Type : Station
Line : North Coast Line
Distance from Sydney : 503.572km
Location : -31.076579, 152.833352
Opened : 27 November 1917
Closed : n/a
Status : In use
Name meaning : Named by E W Rudder after his estate of the same name in England
Notes : Opened with a 380 metre central controlled ijnterlocked loop. The original Up platform was 137 metres in legth, increased in 1925 to 182 metres. The first station was made of timber and this was later rebuilt in brick. A Railway Refreshment Room and SM's residence were provided in 1919. A water tank was provided with a 203mm bore jib at both ends of the platform, water was taken from the town supply. 12/8/1915 construction started on a six road roundhouse (the foundations of which still remain) and an 18.2 metre turntable. An 8 tonne yard crane and goods shed were in existence when the station opened. 13/6/1919 - RRR opened. 15/6/1919 - footwarmer heater installed. 4/7/1925 - Loco depot - watering facilities and ash pit installed. 15/9/1925 - platform extended. 1/7/1943 - additional 90kl water tank installed. 1947 - gas resorvoir for refilling diner cars installed. The yards had additional sidings : Vacuum Siding (26/5/1951), Mobil Siding (7/1962), Kempsey Electric Light Co Siding (12/1934) and Shell Siding (14/3/1927). Kempsey crossing was the location of a collision betyween a school bus and train on 9/12/1968 - 4 passengers were killed and 15 injured. ### Associated Sidings : | Shell Siding | **14 March 1927** | Dead-end, off Goods Siding at Grafton end of goods shed; 80 feet in clear; 1 in 300 falling (443 ft) then 1 in 60 (60 ft) then 1 in 16 (110 ft) then level; Ball Lever; shunting charge 1s 2d/truck (max 10s/15 min); 314 miles from Darling Harbour; British Imperial Oil Company Ltd (W.N. 11–1927) |
| Kempsey Electric Light Co Siding | **December 1934** | Works at Mileage 312.32, Sydney side of Down Home signal; trucks propelled from Kempsey; at least one non-flammable truck between engine and oil tanks; Kempsey–Kundabung ETS; 10s/15 min shunting charge (W.N. 52–1934) |
| Vacuum Siding | **26 May 1951** | Dead-end, Up side, Mileage 312m 51c; points facing Down trains; approximately 500 feet on Sydney side of Belgrave Street level crossing; Frame F (No. 2 lever, Down side near points); shunting charge 2s/truck; No. 4 Goods Siding (429 feet, 22 November 1950) simultaneously referenced; standing room increased from 81 to 103 (W.N. 26–1951) |
| Mobil Siding | **July 1962** | (formal WN opening notice not found in OCR of 1962 volume) |
| No. 4 Goods Siding | **22 November 1950** | 429 feet in clear; standing room 81→103 after No. 4 and Vacuum Siding (W.N. 20–1951) |
| No. 4 Goods Siding extended | **17 March 1965** | Connected to No. 3 Goods Siding at Grafton end; Circular No. 524–54 of 1936 amended (W.N. 16–1965) |
| Kempsey Stock Siding | By 1970 | Grade 1 in 150 falling (Down and Up journeys) (W.N. 9–1970)
Kempsey opened 27 November 1917 as the terminus of the Wauchope–Kempsey extension. Construction of a six-road roundhouse and 18.2-metre turntable had started 12 August 1915 (two years before the line opened). Railway Refreshment Room opened 1 July 1919 (same date as Kempsey–Macksville extension). Platform 137 metres at opening; extended to 182 metres 15 September 1925, preceded by realignment of loco yard points (6 February 1925) and Down Second Home signal (12 February 1925). Loco depot watering facilities and ash pit 4 July 1925. Additional 90 kl water tank 1 July 1943. Gas reservoir for diner cars 1947.
Kempsey, 1917
Rail bridge at Kempsey, undated
McNally family and friends on the way to tennis, Kempsey district (Macleay Argus)
Kempsey Station in 1962, Kempsey opened in 1917 and is still in use although much of it's once extensive yards have fallen into disrepair. (image State Records)
First train into Kempsey 27 Nov 1917 (State Archives)
Opening of the Kempsey section.
Kempsey Bridge after the floods
Kempsey station railway refreshment rooms
Kempsey station 1950/60s
Kempsey flood damage, 1949 (SLNSW)
The week before Christmas in 1939 was not what everyone was expecting to experience. Rolls of motion picture film were regularly carried on the train to be shown in local theatres before being sent on to the next showing or returned to Sydney.
On Saturday, December 23, Robert Keevers, the owner of the touring Keever's Pictures, took delivery of several cans of film from the Kempsey Parcels Office. One container was incorrectly addressed and when he opened the container he saw smoke and immediately tried to close the canister of film.
He was too late closing the canister and the film burst into a sheet of flame that spread into the whole interior of the Parcels Office. While trying to save some of the cans, Allen Prewett, the projectionist, was badly burned about the arms and chest while members of the railway staff tried to save books and papers from the ticket office. The fire quickly spread to parcels and luggage on the platform.
Fortunately the Fire Brigade, under Capt A Lake, was very prompt and the firemen attacked the blaze which had spread to a wooden structure beside the brick Refreshment Rooms and looked like reaching the Signal Room and the Waiting Rooms.
Apart from the members of the brigade, Police Inspector Dudley, Constable Harrison, Frank Campbell and volunteers gave immediate assistance but were unable to save the telephone and telegraph offices.
A large crowd had gathered and, apart from the gravity of the moment, were amused when the force of the fire hose almost swept Bob Adamson off the roof. A stream also caught Const Harrison's helmet, driving it 50 feet into the air.
On inspection, the Traffic Inspector from Taree, reported that the Parcels Office was completely gutted while severe damage was done to the booking office, the stationmaster's office, the ceiling of the waiting room, the signal cabin, and the roof and awning of the platform. The damage to the station including the luggage and Christmas parcels was estimated to be £1000.
At the subsequent inquiry, the Coroner found that the fire which occurred on the date stated, destroyed the parcels office and other portions of the station, but how the fire originated, whether accidentally or otherwise, the evidence did not enable him to state.
- Macleay River Historical Society
The official opening of the Kempsey Railway on November 28,1917. Crowds of people gathered to be part of the historic day.
Construction at Kempsey station in 1917 (SLNSW)
Location of Kempsey station (Six Maps)
Sydney Mail, 9/7/1919 - Kempsey
Sydney Mail, 9/7/1919 - Kempsey
Kempsey Station 28-08-1974 (Bob Richardson)
The viaduct at Kempsey that was constructed to replace the flood damaged one following the June 1950 floods. The new viaduct and repaired bridge re-opened in August. The viaduct, which was only regarded as "temporary" ended up being used for 16 years. (SRA Archives)
Kempsey floods June 1949 Damage to the lead on the Northern side of the Kempsey River Railway Bridge. The damage to the NSWGR track was the largest ever caused in a single incident with many 100 metres of line damaged or swept away entirely. To their credit the navvies had the line operational again in 3 weeks. Photograph from My collection ex Macleay Chronicle special photograph supplement October 1949. The second photogrpah shows the railway bridge when the flood was at it's worst looking towards the site of the first photograph
Kempsey, 1949 flood
Kempsey (1978, dunedoo (flickr))
Leslie Anderson:
The railway hotel closed its doors years ago boy it has changed now
Stephen Martin:
Leslie Anderson just a bottlo out the back and offices upstairs now , I had my first tap beer in there , an xyz bubble gum machine was on the wall outside ,I still remember the manual gates on the crossing , I must be old !
Nathan Goodwin:
Great pic. Further down on the right now the Mid Coast Cranes shed and had some silos beside it. The old goods shed no longer about.
Stephen Martin:
Nathan Goodwin mineral sands from crescent head used to unload bags of rutile etc, there when I was a kid .
Nathan Goodwin:
Stephen Martin sure did. Funny how easily we forget
Stephen Martin:
Nathan Goodwin sometimes I used to ride in the rutile trucks from Crescent head to the Kempsey goods yards with a driver and his sons , spike Jones from cooks lane west kempsey was a legend in those parts 60s and 70s era .
Donald Bourke:
Only ever stayed at the hotel at the xing once while there on relief, bloody bells made sure you didn't get much sleep
Greg Lee:
Donald Bourke At Junee these days, the bells are quietened at night time.
Roger Goodwin:
Swung those old manual gates 74/75. Many a curse word was yeld from impatient drivers. Especially when shunting was happening. Old weigh bridge on right. Ironically I worked at the Railway Hotel after leaving the railways.
A rain-soaked derelict Kempsey yard 19/1/2020 (Lance Lyon).
Delegates of the North Coast Railway League Conference held at Kempsey on July 24, 1901. (Argus)
Aftermath of the June 1950 floods at Kempsey - the line was disrupted for several months.
Kempsey Goods Shed early 2000s (Bob Richardson)
Workers at Kempsey, circa 1937 (SLNSW)
Rail bridge at Kempsey, undated
Kempsey station, 1917
Photo taken by my Grandmother shows parade along Smith St in Kempsey to celebrate the opening of the North Coast Line to Kempsey. (Bruce Robinson)
Two Cadillac Charabancs used by Robinson Bros for railway transfers photographed outside their depot at Kempsey Armistice Day parade 1918. Kempsey nurses are being carried in the front car. photo SL NSW. Advertisment c 1920
First train into Kempsey 27 Nov 1917 (State Archives)
The official opening of the Kempsey Railway on November 28,1917. Crowds of people gathered to be part of the historic day.
Alice the elephant at Kempsey on Wirth's circus train
28/11/1917 at the opening of the NC Rail as far as Kempsey
Kempsey station staff in there new uniform in 1975
Construction at Kempsey station in 1917 (SLNSW)
First train across the Kempsey bridge (SLNSW) (1917)
The Refreshment Room at Kempsey was one of the last to operate in NSW. This scene in the mid-1980's depicts a couple of customers off the Down North Coast Mail. The Kempsey Ref Room only serviced the Up and Down North Coast Mail at this time. All the other North Coast trains had on-board catering. (Bruce Irwin)
Kempsey. 1980.
Changing the staff, Kempsey (1982) (dunedoo, Flickr)
Kempsey, during construction.
Kempsey, 25/11/1967 (State Archives)
Kempsey Mail crossing Kempsey Bridge.
26-05-1958 (Records NSW)
Kempsey, engine shed, 1917 (Mitchell Library)
Railway. Gladstone Street in background, also corner of Forth Street on left. Load of bricks - Kempsey, NSW
Date:c 1920
Kempsey, 1918
Kempsey, undated - this is likely taken during construction (State Archives)
Vintage train at Kempsey, 25/11/1967 (State Archives)
Kempsey station (undated) (State Archives)
Kempsey Loco (undated) (State Archives)
Kempsey, 1947 (State Archives)
Stock train at Kempsey, 25/11/1967 (State Archives)
Kempsey Loco, 25/11/1967 (State Archives)
44**+44220 have just crossed the Macleay River on their journey north in this shot taken in the early 90's. (Jeff Hawkins)
Commissioning of CTC at Kempsey (Bob McAlpine)
Unusual consist on NT35 - 22/02/2024 - no XAM and only 4 cars. (Tony Egan)
NR41 leads 6BY4 on Sunday 26/10/1997, the siding to the right leads to the long closed (as Shell) depot, all 5 turnouts have since been removed. (Lenore Reinhard - Riddel)
Lenore Reinhard - Riddel
Location where siding crossed Gladstone Street, about where truck is parked.
Lenore Reinhard - Riddel
Location of former Shell depot standing room 3.
NR 10 NR 107 heads 2PB4 21-03-1999.
The discharge pipes for the Caltex depot ran under the road to the right from the siding. (Lenore Reinhard - Riddel)
NR 6 heads 1BM2 27/09/1998.
The buildings in the top left distance are part of the long closed King Gee factory & to the right obscured by vegetation is the long closed Country Energy/Essential Energy depot. (Lenore Reinhard - Riddel)
Saturday afternoon pick up 1627 with 8205 & 8166 has container traffic up front to be detached at Kempsey for the Smithtown milo by-products traffic, milk traffic has ceased hence no loading for Raleigh or Casino 4-11-2000.
The house in the far left background is long demolished as is the former Caltex depot which was to the left of Ron Butterfeilds Nursery shed middle upper background. (Lenore Reinhard - Riddel)
8050 on 6657 Wauchope Grafton transfer freight, the 3 MT NPRY's have been picked up at Wauchope & will be taken back to Grafton where they will be attached to -BW4 MT steel service.The train is about to clear Kempsey's northern yard limits on the 17-05-2002.
Greg Riddel.
Train no 6657 takes the
loop at Kempsey to cross NT2.
8042 failed at Raleigh early in the day & 48159 was sent from Grafton to assist at Wauchope the loco's were reversed so the 48 wouldn't have to long end lead on the return trip, 48159 is powering the train thru the controls of 8042.
Friday 10-01-2003.
(Greg Riddel)
A photo by my father, Clem. Kempsey railway station, looking South, in September 1968. Note on the right, stacked ice cream refrigerator bags. (Graeme Kirkby)
6M21 with 42107 & 42206 on a rainy 🌧 Monday
7-05-2001.
Photo courtesy Bernie Keast
49 classes 03/14/01/12/09 as part of the consist of 6M21 Monday 7-05-2001.
Photo courtesy Bernie Keast
Barclay Mowlem Ballast cleaner RM 80 on the rear of 6M21 in Kempsey loop on the 7-05-2001.
Photo courtesy Bernie Keast
Macleay Argus article, 1986, on the Kempsey RRR
Remains of the counter of the Kempsey RRR in 2015 (Bruce Cain)
1949 aerial view of Kempsey, railway station and yards in the centre.
Kempsey Railway Station 1962 (Christine Read)
Opening of the Kempsey Station, 1917 (State Archives)
RRR stove at the Kempsey Railway Station (Christine Read) (undated)
Container wagon waiting to be loaded whilst the goods shed is still intact.
Circa 1998 (Greg Riddel)
Plenty of containers for the Smithtown Nestles traffic.
Circa 1998 (Greg Riddel)
X117 which was transferred from Coffs Harbour to assist with the once busy container traffic.
13/9/98
(Greg Riddel)
Post Privatisation crickets 🦗 & weeds.
27-01-25
(Greg Riddel)
All that remains of the once busy goods shed.
27-01-25 (Greg Riddel)
SCT010 leads 5MB9 into the loop at Kempsey to cross NT32 on the 21-07-2023.
Photo George Riddel
3 x SCT locomotives on 6BM9
Kempsey 13-11-2021
Photo George Riddel
6SB3 rolls thru Kempsey whilst the overgrown Kempsey yard is still in use with X117 in the giggle road.
14/12/96 (Greg Riddel)
8008 & 8041 on 6SB3
14/12/96 (Greg Riddel)
8008 & 8041 on 6SB3 just ahead is the 504.000km peg & 11M starting signal which is part of the second loop extension with the first extended loop being part of the existing yard requiring manual operation via a ground frame.
14/12/96 (Greg Riddel)
6SB3 with NR52 & NR76
Goods shed still intact & old signals on display in the garden area.
18-03-2000
Greg Riddel
Louvre van with Adamsons truck & shed in the background, up to four of these vans would be handled per business day in good times.
Circa early 80's
Photo late Rodney James
Victorian louvre van, regular consignments of rabbit 🐇 skins in these vans where made from Dynon to Kempsey acc. Akubra Hats 🎩
Circa early 80's
Photo late Rodney James
Adamsons goods shed city end.
August 98 (Greg Riddel)
Goods shed sign written:
North Coast
Bulk Freights
Adamsons & Sons Pty Ltd
Sugar Depot (Greg Riddel)
Adamsons goods shed mid section.
November 98 (Greg Riddel)
Country end demolition.
Circa early 2000's (Greg Riddel)
City end demolition
Circa early 2000's (Greg Riddel)
2PB4 Kempsey
9/11/97 (Greg Riddel)
NT33 had a slightly longer than expected stop at Kempsey today (20/10/2025) due to a bushfire at Collombatti. Not a station I'd normally spend any time at! And now I've been there two days running.....
Kempsey (19/10/2025) (Lance Lyon)
Grounded Peters 🥛 Milk Tank 105.
Kempsey March 2000 (Greg Riddel)
Kempsey RRR (5/12/25, Lance Lyon)
Kemp;sey Rail Motor Society tour Kempsey RRR (5/12/25, Lance Lyon)
2013 leads a 30 minute late running NT33 into Kempsey on a very hot day (5/12/25, Lance Lyon)
6BW4 NR101 NR82 NR1 NR72
30-10-99 (Greg Riddel)
6BW4
21-8-99 (Greg Riddel)
6WB3 NR68 NR72 NR46
23-12-2001 (Greg Riddel)
First running of 6244 with G513 passes the site of the old Perway depot (right hand side) Kempsey.
25-01-26
Image George Riddel
# Kempsey (North Coast Line)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1917–1982
---
**Type:** Station (in use) / Crossing Loop
**Line:** North Coast Line (Kundabung–Kempsey / Kempsey–Tamban sections; originally Kempsey–Eungai)
**Distance from Sydney:** 503.572 km (Mileage 312m approximately)
**Location:** -31.076579, 152.833352
**Opened:** **27 November 1917** (with opening of Wauchope–Kempsey section)
**Status:** In use
**Name meaning:** Named by E.W. Rudder after his estate of the same name in England
**Platform:** 137-metre Up side at opening; extended to **182 metres** (15 September 1925 per your notes; alteration to loco yard points and Down Second Home signal from 6–12 February 1925 as preliminary works)
**Loop at opening:** 380-metre central controlled interlocked loop
**Goods shed and 8-tonne yard crane:** In existence at opening
**Water tanks:** 203mm bore jib at both ends of platform; town supply
**Construction (1915):** Six-road roundhouse (foundations survive) and 18.2-metre turntable; construction started 12 August 1915
**RRR opened:** **1 July 1919** (per your notes; 13 June 1919 in your notes — WN gives 1 July 1919 as Kempsey–Macksville line opening date, same date)
**Footwarmer heater:** 15 June 1919 (per your notes)
**Loco depot watering facilities and ash pit:** 4 July 1925 (per your notes)
**Platform extended:** 15 September 1925 (per your notes)
**Additional 90 kl water tank:** 1 July 1943 (per your notes)
**Gas reservoir for diner cars:** 1947 (per your notes)
**ETS section (opening):** Wauchope–Kempsey and Kempsey–Eungai
**ETS section (1934 onwards):** Kundabung–Kempsey and Kempsey–Tamban (1 March 1934 — Tamban opened)
**Ground Frames (1934):** Frames C and [?] released by Kempsey–Tamban ETS; Circular No. 181 of 1917 amended (W.N. 3–1934)
**Circular:** No. 181 of 1917 (Kempsey base diagram); No. 524–54 of 1936 (Kempsey yard diagram — referenced 1965)
**Signal redesignation:** 17 February 1970 — Down Home → Down Outer Home; Down 2nd Home → Down Home; Down 3rd Home → Down 2nd Home; Down 2nd Home (Main to Loop) → Down Home (Main to Loop) (W.N. — 1970)
**Motor-operated points:** **13 September 1982** — advertised W.N. 34 and 35; deferred to 13 September (W.N. 36–1982); Down 2nd Home on Sydney side of Belgrave Street level crossing — boom barriers, Type F signals, warning bell; position light shunting signal at Casino end; call indicators at Down Third Home and Up Second Home; ETS Kundabung–Kempsey and Kempsey–Tamban retained (S&C 126170)
**School bus collision:** **9 December 1968** — collision between school bus and train at Kempsey crossing; 4 passengers killed, 15 injured
### Associated Sidings
| Siding | Opened | Notes |
|--------|--------|-------|
| Shell Siding | **14 March 1927** | Dead-end, off Goods Siding at Grafton end of goods shed; 80 feet in clear; 1 in 300 falling (443 ft) then 1 in 60 (60 ft) then 1 in 16 (110 ft) then level; Ball Lever; shunting charge 1s 2d/truck (max 10s/15 min); 314 miles from Darling Harbour; British Imperial Oil Company Ltd (W.N. 11–1927) |
| Kempsey Electric Light Co Siding | **December 1934** | Works at Mileage 312.32, Sydney side of Down Home signal; trucks propelled from Kempsey; at least one non-flammable truck between engine and oil tanks; Kempsey–Kundabung ETS; 10s/15 min shunting charge (W.N. 52–1934) |
| Vacuum Siding | **26 May 1951** | Dead-end, Up side, Mileage 312m 51c; points facing Down trains; approximately 500 feet on Sydney side of Belgrave Street level crossing; Frame F (No. 2 lever, Down side near points); shunting charge 2s/truck; No. 4 Goods Siding (429 feet, 22 November 1950) simultaneously referenced; standing room increased from 81 to 103 (W.N. 26–1951) |
| Mobil Siding | **July 1962** | (per your notes — formal WN opening notice not found in OCR of 1962 volume) |
| No. 4 Goods Siding | **22 November 1950** | 429 feet in clear; standing room 81→103 after No. 4 and Vacuum Siding (W.N. 20–1951) |
| No. 4 Goods Siding extended | **17 March 1965** | Connected to No. 3 Goods Siding at Grafton end; Circular No. 524–54 of 1936 amended (W.N. 16–1965) |
| Kempsey Stock Siding | By 1970 | Grade 1 in 150 falling (Down and Up journeys) (W.N. 9–1970) |
---
> **Notes:** Kempsey opened 27 November 1917 as the terminus of the Wauchope–Kempsey extension. Construction of a six-road roundhouse and 18.2-metre turntable had started 12 August 1915 (two years before the line opened). Railway Refreshment Room opened 1 July 1919 (same date as Kempsey–Macksville extension). Platform 137 metres at opening; extended to 182 metres 15 September 1925, preceded by realignment of loco yard points (6 February 1925) and Down Second Home signal (12 February 1925). Loco depot watering facilities and ash pit 4 July 1925. Additional 90 kl water tank 1 July 1943. Gas reservoir for diner cars 1947.
>
> Tamban crossing loop opened 1 March 1934 — Kempsey–Eungai section cancelled; Kempsey–Tamban and Tamban–Eungai created. Ground Frames C and [?] at Kempsey altered to Kempsey–Tamban ETS key (Circular No. 181 of 1917 amended; W.N. 3–1934). Colombatti Ground Frames A and B similarly altered (Circular No. 116 of 1919 amended; W.N. 3–1934).
>
> Shell Siding opened 14 March 1927 (British Imperial Oil Co; 80 feet; 1 in 300/60/16 falling grades; ball lever; shunting charge 1s 2d/truck). Electric Light Company working instructions December 1934 (Mileage 312.32; propelling with non-flammable leading truck; Kempsey–Kundabung ETS). No. 4 Goods Siding (429 feet) from 22 November 1950. Vacuum Siding from 26 May 1951 (Frame F; Up side; 312m 51c; shunting charge 2s/truck). No. 4 Goods Siding connected to No. 3 at Grafton end 17 March 1965 (Circular No. 524–54 of 1936 amended).
>
> Down signal redesignation 17 February 1970 (W.N. — 1970). School bus collision at Kempsey crossing 9 December 1968 — 4 killed, 15 injured. Motor-operated points and colour light signals — advertised for 30 August 1982 (W.N. 34 and 35) but deferred to **Monday, 13 September 1982** (W.N. 36). Down 2nd Home on Sydney side of Belgrave Street level crossing — boom barriers, Type F highway signals and warning bell controlled by protecting signal clearance. Position light shunting signal at Casino end of crossing loop. Call indicators at Down Third Home and Up Second Home signals. ETS Kundabung–Kempsey and Kempsey–Tamban retained; automatic staff exchangers remain.
---
## 1917 — Opened 27 November 1917; Wauchope–Kempsey and Kempsey–Eungai Sections
### Opening of Line Wauchope to Kempsey — W.N. — 1917
> **Opening of Line from Wauchope to Kempsey (North Coast)** — On **Monday, 27th November, 1917**, the line from Wauchope to Kempsey will be opened for traffic.
>
> This line is fenced and classed as a **Main Line**. Trains and engines will be run at Ordinary Main Line Speed. *(W.N. — 1917)*
### ETS Sections at Opening — 1917
> - **Wauchope–Kundabung** and **Kundabung–Kempsey** (Telegraph Point intermediate on Wauchope–Kundabung section)
> - **Kempsey–Eungai**
>
> Newton, 6 — listed as Officer in Charge at Kempsey. *(Source: 1917 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1919 — Kempsey–Macksville Extension Opened 1 July 1919; RRR
### Kempsey–Macksville Extension — W.N. — 1919
> **Opening of Line from Kempsey to Macksville (North Coast)** — On **Tuesday, 1st July, 1919**, the line from Kempsey to Macksville will be opened for traffic, in accordance with **Circular No. 116 of 1919**.
>
> This line is fenced and classed as a Main Line. Trains and engines will be run at Ordinary Main Line Speed. *(W.N. — 1919)*
### Automatic ETS Working — Kempsey to Eungai — 1919
> Automatic Electric Staff working in force for Up trains Eungai to Kempsey during hours the Officer in Charge is not on duty; Ordinary working when he is on duty. Automatic working continuously for Down and Up trains from Kempsey and Macksville respectively to Eungai. *(Source: 1919 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1925 — Loco Yard Points Moved; Down Second Home Signal Relocated; Platform Extended
### Loco Yard Points Moved — W.N. 6–1925
> **Kempsey (North Coast) — Alteration to Points Leading to Loco. Yard** — Since **6th February, 1925**, the Points (No. 17) in the Main line (facing on Down journey) leading to the Loco. Yard at the South Grafton end of the platform have been moved **28 feet nearer to South Grafton**. The Catch-points in this connection, which are worked by the same lever, have been moved **28 feet further into the Loco. Yard.** (S.P. 24–6,951X.) *(W.N. 6–1925)*
### Down Second Home Signal Relocated — W.N. 6–1925
> **Kempsey (North Coast) — Alteration to Down Second Home Signal** — On **Thursday, 12th February, 1925**, between 7.30 a.m. and 4 p.m., the Down Main Second Home signal (No. 8), on which is fixed the Down Main to Loco. Yard (No. 15) signal, will be removed and re-erected **70 feet nearer to South Grafton** in a corresponding position. *(W.N. 6–1925)*
---
## 1927 — Shell Siding — 14 March 1927; British Imperial Oil Co.; 80 Feet; Falling Grade
### Shell Siding — W.N. 11–1927
> **Pages 49, 62 and 300 — Shell Siding, Kempsey (North Coast), Provided for British Imperial Oil Company, Limited** — On **Monday, 14th March, 1927**, a new Dead-end Siding, laid in off and connected to the Goods Siding, immediately at the Grafton end of the Goods Shed, will be brought into use, and will be known as **SHELL SIDING, KEMPSEY**.
>
> The points in the Goods Siding (facing on the Down journey) will be worked by **Ball Lever**, and when not in use must be secured in the open position by Rasp, Staple and S.L. Lock.
>
> **Description** — The Siding is **80 feet in length** in the clear.
>
> **Grade** — The Siding is on a grade of:
> - **1 in 300 falling** for 443 feet from points in Goods Siding
> - **1 in 60 falling** for 60 feet
> - **1 in 16 falling** for 110 feet
> - **Level** to Dead-end
>
> **Mileage for Rates Purposes** — From Darling Harbour: **314 miles**; from Newcastle: **214 miles**.
>
> **Shunting Charge** — **1s. 2d. per truck**, subject to a maximum of **10s. 0d.** for each 15 minutes or part thereof, on all loaded trucks placed in or taken out of this Siding. (27–29,364 and 27–29,373.) *(W.N. 11–1927)*
---
## 1934 — Tamban Opened; Kempsey–Eungai Cancelled; Kempsey–Tamban Created; Ground Frames Altered; Electric Light Co. Instructions
### Tamban Opened; Kempsey Frames Altered — W.N. 3–1934
> **Kempsey (North Coast) — Altered Releasing of Ground Frames** — On and from **Thursday, 1st March, 1934**, No. 1 lever in Frames **"C" and [?]** will be unlocked by key on the Miniature Electric Train Staff for the section **Kempsey–Tamban**.
>
> **Circular No. 181 of 1917** to be amended accordingly. *(W.N. 3–1934)*
> Simultaneously: Tamban opened as ETS and Crossing Station; Kempsey–Eungai section cancelled; new sections **Kempsey–Tamban** and **Tamban–Eungai** created. Colombatti Ground Frames A and B altered to Kempsey–Tamban ETS; Circular No. 116 of 1919 amended. *(W.N. 3–1934)*
### Kempsey Electric Light Company Working Instructions — W.N. 52–1934
> **Page 266 — Kempsey Electric Light Company, Kempsey — Shunting Traffic to and Unloading at Works** — The Kempsey Electric Light Company's Works are situated alongside the Main line at Mileage **312.32**, on the **Sydney side of the Down Home signal**.
>
> Trucks containing cement and oil may be propelled from Kempsey to Mileage 312.32 for unloading by using the engine and crew arriving Kempsey on No. 15 Passenger (or other suitable train).
>
> When a shunt is to be made, the Driver must be in possession of the Electric Train Staff for the section **Kempsey–Kundabung**, and at least one truck, not loaded with inflammable material, must be marshalled between the engine and the oil tank trucks.
>
> **Propelling** — when propelling, a brake-van must be provided as the leading vehicle.
>
> **Shunting Charge** — 10s. for each 15 minutes or part thereof. (34–74,465.) *(W.N. 52–1934)*
---
## 1951 — No. 4 Goods Siding (22 November 1950); Vacuum Siding (26 May 1951); Frame F
### No. 4 Goods Siding — W.N. 20–1951
> **Page 60 — Stations, Platforms and Sidings — Accommodation Provided — Kempsey (North Coast)** — Since **Wednesday, 22nd November, 1950**, a new siding, No. 4 Goods Siding, **429 feet in the clear**, has been brought into use. Delete 81 from column headed "Standing Room — Other Sidings" and insert **103** in lieu. (50–36,308.) *(W.N. 20–1951)*
### Vacuum Siding — W.N. 26–1951
> **Vacuum Siding, Kempsey** — A new dead-end siding, laid in on the **Up side** of, and connected to, the Main line at Mileage **312m 51c** (points facing to Down trains), approximately **500 feet on the Sydney side of Belgrave Street level crossing**, will be brought into use and known as **"Vacuum Siding," Kempsey**.
>
> **Frame "F"** — the points in the Main line and catch-point in the siding will be worked from No. 2 lever in a new Ground Frame "F," fixed on the **Down side** of, and near to, the points in the Main line.
>
> **Shunting Charge** — **2s. per truck**. *(W.N. 26–1951; ref. B 2–51–25,851)*
---
## 1965 — No. 4 Goods Siding Connected to No. 3 — 17 March 1965; Circular No. 524–54
### No. 4 Goods Siding Extended — W.N. 16–1965
> **Kempsey (North Coast)** — Since **17th March, 1965**, No. 4 Goods Siding has been extended and **connected to No. 3 Goods Siding at the Grafton end**.
>
> Diagram attached to **Circular No. 524–54, Kempsey, of 1936**, to be amended accordingly. (A. 1–65–30,603.) *(W.N. 16–1965)*
---
## 1970 — Down Signal Redesignation — 17 February 1970; Stock Siding Grade
### Down Signal Redesignation — W.N. — 1970
> **Kempsey (North Coast) — Alteration to Designations of Down Signals** — On **Tuesday, 17th February, 1970**, between 8.0 a.m. and 4.0 p.m., the designations of Down signals will be altered as follows:
>
> (a) The Down Home signal, **No. 1** will become the **Down Outer Home signal, No. 1**
> (b) The Down 2nd Home signal, Main line, **No. 2** will become the **Down Home signal, Main line, No. 2**
> (c) The Down 3rd Home signal, Main line, **No. 3** will become the **Down 2nd Home signal, Main line, No. 3**
> (d) The Down 2nd Home signal, Main to Loop, **No. 5** will become the **Down Home signal, Main to Loop, No. 5**
>
> Shunting outside the Down Home signals, Nos. 2 and 5 may be carried out as far as the Down Outer Home signal, No. 1 only, in accordance with Regulation 40. *(W.N. — 1970)*
### Stock Siding Grade — W.N. 9–1970
> **Kempsey Stock Siding** — Grade: **1 in 150 falling** on Down and Up journeys. (A. 1–69–51,614.) *(W.N. 9–1970)*
---
## 1982 — Motor-Operated Points — 13 September 1982 (Deferred from 30 August); Belgrave Street Boom Barriers
### Motor-Operated Points Advertised — W.N. 34 and 35–1982
> **Kempsey (North Coast) — Conversion to Power Operation of Points and Signals** — On **Monday, 30th August, 1982**, commencing 7.30 a.m. and continuing until completion, as a preliminary to the introduction of CTC signalling on the North Coast line, the Main line to loop points at each end of Kempsey crossing loop will be converted to motor operation.
>
> A new **Up Starting signal No. 14** and **Down Home signal No. 1** will be provided on the Sydney side of the Middleton Street Siding at **501.872 km** and **501.158 km** respectively. A new **Down Starting signal No. 13** will be provided at **504.373 km** near the Up Home signal No. 4, and an **Up Outer Home signal No. 2** will be provided at **505.029 km**.
>
> A **position light shunting signal** to regulate shunting movements on the Main line and between the Main line and the Loop line or Goods Siding will be provided at the Casino end of the crossing loop.
>
> The **Down 2nd Home signal** will be located on the **Sydney side of Belgrave Street level crossing** — automatic control in Down and Up directions of Type F flashing light highway signals, **boom barriers** and warning bell subject to clearance of protecting signals.
>
> **Telephone Call Indicators** — near the **Down Third Home** and **Up Second Home** signals at each end; flashing blue light and hooter.
>
> ETS Kundabung–Kempsey and Kempsey–Tamban retained; automatic staff exchangers remain.
>
> A full description of the signalling arrangements and a diagram is published in Weekly Notice No. 34 of 1982. (S&C 126170.) *(W.N. 34 and 35–1982)*
### Works Deferred — Commissioned 13 September 1982 — W.N. 36–1982
> **Kempsey (North Coast) — Conversion to Power Operation of Points and Signals** — Work previously advertised in Weekly Notices No. 34 and No. 35 of 1982 for the conversion to power operation of points and signals at Kempsey, as a preliminary to the introduction of Centralised Traffic Control signalling on the North Coast line, has been deferred and will now be commissioned on **Monday, 13th September, 1982**. (S&C 126170.) *(W.N. 36–1982)*
### CTC Sections — 1982
> CTC section distances:
> - **Kundabung–Kempsey**: 16.375 km
> - **Kempsey–Tamban**: 16.979 km (Electric Train Staff, Type B, Nos. 1–50; Nos. 1–8 Key; Nos. 9–14 Divisible)
>
> *(Source: 1982 Weekly Notices — CTC section table)*
---
## Summary of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| 12 August 1915 | Construction started — six-road roundhouse (foundations survive) and 18.2-metre turntable |
| **27 November 1917** | **Opened** — 137-metre Up platform; 380-metre loop; 8-tonne yard crane; goods shed; 203mm bore jib water tanks (town supply); sections Wauchope–Kempsey (via Telegraph Point and Kundabung) and Kempsey–Eungai; Newton, 6 Officer in Charge |
| **1 July 1919** | Kempsey–Macksville extension opened (Circular No. 116 of 1919); RRR opened same date |
| 15 June 1919 | Footwarmer heater installed |
| W.N. 6–1925 | Loco yard points No. 17 moved 28 feet nearer Grafton (6 Feb); Down Second Home No. 8 re-erected 70 feet nearer Grafton (12 Feb) |
| **15 September 1925** | Platform extended from 137 metres to **182 metres** |
| 4 July 1925 | Loco depot watering facilities and ash pit installed |
| **14 March 1927** | **Shell Siding** opened — Dead-end, Goods Siding Grafton end; 80 feet; 1 in 300/60/16 falling; Ball Lever; shunting charge 1s 2d/truck (British Imperial Oil Co.) (W.N. 11–1927) |
| **1 March 1934** | **Tamban opened** as ETS and Crossing Station — Kempsey–Eungai cancelled; **Kempsey–Tamban** and Tamban–Eungai created; Kempsey Frames C and [?] altered to Kempsey–Tamban ETS; Circular No. 181 amended (W.N. 3–1934) |
| **December 1934** | **Kempsey Electric Light Co. Siding** working instructions — Mileage 312.32; propelling with non-flammable leading truck; Kempsey–Kundabung ETS (W.N. 52–1934) |
| Circular No. 524–54 of 1936 | Kempsey yard diagram issued |
| **1 July 1943** | Additional 90 kl water tank installed |
| **1947** | Gas reservoir for refilling diner cars installed |
| **22 November 1950** | **No. 4 Goods Siding** — 429 feet; standing room 81→103 (W.N. 20–1951) |
| **26 May 1951** | **Vacuum Siding** — Up side, Mileage 312m 51c, 500 feet Sydney side of Belgrave Street crossing; Frame F; shunting charge 2s/truck (W.N. 26–1951) |
| **July 1962** | **Mobil Siding** opened (per your notes — WN notice not in OCR) |
| **17 March 1965** | No. 4 Goods Siding connected to No. 3 Goods Siding at Grafton end; Circular No. 524–54 of 1936 amended (W.N. 16–1965) |
| **9 December 1968** | **School bus collision** at Kempsey crossing — 4 killed, 15 injured |
| **17 February 1970** | Down signal redesignation — Down Home→Down Outer Home; Down 2nd Home→Down Home; Down 3rd Home→Down 2nd Home; Down 2nd Home (Main to Loop)→Down Home (Main to Loop) (W.N. — 1970) |
| **13 September 1982** | **Motor-operated points and colour light signals** — deferred from 30 August (W.N. 36–1982); Up Starting No. 14 (501.872 km), Down Home No. 1 (501.158 km) Sydney side of Middleton Street Siding; Down Starting No. 13 (504.373 km); Up Outer Home No. 2 (505.029 km); position light shunting signal Casino end; Down 2nd Home Sydney side of Belgrave Street — boom barriers, Type F signals; call indicators at Down Third Home and Up Second Home; ETS Kundabung–Kempsey and Kempsey–Tamban retained |
---
*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1917–1982.*
*Note: Kempsey is the only North Coast station where construction infrastructure (the six-road roundhouse) was built more than two years before the line opened. The roundhouse foundations survive, confirming the scale of this investment. The school bus collision of 9 December 1968 is the most serious accident documented in the WN collection for this section of the North Coast Line. Circular No. 181 of 1917 served as the Kempsey base diagram from 1917 to at least 1934 — 17 years; superseded by Circular No. 524–54 of 1936.*