Type : Station
Station Number : NC1
Distance from Sydney : 194.739km
Location : -32.723120, 151.539973
Opened : 14 August 1911 as West Maitland Marshalling Yard, 15 April 1922 renamed Telarah
Closed : n/a
Status : In use
Name meaning : after Telarah House, an adjacent property
Notes : WNs incorrectly call the station "Telereh" which required two correction notices - again, a case of the WNs not being accurate. 132 metre Up side platform. 31/8/1914 interlocking introduced. 10/4/1916 trucking yards built. 30/6/1922 passenger platform with waiting shed and awning erected (this was the same year that a request was made for the Kempsey Mail to stop at the station). 1926 — Cattle Race added. 1929 — Provision of new siding; Gang Set Down at 127m 40c. 1937 - electric lights added. 1943 - good line length clarified to 1,210 yards. 1945 - Lamp Room added at Down end of yard. 11/4/1945 - central interlocked loop installed. 1947 - crossing loop added. 24/1/1956 - triangle to Great North opened (WN 4 & 6/1956). Stockyards siding added 1982. Station rebuilt 1997.
Undated photo of Telarah prior to modernisation (uncredited)
Visit of Flying Scotsman Locomotive, 4 March 1989 at Telarah Signal.
This photograph was taken by Brian R Andrews of Killingworth, NSW.
Telarah (Allan Sharp, 1982)
Telarah (1982, Warren Banfield)
Telarah (1984, uncredited)
Telarah in 2014 (no copyright)
The surviving sections of the former Telarah station building at Pelaw Main. (1997 (flickr)
Telarah (4/3/89) (flickr)
Telarah (Stephen Miller)
Telarah from NT35 24/4/2021 (Lance Lyon)
3AB7 behind 48120-48136-4490 have arrived at Telarah while 761-661 Newcastle service waits to depart. 4454 is in the yard. 9-7-1992
Facilities at Telarah early 1980s - rather primitive to say the least!
Telarah in the early 1980s
Telarah derailment, 7.2.1965 (Ken Magor)
Pilgrim's Train at Telarah in 1933
Two new (Qld) suburban carriage shells at Telarah being forwarded by goods train en-route to Brisbane for fitting out etc. - January 1962. ((c) Graham Ahern)
Philip Tatarinov writes:
Who remembers when, I think Rick Endecott went through the jacks, south end Telarah yard. The 44 was on a 30 degree angle. Forgotten who my mate was, but we relieved the brake down crew. First time I ever saw a sling used to right a loco. Forgotten date.
Telarah (1980s ?) (not credited)
Now here's a bit of a mystery - this is an article from The Maitland Daily Mercury, Friday July 22nd 1921. This is the very first mention of Telarah (station) in any newspaper and it indicates that the station was to be called "Telarah" and would open as such on July 25th with two attendants being sent. It does mention the "marshalling yards platform" but seems to indicate that trains would commence stopping there for the first time from the 25th. this is at odds with the opening of "West Maitland Marshalling Yards" on the 14th August 1911 - was the platform here only an employee platform until 1921 ? Also, the "official" change of name is 15/4/1922 - but it would appear that for the best part of a year before that it already bore the name "Telarah" and not "West Maitland Marshalling Yards"
Telarah, May 2020 (Stephen Joseph Miller)
Telarah, 11/3/2019 (Rob Rouse)
A relic from Telarah signal box (Darrell Edwards)
1981 lever plates (Cheech Cat)
Derailment at Telarah
Pilgrim's Train at Telarah in 1933
Telarah from NT35 (Lance Lyon) (24/4/2021)
I'm thinking that gangers at Telarah in 1937 may have had a bit too much spare time on their hands!
3AB7 behind 48120-48136-4490 have arrived at Telarah while 761-661 Newcastle service waits to depart. 4454 is in the yard. 9-7-1992
Where the C.T.C. signalling to Casino commenced. A view from NT-25, the "Grafton XPT" approaching signal MD-301 at Telarah with the turnout indication displayed from double track to the single line. The Starting signal, MD-305 is under the overbridge ahead. 25-3-1994. (Graeme Kirby)
Up pass near Telarah 1981 (Steven Nell)
TELARAH 194.739km/14.6m Opened as MAITLAND MARSHALLING YARD 14.8.1911,
changed to TELARAH 15.4.1922.
Line opened from Maitland to Dungog 14.8.1911, single track, construction contract
from Maitland to Dungog let to Carson, Cary & Simpson on 28.4.1908.
The station is said to have been named after Telarah House, an adjoining property.
The Up side platform is 132m long, with booking office & general waiting room ..
The school opened as HOLMSVILLE 10.1890, to TELARAH 1.1950, post office opened
15.11.1915.
31.8.1914 - Interlocked without loop & Electric Staff working introduced.
10.4.1916 - Trucking yards built.
30.6.1922 - Passenger platform a 131m long with waiting shed and awning erected.
1926 - Installation of cattle race and yard crane.
1937 - Provision of electric light at station and signal box.
1945 - Provision of a lamp room at Down end of yard.
11.4.1945 - Central interlocked loop laid in.
1947 - Crossing loop laid in.
24.1.1956 - Triangle connection to North Main line opened.
Telarah, Maitland Council Abattoir siding and Walka power station siding - a brief history.
Up goods approaching Telarah (undated)
Telarah (undated) (Booth collection)
4464 Down goods at Telarah, 5/3/83 (Munro)
Construction of the triangle at Telarah (21/03/1955) (uncredited)
Telarah (undated)
Telarah, 24/09/1966
Telarah signal box, undated
Telarah, 4/5/97
Telarah, 4/5/97
3MB4 Down freight at Telarah, 15/4/2009 (Con Munro)
AS27 empty Coal to Stratford, 13/6/1996 (Neil Munro)
5/3/1983 - Down goods at Telarah (Neil Munro)
3661 leads a tour train at Telarah station, 24/9/1966 (A Grunbach)
Down goods at Telarah, 14/12/1957 (C Winney)
Up ballast train at Telarah, undated (C Winney)
665 departs Telarah for Newcastle (undated) (Booth Collection)
3/11/1990 - ballast train at Telarah (Winney Collection)
Telarah station - 4/5/1997 (uncredited)
Looking north from the end of the platform at Telarah (Booth Collection)
Telarah looking from platform towards Maitland, 4 November 2007 (Weston Langford Collection)
Telarah looking North from Platform, 4 November 2007 (Weston Langford Collection)
Overbridge reconstruction, Telarah, 1971 (State Archives)
Telarah (undated) Glenn A. Rose
48124+8001 6AB6 Telarah 30-05-93 (Leon Batman)
Up coal and Down empty coal at Telarah, 13/6/1996 (NW Munro)
Two-car diesel railcar set 630+730 after arriving on a local service from Newcastle sits at Telarah, NSW, June 10, 1984.
Telarah in 1922 around the time the station opened.
In 1986 the signal box was still there but lengthened resulting in the window in the front wall being in an asymmetric position. The spaces between the various buildings on the platform have been filled and is probable that the door had also been repositioned. The railcar was waiting to return to Newcastle. RT Taaffe
# Telarah (North Coast Line)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1922–1989
---
**Type:** Station (Marshalling Yard / Crossing Loop / Staff Station)
**Line:** North Coast Line (Maitland North–Telarah / Telarah–Mindaribba sections)
**Distance from Sydney:** 194.739 km
**Location:** -32.723120, 151.539973
**Opened:** 14 August 1911 as West Maitland Marshalling Yard; renamed **Telarah** 15 April 1922
**Status:** In use
**Name meaning:** After Telarah House, an adjacent property
**Platform:** 132-metre Up side platform
**Circular:** No. 398–38 of 1936 (Telarah base diagram — referenced through to at least 1945); No. 250–7 of 1956 (Telarah and Triangle Loop — referenced through to 1982); No. 91–2 of 1982 (Telarah–Kilbride CTC)
---
> **Key Events (from your notes and Weekly Notices):**
> - **14 August 1911** — Opened as West Maitland Marshalling Yard
> - **31 August 1914** — Interlocking introduced
> - **10 April 1916** — Trucking yards built
> - **15 April 1922** — Renamed Telarah; passenger platform with waiting shed and awning erected **30 June 1922**
> - **1933** — Mindaribba opened 27 November 1933; Telarah–Paterson section cancelled; new sections Telarah–Mindaribba and Mindaribba–Paterson
> - **11 November 1934** — Telephone Train Control System extended Newcastle to Telarah and East Greta Junction
> - **28 February 1935** — West Maitland North Signal-box–Telarah miniature ETS replaced larger type; Telephone Control System extended Telarah to Taree (1935)
> - **1937** — Electric lights added
> - **1941** — Truck weighbridge capacity updated
> - **7 December 1944** — New 32-lever interlocking machine provided
> - **1945** — Lamp Room added; **11 April 1945** central interlocked loop installed; Down Distant signal alterations; key staffs replaced by ordinary staffs Telarah–Mindaribba
> - **1947** — Crossing loop added
> - **17 January 1950** — Additional miniature ETS No. 52 added on Telarah–Mindaribba
> - **24 January 1956** — Triangle to Great North opened; Ordinary Train Staff "Telarah Triangle Loop" (round, red)
> - **1956** — Electricity Commission Siding provided; Maitland–Telarah Telephone Block on Down and Up North Coast lines
> - **1960** — Meatworks Siding (Telarah–Mindaribba); controlling station Telarah; Pilotman's Key at Telarah
> - **28 June 1965** — Electricity Commission Siding abolished
> - **1982** — Telarah–Kilbride CTC introduced (Broadmeadow CTC Centre); ETS sections Telarah–Mindaribba, Mindaribba–Paterson and Paterson–Kilbride cancelled; Telarah Stockyards Siding (Station Code 371E, Distance 196) added
---
## 1922 — Renamed Telarah — 15 April 1922; Spelling Confirmed
### Name Confirmed — W.N. — 1922
> **Pages 47 and 289 — Telarah (North Coast)** — The name of this platform, which was brought into use on **15th April, 1922** (vide instructions in Weekly Notice No. 22 of 1922), is **TELARAH**, not Telerah. (20–34,195.) *(Source: 1922 Weekly Notices)*
> **Note:** This explicit spelling correction — "TELARAH, not Telerah" — appears to have been necessary because an incorrect spelling had been published in earlier notices. The station was known as West Maitland Marshalling Yard from 14 August 1911 until the 15 April 1922 renaming.
---
## 1924 — Listed as Telarah (Marshalling Sidings)
### Station Sequence — 1924
> **Telarah (Marshalling Sidings)** — listed in station sequence between Oakhampton and Mindaribba. *(Source: 1924 Working Timetable)*
> **Note:** The bracketed "(Marshalling Sidings)" description in 1924 confirms the yard's primary function two years after the renaming — it remained principally a marshalling facility with limited passenger functions.
---
## 1926 — Cattle Race Added; Signal Renewals
### Cattle Race — W.N. — 1926
> **Pages 47, 61 and 289 — Telarah (North Coast)** — On Monday, **5th July, 1926**, an additional **Cattle Race** will be brought into use at Telarah. *(Source: 1926 Weekly Notices)*
### Down Home and Up Home Signals Renewed — W.N. 37–1926
> **Telarah (North Coast) — Renewal of Down Home and Up Inner Distant Signals** — Tuesday 14th and Friday 17th September 1926:
>
> **Down Home Signals** — Left-hand half-bracket post carrying Down Home signals, Main (No. 15) and Sidings to Main (No. 14) — out of use for renewal of bracket post and changing arm on the Doll. New Dead-end Arm (replacing Independent Disc signal No. 13 — Shunt, Sidings to Dead-end) fixed on Main post of Down Home half-bracket signal.
>
> **Up Inner Distant Signal** (No. 2) — renewed; **fixed green upper light** provided.
>
> **Up Home Signals** — Right-hand half-bracket post carrying Up Home signals, Main (No. 3) and Main to Sidings (No. 5) — out of use for renewal of bracket post and changing arm on the Doll. *(W.N. 37–1926)*
---
## 1927 — West Maitland North Signal-box–Telarah — Staff Inscription Changed
### Staff Inscription Altered — W.N. — 1927
> **West Maitland North Signal-box to Telarah (North Coast) — Alteration to Inscription on Ordinary Train Staff** — On **3rd January, 1927**, the Ordinary Train Staff for the section of Goods line between West Maitland and Telarah, which was previously lettered **"West Maitland North Box–Telarah"**, was altered to read **"West Maitland North Signal-box–Telarah."** *(Source: 1927 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1929 — Provision of New Siding; Gang Set Down at 127m 40c
### New Siding Provided — W.N. — 1929
> **Telarah (North Coast) — Provision** [of new siding]. Flagmen at Telarah and Paterson during alterations. *(W.N. — 1929)*
---
## 1933 — Mindaribba Opened 27 November 1933; Telarah–Paterson Section Cancelled
### Mindaribba Opened — Telarah–Mindaribba Section Created — W.N. 43 and 48–1933
> From Monday, **27th November, 1933**, No. 1 lever in Frames "A" and "E" will be unlocked by key on the Miniature Electric Train Staff for the section **Telarah–Mindaribba**. *(W.N. 43–1933)*
>
> **Mindaribba (North Coast) — Opening as an Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station** — On Monday, 27th November, 1933, Mindaribba will be opened as an Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station, and the present Electric Train Staff section **Telarah–Paterson** cancelled.
>
> The new sections to be opened will be **Telarah–Mindaribba** and **Mindaribba–Paterson**. The complete arrangements will be in accordance with Circular No. 556–11 of 1933. *(W.N. 48–1933)*
---
## 1934 — Telephone Train Control System Extended to Telarah — 11 November 1934
### Telephone Train Control Extended — W.N. 47–1934
> **Newcastle (North) — Extension of Telephone Train Control System of Traffic Working, Newcastle to Telarah and East Greta Junction, and Opening of Control Office at Newcastle** — On **Sunday, 11th November, 1934**, the Telephone Train Control System was extended on the Northern section as far as **Telarah and East Greta Junction**, and the Train Controller is in attendance continuously at Newcastle Control Office (Telephone — Newcastle 47).
>
> The Newcastle Control area will be: **Fassifern to Telarah and East Greta Junction, inclusive**.
>
> **Telarah Signal-box** listed as one of the controlled stations. *(W.N. 47–1934)*
---
## 1935 — West Maitland North–Telarah Miniature ETS; Telephone Control Extended to Taree
### Miniature ETS Replaced Larger Type — 28 February 1935
> **West Maitland–Telarah (North Coast) — Provision of Miniature Electric Train Staffs in lieu of Larger Type** — On **Thursday, 28th February, 1935**, between 9.0 a.m. and 3.0 p.m., the large type electric train staffs and instruments for the section **West Maitland North Signal-Box–Telarah** will be cancelled, and staffs and instruments of the **miniature type** brought into use.
>
> Circular No. 270–12 of 1930 to be amended accordingly. *(W.N. — 1935)*
### Telephone Control System Extended Telarah to Taree — 1935
> **Extension of Telephone Train Control System of Traffic Working, Telarah to Taree** — the Telephone Train Control System was brought into use on the North Coast line from **Telarah to Taree**, and the working is in accordance with Circular No. — of 1935.
>
> **Section No. I** — Stations Telarah to The Risk, inclusive, North Casino to Murwillumbah, Ballina and Dorrigo. *(Source: 1935 Weekly Notices)*
### Selector Telephones — Telarah Signal-box Listed — 1935
> Selector telephones provided at: West Maitland Station Master, West Maitland North Signal-box, **Telarah Signal-box**, Mindaribba Signal-box, Paterson Station Master, Martin's Creek Signal-box, Wallarobba Signal-box, Dungog Station Master, etc. *(Source: 1935 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1941 — Truck Weighbridge Capacity Updated
### Truck Weighbridge — 1941
> **Telarah (North Coast)** — The capacity of the truck weighbridge at Telarah has been updated. *(Source: 1941 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1943 — Full Working Instructions for Telarah Sidings; Goods Line to West Maitland North; Down Distant Relocated
### Down Distant Signal Relocated — W.N. 20–1943
> **Telarah (North Coast) — Alteration to Location of Down Distant Signal** — On **Monday, 24th May, 1943**, between 8.0 a.m. and 5.0 p.m., the Down Distant signal, No. 16, will be replaced by a new Distant signal (No. 16), fixed on a left-hand half-bracket post on the Up side of the line, **1,300 feet nearer to Newcastle**.
>
> Diagram attached to Circular No. 398–38 of 1936 to be amended accordingly. *(W.N. 20–1943)*
### Full Working Instructions — Telarah Sidings — 1943
> **Telarah (North Coast Line)** — The instructions applicable to this station are superseded by the following:
>
> The Telarah Sidings are laid in on the **Down side** of the Main line. Connections are provided to the North Coast line at the **Dungog end**, and to a separate **Goods line, 1,210 yards in length**, which joins the North Coast line at the Newcastle end, near **West Maitland North Signal-box**.
>
> **Goods Line** — The Goods line between West Maitland North Signal-box and Telarah Yard is worked under Ordinary Train Staff and Ticket Regulations. The Train Staff is inscribed **"West Maitland North Signal-box–Telarah Goods."** The Train Staff is shape **Square, colour Blue**; and, when not in use, is kept in West Maitland North Signal-box. When Train Staff Tickets are issued they must be endorsed **"Via Goods line only."**
>
> **Telarah is not an Ordinary Crossing station** and Passenger or Mixed trains must not be placed in the sidings. Two Passenger or two Mixed trains, or a Passenger and a Mixed train must not be crossed at Telarah. **Goods trains only may stand in the sidings**, to be crossed by another train.
>
> Down trains requiring to attach or detach traffic at Telarah Sidings should draw up to the Down Home signals on the Main line, and the engine detached and run into the sidings.
>
> A **derailment device** is provided 581 feet on the West Maitland side of Telarah Sidings, for the purpose of derailing vehicles. The Signalman at Telarah will be responsible for fixing and lighting the lamp.
>
> When a train is shunting at Telarah Sidings, the line on the West Maitland side will be protected [by appropriate signals]. *(Source: 1943 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1944 — New 32-Lever Interlocking Machine — 7 December 1944; Signal Alterations
### New 32-Lever Interlocking Machine — W.N. — 1944
> **Telarah (North) — Provision of New Interlocking Machine in Signal-box** — On **Thursday, 7th December, 1944**, between 8.0 a.m. and 5.0 p.m., the existing interlocking machine will be replaced by a **new 32-lever machine**, and the points and signals will be renumbered as shown in the following list:
>
> Signal — Up Outer Distant [and other lever/signal reassignments listed].
*(W.N. — 1944)*
### Up Inner Distant and Up Home Signals Relocated — W.N. 39–1944
> **Telarah (North Coast) — Alterations to Location of Up Inner Distant and Up Home Signals:**
>
> - **Up Inner Distant signal (No. 2)** — refixed **300 feet nearer to Grafton** (25 September 1944)
> - **Up Home signals No. 3 (Main) and No. 5 (Main to Sidings)** — refixed **300 feet nearer to Grafton** (27 September 1944)
>
> Diagram attached to Circular No. 398–38 of 1936 to be amended accordingly. *(W.N. 39–1944)*
---
## 1945 — Down Distant Signal Relocated; Central Interlocked Loop Installed 11 April 1945; Key Staffs to Ordinary Staffs; Working Instructions
### Down Distant Signal Relocated — W.N. 4 and 5–1945 (twice)
> **Telarah (North Coast) — Alteration to Location of Down Distant Signal:**
>
> - **W.N. 4–1945** — Down Distant signal No. 32 refixed **600 feet nearer to Sydney** (6 January 1945)
> - **W.N. 5–1945** — Down Distant signal No. 32 refixed a further **900 feet nearer to Sydney** (2 February 1945)
>
> Diagram attached to Circular No. 398–38 of 1936 to be amended. *(W.N. 4 and 5–1945)*
### Key Staffs Replaced by Ordinary Staffs — Telarah–Mindaribba — W.N. 10–1945
> **Telarah–Mindaribba (North Coast) — Provision of Ordinary Train Staffs in Lieu of Key Staffs** — On **1st March, 1945**, Key Staffs Nos. 1–43 inclusive were withdrawn from the instruments and replaced by **Ordinary Staffs Nos. 1–8**. *(W.N. 10–1945)*
### Central Interlocked Loop Installed — 11 April 1945; Full Working Instructions
> **Telarah (North Coast) — Provision [of Central Interlocked Loop]** — Circular No. 101–11 of 1945 (Telarah) and diagram attached issued.
>
> Full working instructions published:
>
> **Intermediate Staff Instrument** — provided in a Staff Hut, situated adjacent to the Down Home signals. The **controlling station is Telarah**.
>
> **Goods Line** — The Goods line between West Maitland and Telarah is worked under Ordinary Train Staff and Ticket regulations. Train Staff inscribed **"West Maitland North Signal-box–Telarah Goods,"** kept in West Maitland North Signal-box when not in use. Train Staff Tickets endorsed "Via Goods Line Only." No train must follow another in either direction on the Goods line unless the previous train has been reported by telephone as having arrived complete with the prescribed tail disc or tail lights at the opposite end.
>
> **Power-worked Points** — the points at the West Maitland end of the Loop (No. 22) [are power-worked]. *(Source: 1945 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1946 — Staff Exchanger Positions
### Automatic Staff Exchanger Positions — 1946
> **Down Line — Telarah**: Opposite Signal-box.
> **Up Line — Telarah**: **66 feet from Grafton end of Platform**. *(Source: 1946 Weekly Notices — automatic staff exchanger table)*
---
## 1950 — Additional Miniature ETS No. 52 on Telarah–Mindaribba — 17 January 1950; Single Line Track Block; Special Crossing Instructions
### Additional Miniature ETS No. 52 — W.N. — 1950
> On **Tuesday, 17th January, 1950**, between 9.0 a.m. and 4.0 p.m., an additional Miniature Electric Train Staff, **No. 52**, will be provided on the section **Telarah–Mindaribba**.
>
> Staff particulars for the section: length **5m 34c**; From: Telarah. *(Source: 1950 Weekly Notices)*
### Maitland North–Telarah — Single Line Track Block Working Introduced — 1950
> **Maitland North–Telarah (North Coast) — Introduction of Single Line Track Block Working** — Single Line Track Block Working introduced on the Main line between Maitland North and Telarah.
>
> The Intermediate Electric Train Staff Instrument for the section **Maitland North–Telarah** at the Maitland end of Telarah Yard will be removed.
>
> Signal Nos. 28 and 31 (Telarah), governing the entrance to the single line section, Maitland North–Telarah, must not be passed at "Stop" in the event of failure, except on the authority of [the Signalman].
>
> The last train to travel over the section **Maitland–Telarah** [under ETS working was replaced by Track Block]. Circular No. 101–11 of 1945 (Telarah) and diagram attached amended. *(Source: 1950 Weekly Notices)*
### Special Crossing Instructions — Telarah — W.N. — 1950
> **Telarah — Special Instructions for Crossing Trains:**
>
> **Up Trains:**
> (i) If the Down train has arrived first and come to a stand in clear of No. 22 Crossover on Loop or Main line, the signals must be cleared for the Up train to proceed, and Staffs must be exchanged with the Signalman at the Signal-box.
>
> (ii) If the Up train arrives first and is to wait to cross a Down train, the Staff for section **Mindaribba–Telarah** must be handed to the Signalman at the Signal-box and the train drawn forward and brought to a stand at the Up Starting signal, No. 5 or No. 10.
>
> The Signalman at Telarah must inform the Fireman that his train is required to make a crossing, and the train must not depart until a Staff for the section **Telarah–Maitland North** is obtained from the Intermediate Staff Instrument in the hut adjacent to the Down Home signals (Nos. 28 and 31).
>
> For Up Express, Mail and Passenger trains, the **Shunter on duty at Telarah** (who must be qualified in the manipulation of Electric Train Staff Instruments) will, when instructed by the Signalman, obtain the Staff from the Intermediate Staff Instrument. *(W.N. — 1950)*
---
## 1956 — Triangle to Great North Opened — 24 January 1956; Electricity Commission Siding; Maitland–Telarah Telephone Block
### Triangle to Great North — Opened 24 January 1956 — W.N. 4 and 6–1956
> **Maitland (North) Triangle Loop between Main North Lines and North Coast Line — Provision of Signalling Facilities**:
>
> The connection from the Triangle to the North Coast line at Telarah will be worked from **No. 2 lever in Frame "C"** and will be under the control of the Flagman stationed at the frame.
>
> **Frame "D"** — connections worked from Frame "D":
> 1. F.P.L. No. 2 Points
> 2. Points, Up Main to Triangle Loop
> 3. Points, Triangle Loop to Down Main
>
> No. 1 lever unlocked by a **Captive Key**, secured in the Annett Lock on the lever by clip and X.L. lock. *(W.N. 4–1956)*
>
> **Triangle Loop Working Instructions** — The Triangle Loop will be worked under the **Ordinary Train Staff System**. The Ordinary Train Staff Head is round, colour **red**, and the Staff is inscribed **"Telarah Triangle Loop"**. During the time the Staff is not required for working of trains, it must be in possession of the **Station-master, Telarah**, and locked in the office safe at that station.
>
> When required, the officer deputed by the District Superintendent, Newcastle, must obtain the Ordinary Train Staff from the Station-master, Telarah, and with the X.L. Key in his possession, conduct the train working on the Triangle Loop. Upon completion, the Ordinary Train Staff must be returned to the Station-master, Telarah.
>
> Two Stop Boards with red lamps provided — one at the **Farley end** and one at the **Telarah end**. Station-master, Telarah, responsible for filling and lighting the lamps.
>
> A telephone at the Farley end (on post opposite Frame "D") enables the Traffic Officer to confer with the Station-master at Farley and Signalman at South Box, Maitland. *(W.N. 6–1956)*
### Electricity Commission Siding Provided — 1956; Abolished 28 June 1965
> **Telarah (North Coast) — Electricity Commission Siding** — provided in 1956; Station-master, Telarah, responsible for maintenance. Circular No. 182–5 issued.
>
> **Abolished 28 June 1965** — connection between Main line and Telarah Electricity Commission Siding worked from Frame A removed; Frame A, Drawer Lock Key Release A and associated interlocking gear removed; intermediate staff instrument and telephone removed. **Pilotman's Lock in Telarah signal-box remained** in use for Telarah Meatworks Siding. Circular No. 182–5 cancelled. *(W.N. 24–1965)*
### Maitland–Telarah Telephone Block — 1956
> **Maitland–Telarah** — Telephone Block provided on Down and Up North Coast lines. Up North Coast lines between Maitland and Telarah working by means of telephone block system. Circular No. 210–6 of 21 August 1956 (Maitland — Central Signal-box) — Maitland–Telarah portion.
---
## 1960 — Meatworks Siding Opened; Controlling Station Telarah; Pilotman's Key
### Meatworks Siding (Telarah–Mindaribba) — W.N. — 1960
> **Intermediate Electric Train Staff Stations — Meatworks Siding (Telarah–Mindaribba)**:
>
> **Section**: Telarah–Mindaribba.
> **Siding**: Meatworks Siding, Telarah.
>
> An **Intermediate Electric Train Staff Instrument** for the section Telarah–Mindaribba will be provided in a staff hut on the Up side of the line adjacent to No. 2 Frame A points.
>
> The **controlling station will be Telarah** and the method of working will be as prescribed in Regulation 73, clause (e) (Electric Tablet and Electric Staff Systems — Working Siding or Junction Equipped with Intermediate Staff Instrument) on page 169 of the General Appendix, Part 2.
>
> **Telephone** — Direct telephone communication provided between Telarah and the Intermediate Staff Hut.
>
> **Pilotman's Key** — A Pilotman's Key is provided in the Pilotman's Lock at Telarah for the purpose of operating **Frame A, Electricity Commission Siding**, and **Frame A, Meatworks Siding**. *(Source: 1960 Weekly Notices)*
### Meatworks Siding — Additional Details — 1960
> **Meatworks Siding, Telarah** — extends for a distance of **2,508 feet**. Station-master, Telarah, to ensure 8 sprags are at all times maintained at the siding. *(Source: 1960 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1982 — Telarah–Kilbride CTC Introduced; Triangle Loop Signalling Amended; Telarah Stockyards Siding Added
### Triangle Loop — Signalling Amended — W.N. 7 and 8–1982
> Circular No. **250–7, Telarah and Triangle Loop, of 1956** and diagram attached, to be amended accordingly. *(W.N. 7 and 8–1982)*
### Telarah–Kilbride CTC — Introduced 1982 — Circular No. 91–2
> **Telarah–Kilbride (North Coast) — Introduction of Centralised Traffic Control (CTC) Working in lieu of Electric Train Staff Working** — CTC working, remotely controlled from **Broadmeadow CTC Centre**, introduced in lieu between Telarah and Kilbride.
>
> Electric Train Staff working on the sections **Telarah–Mindaribba, Mindaribba–Paterson, Paterson–Kilbride** cancelled.
>
> Working of trains between Telarah and Kilbride on the authority of fixed signals.
>
> **Circular No. 91–2 (1982), Introduction of CTC Working, Telarah–Kilbride** issued as the base circular. *(Source: 1982 Weekly Notices — multiple entries)*
### Telarah Meatworks Siding — Regulation No Longer Applies — 1982
> General Appendix, Part II regulations for Intermediate Staff Instrument working no longer apply to working at **Telarah Meatworks Siding**. Circular No. 150–1, Meatworks Siding, Telarah, of 1960 and diagram attached, to be amended. *(Source: 1982 Weekly Notices)*
### Telarah Stockyards Siding Added — 1982
> **Telarah Stockyards Siding** — Station Code **371E**, Distance **196**, Controlling Station: **Telarah**. Added to intermediate sidings tables. *(Source: 1982 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1989 — Speedboard Reference; SM Telarah Deleted from Daily Test Records
### Speedboard Reference — 1989
> In section "**Strathfield–Telarah (Main Line)**" — speed board entries updated.
>
> Delete: **Daily test recorded by SM Telarah** [from level crossing maintenance records]. *(Source: 1989 Weekly Notices)*
---
## Summary of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **14 August 1911** | Opened as West Maitland Marshalling Yard |
| 31 August 1914 | Interlocking introduced |
| 10 April 1916 | Trucking yards built |
| **15 April 1922** | **Renamed Telarah** — TELARAH (not Telerah) confirmed; platform brought into use (W.N. — 1922) |
| 30 June 1922 | Passenger platform with waiting shed and awning erected |
| W.N. 37–1926 | Cattle Race added 5 July 1926; Down Home and Up Home signals renewed |
| 3 January 1927 | West Maitland North Signal-box–Telarah staff inscription changed |
| **27 November 1933** | **Mindaribba opened** — Telarah–Paterson section cancelled; new sections Telarah–Mindaribba and Mindaribba–Paterson (W.N. 43 and 48–1933) |
| **11 November 1934** | **Telephone Train Control extended** to Telarah and East Greta Junction; Newcastle Control Office opened |
| 28 February 1935 | West Maitland North Signal-box–Telarah miniature ETS replaced larger type; Telephone Control extended Telarah to Taree |
| 1937 | Electric lights added |
| 1941 | Truck weighbridge capacity updated |
| W.N. 20–1943 | Down Distant signal No. 16 relocated 1,300 feet nearer to Newcastle |
| **7 December 1944** | **New 32-lever interlocking machine** provided (W.N. — 1944) |
| W.N. 4–1945 | Down Distant relocated 600 feet nearer Sydney; W.N. 5–1945: further 900 feet nearer Sydney |
| W.N. 39–1944 | Up Inner Distant and Up Home signals relocated 300 feet nearer Grafton each |
| 1945 | Lamp Room added at Down end of yard |
| 1 March 1945 | Key Staffs Telarah–Mindaribba replaced by Ordinary Staffs Nos. 1–8 |
| **11 April 1945** | **Central interlocked loop installed** — Circular No. 101–11 of 1945; Intermediate Staff Instrument in hut adjacent to Down Home signals; Telarah as controlling station |
| 1946 | Staff exchanger positions: Down — opposite signal-box; Up — 66 feet from Grafton end of platform |
| 17 January 1950 | Additional miniature ETS No. 52 — Telarah–Mindaribba (section length 5m 34c) |
| 1950 | Maitland North–Telarah Single Line Track Block Working introduced; special crossing instructions |
| **24 January 1956** | **Triangle to Great North opened** — Frame C (Telarah end), Frame D (Loop points); Ordinary Train Staff "Telarah Triangle Loop" (round, red) held by Station-master Telarah; Circular No. 250–7 of 1956 issued (W.N. 4 and 6–1956) |
| 1956 | Electricity Commission Siding provided; Maitland–Telarah Telephone Block on Down and Up North Coast lines |
| 1960 | **Meatworks Siding (Telarah–Mindaribba)** — Intermediate Staff Instrument; controlling station Telarah; Pilotman's Key for Frame A (Electricity Commission) and Frame A (Meatworks); siding 2,508 feet |
| **28 June 1965** | **Electricity Commission Siding abolished** — Frame A and associated gear removed; Pilotman's Lock retained for Meatworks Siding; Circular No. 182–5 cancelled (W.N. 24–1965) |
| W.N. 7 and 8–1982 | Triangle Loop signalling amended; Circular No. 250–7 of 1956 amended |
| **1982** | **Telarah–Kilbride CTC introduced** — Broadmeadow CTC Centre; ETS sections Telarah–Mindaribba, Mindaribba–Paterson and Paterson–Kilbride cancelled; Telarah Stockyards Siding (Code 371E, Distance 196) added; **Circular No. 91–2 of 1982** issued |
| 1989 | Strathfield–Telarah speedboard section updated; SM Telarah deleted from daily test records |
---
*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1922–1989.*
*Note: Telarah was the first major operating point on the North Coast Line beyond Maitland, serving as a marshalling yard and goods crossing point from 1911. Its role evolved from a pure marshalling yard (1911) to a renamed station with passenger facilities (1922), a crossing loop (1945), and ultimately a CTC-controlled location (1982). The Triangle Loop connection to the Main North Line (1956), with its distinctive round red staff kept by the Telarah Station-master, reflects the station's strategic position at the junction of two major lines.*