Type : Loop
Line : North Coast Line
Distance from Sydney : 713.636
Opened : 21st October 1926
Closed : n/a
Status : Open
Name meaning : After an Aboriginal word meaning "frog"
Notes : Opened with a 395 metre long unattended upside loop. A 4.87 timber platform was provided for employees. Signal box was opened when the loop was converted from a key locked to a fully interlocked type (3/4/1935). Signal box closed 11/7/1983). By 1935 it had a porter in charge (R Snelling). 21st Bebruary 1983 - provision of powered points and signals in preparation for CTC. Loop is 1566 metres in length.
At opening — W.N. — 1926:
Loop on Down side of Main line at Mileage 9.24 from Grafton
Unattended from opening; Staff Instruments fitted for automatic working
Staff Hut on Up side of Main line near Frame A
Signal Box provided 3 April 1935
Employee platform — W.N. 35–1945:
16-foot sleeper platform at Mileage 443m 37c on Up side of line; for convenience of employees (ref. 45–50,807)
Grafton–Kyarran and Kyarran–Gurranang ETS cancelled — 11 July 1983:
As part of Grafton–Camira Creek CTC introduction — Grafton–Kyarran, Kyarran–Gurranang, Gurranang–Banyabba, Banyabba–Camira Creek ETS sections all cancelled; Broadmeadow CTC; noticeboards transferred from Grafton to Camira Creek (W.N. 29–1983; S&C 121220)
Kyarran, 1982 (Greg Lee)
Greg notes that a fire affected the location.
Garry Hayes:
"IIRC, the signalman was using the small gas cooker and it flared up badly. He poured water over it and went to get more water from the tank outside when the gas bottle blew up, blowing him over. Apparently it also blew off/out the roof and windows, and wrecked the instruments.
This happened in the '80's sometime, not sure of the exact year."
Kyarran, 1982 (Greg Lee)
Kyarran, 1982 (Greg Lee)
Kyarran (Paul Sutton)
Previous photo was back to front
Kyarran, 1974 (Paul Sutton)
The loop at Kyarran (Peter Ware)
Location of Kyarran Loop (Six Maps)
22/3/1933 - an attempt by a group of swagmen to derail a train at Kyarran. Fortunately no-one was injured, the men all received prison sentences. Further research shows they were attempting to slow the train so they could board it - this was the Depression years.
Peter Lougher
After nearly 40 years the mortal remains of Kyarran have been unceremoniously exhumed and exposed to the light of day. Unfortunately it is no Phoenix rising from the dead. Just relocated from it's burial to allow signal cabling works. Peter Lee had some great shots before the place was obliterated. Sad really.
Kyarran (John Shields)
3813 on the RTM South Brisbane Tour on 12th January 1973 at a photo stop at Kyarran, north of Grafton. (George Stevens)
This must have been one of the last Type K0 signal boxes constructed new. The nameboard was one of several examples of GWR nameboard that only showed the name of the location and no other designation. RT Taaffe
Loop diagram pre-CTC in 1983
# Kyarran (North Coast Line)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1926–1989
---
**Type:** Crossing Loop (In use)
**Line:** North Coast Line (Grafton–Kyarran / Kyarran–Gurranang sections)
**Distance from Sydney:** 713.636 km (Mileage **9.24 from Grafton** at opening; platform at **443m 37c**)
**Location:** -29.589896, 152.955800
**Between:** Grafton (south) and Gurranang (north)
**Opened:** **Thursday, 21 October 1926** — as Unattended Crossing Loop; Down side of Main line; Mileage 9.24 from Grafton
**Status:** In use
**Name meaning:** Aboriginal word meaning "frog" — named after the vicinity
### Signalling History
**At opening — W.N. — 1926:**
- Loop on **Down side** of Main line at Mileage 9.24 from Grafton
- **Unattended** from opening; Staff Instruments fitted for automatic working
- **Staff Hut** on Up side of Main line near Frame A
- **Frame A** — operated Down and Up Home signals and ground frames at both ends
- Grafton–Gurranang ETS section cancelled; **Grafton–Kyarran** (Type A, 1–8 Key, 9–36 Ordinary) and **Kyarran–Gurranang** (Type C, 1–8 Key, 9–36 Ordinary) created
- **Telephone:** No. 68 North Circuit; code call — one long and three short rings
**Landmarks replaced by Distant Signals — 24 June 1930 — W.N. 25–1930:**
Down and Up Landmarks at Kyarran replaced by Distant Signals fitted with Fixed Green Upper Lights (part of Kyarran–Fairy Hill programme)
**New Signal-box — 3 April 1935 — W.N. 14–1935:**
Frame A (Down and Up Home signals; ground frames at both ends of loop) dispensed with; new **Signal-box on Up side of Main line near centre of loop** brought into use; new Down and Up Main and Loop Starting signals; new Down and Up Home signals Main to Loop; points at each end of loop connected to Signal-box; **Circular No. 152–17 of 1935** (ref. S.&T.E., G.33–339)
**Employee platform — W.N. 35–1945:**
16-foot sleeper platform at Mileage **443m 37c** on **Up side** of line; for convenience of employees (ref. 45–50,807)
**Motor-operated points — Monday, 21 February 1983 — W.N. 7 and 8–1983:**
Route control relay interlocking control panel; mechanical interlocking machine placed out of use; colour light signals; **low speed indication** (small green light) with route indicator at Down Home and Up Home signals; entry to loop on authority of low speed signal; ETS Grafton–Kyarran and Kyarran–Gurranang retained; automatic staff exchangers remain; diagram **page 14** (W.N. 8–1983; S&C 126170)
**Grafton–Kyarran and Kyarran–Gurranang ETS cancelled — 11 July 1983:**
As part of Grafton–Camira Creek CTC introduction — Grafton–Kyarran, Kyarran–Gurranang, Gurranang–Banyabba, Banyabba–Camira Creek ETS sections all cancelled; Broadmeadow CTC; noticeboards transferred from Grafton to Camira Creek (W.N. 29–1983; S&C 121220)
### Ballast Train Propelling — 1926
**W.N. 48–1926:** Ballast train propelling permission — Kyarran to Mileage 4 in section Kyarran–Grafton; daylight; max 10 mph; brake-van leading; Guard must ride; Driver must be in possession of ETS for section; Driver to sound whistle where view obstructed
### ETS Sections History
| Period | Sections |
|--------|---------|
| Pre-1926 | Grafton–Gurranang |
| **21 October 1926** | **Grafton–Kyarran** (Type A, 1–8 Key, 9–36 Ordinary); **Kyarran–Gurranang** (Type C, 1–8 Key, 9–36 Ordinary) |
| 21 February 1983 | CTC conversion; ETS sections retained during transition |
| **11 July 1983** | Both sections cancelled — Broadmeadow CTC |
---
> **Notes:** Kyarran opened as an unattended crossing loop on 21 October 1926, splitting the Grafton–Gurranang section into two. Instruments fitted for automatic working from opening; Staff Hut on Up side near Frame A; telephone No. 68 North Circuit. Landmarks replaced by Distant signals with fixed green upper lights 24 June 1930. New Signal-box brought into use 3 April 1935 — Frame A dispensed with; Circular No. 152–17 of 1935. Employee platform (16 feet, Up side, 443m 37c) added 1945. CTC conversion 21 February 1983 (W.N. 7 and 8–1983) — ETS retained during transition. Both Grafton–Kyarran and Kyarran–Gurranang ETS sections cancelled 11 July 1983 as part of Grafton–Camira Creek CTC.
---
## 1926 — Opened 21 October 1926; Unattended Crossing Loop; Type A and C Sections; Telephone
### Opening — W.N. — 1926
> **Kyarran (North Coast), at Mileage 9.24 from Grafton, between Grafton and Gurranang — Opening as an Unattended Crossing Loop** — Since **21st October, 1926**, a new Unattended Crossing Loop, laid in on the **Down side** of the Main line at Mileage **9.24** from Grafton, between Grafton and Gurranang, has been in use, and is known as **KYARRAN**.
>
> The Electric Train Staff section **Grafton–Gurranang** has been cancelled, and new sections brought into use as follows:
> - **Grafton–Kyarran:** Miniature Electric Train Staff, Type **"A"**; Staffs Nos. 1 to 8 Key, Nos. 9 to 36 Ordinary
> - **Kyarran–Gurranang:** Miniature Electric Train Staff, Type **"C"**; Staffs Nos. 1 to 8 Key, Nos. 9 to 36 Ordinary
>
> The Staff Instruments are fitted for **Automatic Working** and are fixed in a **Staff Hut**, close to Frame "A," on the Up side of the Main line.
>
> **Telephone** — A telephone is installed in the Staff Hut, connected to **No. 68 North Telephone Circuit**; the call being **one long and three short rings**.
>
> [No. 68 North Circuit included: District Superintendent South Grafton, South Grafton Station, Grafton Station, Grafton Pontoon Approach, Grafton Loco., **Kyarran**, Warragai Creek, Gurranang, Lawrence Road, Banyabba, Camira Creek, Clearfield Ganger's Residence, Rappville, Coombell, Leeville, South Casino, Casino, Casino Goods Shed, Casino Resident Engineer, Bungabee.] *(W.N. — 1926)*
### Ballast Train Propelling — W.N. 48–1926
> **Propelling of Ballast Train from Kyarran to Mileage 4, in section Kyarran–Grafton (North Coast)** — Commencing at once, permission is hereby given for the Ballast train to be propelled as required during **daylight** from Kyarran to Mileage 4, in the section Kyarran–Grafton, at a speed not exceeding **10 miles per hour**.
>
> When propelling, the engine must be on the Kyarran end of the train; a Brake-van must be leading, in which the Guard must ride and give the Driver such hand-signals as may be necessary. Clause (i) of Rule 202 must be observed.
>
> The Driver must be in possession of the **Electric Train Staff** for the section. He must also sound the engine whistle freely where his view of the line is obstructed. *(W.N. 48–1926)*
---
## 1930 — Landmarks Replaced by Distant Signals — 24 June 1930 — W.N. 25–1930
### Distant Signals — W.N. 25–1930
> **Pages 303–304 — Kyarran to Fairy Hill (North Coast) — Replacing Up and Down Landmarks with Distant Signals fitted with Fixed Green Upper Lights** — Commencing on **Tuesday, 24th June, 1930**, the Down and Up Landmarks at Kyarran [and other stations to Fairy Hill] will be replaced by Distant Signals, fitted with **Fixed Green Upper Lights**. *(W.N. 25–1930)*
---
## 1935 — New Signal-Box; Frame A Dispensed With — 3 April 1935 — W.N. 14–1935; Circular No. 152–17
### New Signal-Box — W.N. 14–1935
> **Kyarran (North Coast) — Bringing into Use New Signal-box and Altered Signalling Arrangements** — On **Wednesday, 3rd April, 1935**, between 8.0 a.m. and 4.0 p.m., Frame "A," operating the Down and Up Home signals, and the ground frames at both ends of the crossing loop, will be **dispensed with**, and a new **Signal-box, situated on the Up side of the Main line, near the centre of the loop**, will be brought into use.
>
> The alterations to be carried out in connection with this work:
> 1. Provision of new **Down and Up Main and Loop Starting signals**
> 2. Provision of new **Down and Up Home signals, Main to Loop**
> 3. Connecting points at each end of loop to Signal-box
>
> The arrangements will be in accordance with **Circular No. 152–17 of 1935**, with diagram attached thereto. (S.&T.E., G.33–339.) *(W.N. 14–1935)*
---
## 1945 — Employee Platform — W.N. 35–1945; Mileage 443m 37c; 16 Feet Up Side
### Employee Platform — W.N. 35–1945
> **Page 61 — Stations, Platforms and Sidings — Accommodation Provided — Kyarran (North Coast Line)** — A sleeper platform, **16 feet** in length, has been provided at Kyarran (Mileage **443m 37c**), on the **Up side** of the line, for the convenience of employees. (45–50,807.) *(W.N. 35–1945)*
---
## 1983 — Motor-Operated Points — 21 February 1983; CTC — 11 July 1983
### Motor-Operated Points — W.N. 7 and 8–1983
> **Kyarran (North Coast) — Conversion to Power Operation of Points and Signals** — On **Monday, 21st February, 1983**, commencing 7.00 a.m. and continuing until completion, as a preliminary to the introduction of centralised traffic control signalling on the North Coast line, the Main line to loop points at each end of Kyarran crossing loop will be converted to motor operation and the mechanical Main line and loop signals will be replaced by colour light signals.
>
> The foregoing points and signals will be worked from a **route control relay interlocking control panel** located in the signal-box. The existing mechanical interlocking machine will be placed out of use.
>
> A **low speed indication** (small green light) with route indicator, cleared by an approaching train, will be provided beneath the main head of the Down Home signal and the Up Home signal. Entry to the loop line will be on the authority of the low speed signal with route indication.
>
> ETS working will remain in use on the sections **Grafton–Kyarran** and **Kyarran–Gurranang**; automatic staff exchanging equipment at Kyarran will remain available.
>
> **Call indicators** — near Starting signals at each end; flashing blue light and hooter.
>
> **Route Control Relay Interlocking Unit** — combined control panel and indicator diagram; track indicator lamps throughout the Kyarran area.
>
> A diagram showing the new signalling arrangements at Kyarran appears on **page 14** of W.N. 8–1983. (S&C 126170.) *(W.N. 7 and 8–1983)*
### Grafton–Kyarran and Kyarran–Gurranang ETS Cancelled — W.N. 29–1983 (Since 11 July 1983)
> Since **11th July, 1983**, electric train staff working on the sections **Grafton–Kyarran, Kyarran–Gurranang**, Gurranang–Banyabba and Banyabba–Camira Creek were cancelled and Centralised Traffic Control working, remotely controlled from **Broadmeadow C.T.C. Centre**, was introduced in lieu between Grafton and Camira Creek. (S&C 121220.) *(W.N. 29–1983)*
---
## Summary of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **21 October 1926** | **Opened** — Unattended Crossing Loop; Down side; Mileage 9.24 from Grafton; Grafton–Gurranang cancelled; **Grafton–Kyarran** (Type A) and **Kyarran–Gurranang** (Type C) created; Staff Instruments automatic; Staff Hut Up side near Frame A; telephone No. 68 North Circuit |
| W.N. 48–1926 | Ballast train propelling permission — Kyarran to Mileage 4; max 10 mph daylight; brake-van leading; Driver must hold ETS |
| **24 June 1930** | Landmarks replaced by Distant Signals with Fixed Green Upper Lights (W.N. 25–1930) |
| **3 April 1935** | **New Signal-box** — Frame A dispensed with; new signal-box Up side near centre of loop; new Starting and Home signals; points connected to signal-box; **Circular No. 152–17 of 1935** (W.N. 14–1935) |
| **W.N. 35–1945** | **Employee platform** — 16-foot sleeper platform, Up side, Mileage 443m 37c (ref. 45–50,807) |
| **21 February 1983** | **Motor-operated points and colour light signals** — route control relay interlocking; low speed indication at Home signals; ETS Grafton–Kyarran and Kyarran–Gurranang retained; automatic exchangers; diagram page 14 (W.N. 7 and 8–1983; S&C 126170) |
| **11 July 1983** | **Grafton–Kyarran and Kyarran–Gurranang ETS cancelled** — Broadmeadow CTC; Grafton–Camira Creek section (W.N. 29–1983) |
---
*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1926–1983.*
*Note: Kyarran is the only crossing loop in the collection where the Staff Hut at opening was explicitly placed on the Up side of the Main line adjacent to Frame A, while the loop itself was on the Down side — an unusual configuration that was resolved by the 1935 Signal-box provision on the Up side near the centre of the loop. The Type A/Type C pairing for Grafton–Kyarran and Kyarran–Gurranang (both using 1–8 Key staffs and 9–36 Ordinary staffs) is consistent with the standard North Coast two-section pattern for new intermediate loops. The 1926 telephone circuit listing (No. 68 North) provides a complete snapshot of North Coast communication stations from South Grafton to Casino — a rare circuit-level record for the mid-1920s.*