another cut & cover 'tunnel' is being constructed near Kenwick on the Armadale suburban line. This will permit the extention of the suburban electrified double track to Thornlie, and eventually on to Rockingham and Mandurah. The first such section of the 'tunnel' is virtually complete, and will soon be covered over as part of the Roe Highway interchange also being built at that location.

Thurday 1st April 1999 - Westrail announce:

The closure of the Lord Street Level Crossing, between McIver and Claisebrook stations, and the use of 'rail replacement' bus services from 6:45pm Thursday, April 1 to 4am Wednesday April 7th. This will permit the lowering (by some 2 metres) of the four main lines, and will finally enable the level crossing to be replaced by a road overbridge. Preparation work has been going on for many weeks, with the transfer of overhead gear onto temporary gantry supports and various signalling preparations. Road traffic has been diverted to a new level crossing nearby called Lime Street. The large advertisement in the West Australian newspaper shows an artist's sketch of the new-look Lord Street bridge, together with a photo of the level crossing, and a map of the current traffic detours. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

BACKGROUND:

Westrail is the corporate name of the Western Australian Government Railways.

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Signalling news from the Hotham Valley Railway

NEWS to 01/04/2001:

Tuesday 11th July 2000: Murray Wilmott of H.V.R. reports: "The Narrogin Signal Cabin was moved to Pinjarra in mid June 2000. It is being funded by Peel Development Commission as part of $250,000 project to develop the goods shed area into train departure point for the H.V.R. Wednesday and Saturday train services. For the time being, it will remain a static exhibit as we lack the necessary knowledge (of signalling) in order to work on the interlocking and wiring. This may change however, as several Westrail staff have shown some interest in the cabin. It is hoped that one day, the cabin will operate some semaphore signals which were recovered from the South end of Kwinana yard when the Kwinana 'A' Frame was removed and replaced by computerised interlocking operated from the Kwinana cabin. At the request of the Narrogin authorities, the small green control panel which was positioned between the lever frame and the stairwell wall was left at Narrogin. Work on the structure is continuing however, and a new corrugated iron roof has been fitted. The building had its asbestos cladding removed for health and safety reasons and this will be replaced by newer materials soon, as will the windows."

Wednesday 5th July 2000: Kim Hazelgrove reports: "There is a signal cabin in the yard at Pinjarra. It looks somewhat forelorn. It looks like it's just a framework at the moment, but I've taken a few photos for you."

Kim sent SIGWA via e-mail no less than seventeen digital photos, and one of these is seen here. The cabin turns out to be the recently relocated Narrogin cabin. The outer cladding of the structure has been removed for safety reasons due to it having been Asbestos. It does indeed look a sorry sight, but no doubt the cabin will soon be looking it's old self - or better.

This major commitment to the preservation of signalling in this state, is one that more than qualifies the H.V.R. for a place on the S.I.G.W.A. "One Bell" page. Welcome H.V.R. to the W. A. signalling fraternity! I'm sure all other groups represented here wish you every success. - Ed.)

BACKGROUND:

This section is for news from the Hotham Valley Railway who are active in restoring the ex-Narrogin signal cabin, a collection of semaphore signals and ground frames.

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Other News Bits regarding signalling

NEWS to 01/04/2001:

Thurday 29th March 2001: Noticed on the aus.rail newsgroup, a story about a rare event indeed - the recommissioning in Victoria, of a set traditional level-crossing gates. For more details go to: "Lydiard St's historic rail gates operational again"

Thurday 1st April 1999: Eastern States (Victorian) correspondent Glenn Cumming reports: After 10 years of Train Order working replacing Staff & Ticket, and Electric Staff working, the trend is about to be reversed. With the sale of V/Line Freight to a private company trading as Freight Victoria, radical cost cutting is being proposed. One of these measures is to reduce the number of Train Controllers. To do this, the company intends to reduce the workload of the Train Controllers & it has finally been deduced that Train Orders require more work on the part of the Train Controller than does Staff & Ticket, mainly because of all the effort to issue & read back the Train Order.
Therefore, commencing Tuesday 06.04.1999, Staff & Ticket working will replace Train Order working between Traralgon & Sale (one section). It is expected that other sections will be converted from Train Orders to Staff & Ticket and maybe even one section of Electric Staff will be re-introduced.

Very interesting Glenn. (I hope it's not an April Fool's Joke). One wonders if W. A. rail authorities would even consider this? Alas, the re-introduction of Electric Staff in this state would be highly unlikely, now that the last instruments in the 'care' of Westrail have been unceremoniously disposed of.

BACKGROUND:

This section is for any oddments of news from other groups or individuals who may be active in restoring or researching signalling.

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