Tesxt by Peter Cokley:
As I wrote earlier, in 1926 a double dead end siding was provided for Evans Deakin who purchased their own shunting locos. (Armstrong J & Kerr J. Destination South Brisbane ARHS 1978 P27] The original Messrs Evans Deakin and Co siding dates from 1926 and the Commissioners 1927 report notes they delivered a couple of hundred wagons. Some very early Evans Deakin Trove URLs http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/179308451
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/117272195
During World War 11 the Commonwealth Government organised extra tracks and built the Rocklea Munitions Works. These extra tracks, both 3 ft 6 in and standard gauge, were called "Commonwealth Sidings" as the Commonwealth Government organised them although they were built by the QGR. [A Closer Look at Salisbury and Nathan Heights P.119-125]
NSW Railways (Circular 158 – 28 North Coast) announced the Rocklea Commonwealth Munitions Sidings at 607 miles 17 chains / 977.212km was brought into use 28 May 1941. The initial NSW track plan was dated 21 May 1941. The NSW Railway document announcing the standard gauge installation is available and the same PDF, URL below, has a QLD Working Plan and Section for the similar period. A comparison with the 1945 track plan will show the QR Working Plan and Section was not long after the NSW sidings were installed in 1941 as many of the other sidings on the 1945 plan are missing. Please note what is called Compo Rd on the QR plan was renamed Evans Rd during WW2.
The Australian Standard Garratt used these "Commonwealth Sidings" on their way to Evans Deakin for upgrading during World War 11. [Knowles 2002 P.185 ]
The Rocklea Munitions Works produced about 150 million rounds of small arms ammunition and over a million brass cartridge cases for 25 pounder shells. There was a case factory, a machine shop, a rolling mill, a foundry and laboratories as well as various sundry stores and maintenance buildings as well as the military guard buildings. In 1943 munitions production ceased and the area was used for repair and overhaul of aero engines for the 5th US Army Air Corps. [A Closer Look at Salisbury and Nathan Heights P.119-125]
After the war, the Queensland Government purchased the Rocklea Munitions Works and developed it into an industrial estate. Commonwealth Engineering [Comeng] and English Electric arrived and they started building locomotives for various operators. Locomotives were delivered from both builders using the "Commonwealth Sidings" on both standard gauge and 3ft 6in tracks. Evans Deakin delivered wagons and Commonwealth Engineering delivered carriages and wagons as well.
Both Evans Deakin and Commonwealth Engineering also performed locomotive general overhauls for QR. Ten QR locomotives were dismantled and sent to Clyde NSW for overhaul in 1946/47. Evans Deakin reassembled these upon their return to QLD. [Knowles 2002 Page 185]
English Electric changed to the General Electric Company of Australia and is now trading as Alstom. Comeng's last major Queensland locomotive contract was the Comeng/Hitachi 3100/3200 electric locomotives, after which the yards and the associated railway tracks were redeveloped by new owners.
The 3ft 6in tracks no longer enter the area and the standard gauge tracks have been redeveloped. The standard gauge siding is now called Pradella (Orrcon) Siding and regularly receives wagon loads of steel products.
The May 1941 data https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByB-ppGeDyvwejJrRGpodFUtR3M...
1945 track plan https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByB-ppGeDyvwa0ZhNWV5UmpTQTQ...
1961 track plan https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByB-ppGeDyvwU1F1aFRtU2dwb2s...
The newspaper account of the start of the WW2 munitions area is also available; The Courier-Mail (Brisbane,) (6 FEB1941) http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article44901162
Bibliography;
Destination South Brisbane" Kerr & Armstrong, Australian Railway Historical Society [QLD] 1978
A Closer Look at Salisbury and Nathan Heights" by the Coopers Plains Local History Group, February 2002
"Salisbury Heritage Trail; Residential and Industrial" A.J.Waller, Coopers Plains Local History Group August 2001
"Queensland Railways Steam Locomotives 1900-1969: Design and Operation" J.W. Knowles 2002
Type : Siding
Line : North Coast Line
Distance from Sydney : 977.212km
Location : -27.548634, 153.019629
Opened : 1926
Closed : n/a
Status : In use
Name meaning : Unknown
Notes: Predates the North Coast Kyogle to Brisbane extension. Renamed to Pradella (Orrcon) Siding. 1926 a double dead end siding was provided for Evans Deakin who purchased their own shunting locos. (Armstrong J & Kerr J. Destination South Brisbane ARHS 1978 P27] The original Messrs Evans Deakin and Co siding dates from 1926 and the Commissioners 1927 report notes they delivered a couple of hundred wagons. During World War 11 the Commonwealth Government organised extra tracks and built the Rocklea Munitions Works. These extra tracks, both 3 ft 6 in and standard gauge, were called "Commonwealth Sidings" as the Commonwealth Government organised them although they were built by the QGR. After the war, the Queensland Government purchased the Rocklea Munitions Works and developed it into an industrial estate. Commonwealth Engineering [Comeng] and English Electric arrived and they started building locomotives for various operators. Locomotives were delivered from both builders using the "Commonwealth Sidings" on both standard gauge and 3ft 6in tracks. Evans Deakin delivered wagons and Commonwealth Engineering delivered carriages and wagons as well. The 3ft 6in tracks no longer enter the area and the standard gauge tracks have been redeveloped. The standard gauge siding is now called Pradella (Orrcon) Siding and regularly receives wagon loads of steel products.**Beaudesert Road (Border Loop–Brisbane) — Provision of Munition Siding** — On **Wednesday, 28th May, 1941**, a new siding, situated on the **Up side of the line** and connecting with the standard gauge line at **Mileage 605m 17c**, near Beaudesert Road, will be brought into use and known as **"Rocklea Munition Siding."** 1944 — Standard Gauge Line Converted to 3ft 6in at No. 38 Building; Marine Engine Works Siding added. Stores/Munition Depot Closed — 1944. **Siding, Rocklea — Messrs. S. Wallace and Son** — This siding has now been taken over by **Messrs. Thomas Borthwick and Sons (Australasia), Limited** (WN 5/1947).
Date: 1970.
Location: Rocklea
Image: (C) Morris Z.
Lee-ann Keefer
# Rocklea Sidings (North Coast Line — Border Loop to South Brisbane)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1931–1986
---
**Type:** Siding (Standard and Dual Gauge — Industrial Complex)
**Line:** North Coast Line (Beaudesert Road–Clapham section; later Acacia Ridge–Clapham section)
**Distance from Sydney:** 977.212 km
**Mileage (Working TT):** 605m 17c (Rocklea Munition Siding connection — W.N. 20–1941); approximately 605m area throughout
**Between:** Beaudesert Road (Nyanda) and Clapham
**Opened:** Pre-1926 as QR location; **28 May 1941** — NSW standard gauge connection (Rocklea Munition Siding) (W.N. 20 and 21–1941)
**Later Name:** Pradella (Orrcon) Siding
**Closed:** In use (see notes)
**Status:** In use
**Name meaning:** After the Rocklea locality in Brisbane's southern suburbs
**Controlling Station:** Beaudesert Road (to 28 May 1980); Clapham (from 28 May 1980)
**Circular:** No. 158–28 of 1941 (base diagram — referenced through to 1982)
---
> **Notes:** The QR Rocklea Station existed before the NSW connection — it appears in the 1931 telephone circuit alongside Beaudesert Road Crossing (604m 7c) and is described as "adjacent to Rocklea Station, on Queensland" in the 1931 Weekly Notices. The NSW standard gauge siding connection was opened on 28 May 1941 as the "Rocklea Munition Siding" — a wartime facility crossing the QR 3ft 6in gauge railway line. The location subsequently became a major industrial complex hosting: Commonwealth Engineering (Qld.) Pty. Ltd. (from 1950); Evans Deakin & Co. Ltd. (wartime and postwar); Commonwealth Marine Engine Works (3ft 6in gauge — 1943–1944); English Electric Company's Sidings (dual gauge — from 1956); Bradford Insulations Qld. Pty. Ltd.; and S. Wallace and Son / Thomas Borthwick and Sons (Australasia) Ltd. (1947). The siding was subject to daylight-only shunting restrictions and required flagman protection at the Beaudesert Road level crossing. From 28 May 1980 when Beaudesert Road signal box closed, Rocklea Sidings became a bye siding unlocked by the Acacia Ridge–Clapham staff, with Clapham as controlling station. Renamed Pradella (Orrcon) Siding — date not found in Weekly Notices collection.
---
## 1931 — QR Rocklea Station Established Pre-1926; Listed Adjacent to Level Crossing
### QR Rocklea Station Referenced — 1931
> **Cheap Fares** — Weekdays — "adjacent to **Rocklea Station, on Queensland** [line]." *(Source: 1931 Weekly Notices)*
>
> *(OCR note: The 1932 Weekly Notices clarify this fare stop is "adjacent to Rocklea Station" — confirming QR Rocklea Station existed well before the NSW siding connection in 1941.)*
---
## 1941 — NSW Standard Gauge Connection Opened — 28 May 1941 — Rocklea Munition Siding
### Rocklea Munition Siding — W.N. 20 and 21–1941
> **Beaudesert Road (Border Loop–Brisbane) — Provision of Munition Siding** — On **Wednesday, 28th May, 1941**, a new siding, situated on the **Up side of the line** and connecting with the standard gauge line at **Mileage 605m 17c**, near Beaudesert Road, will be brought into use and known as **"Rocklea Munition Siding."**
>
> The siding will **cross the Queensland 3ft 6in gauge railway line**.
>
> The points in the standard gauge line (facing to Up trains) and the catch-points in the siding will be worked from a new **Frame "B"** situated adjacent to the points.
>
> **Frame "B"** will be released by the Electric Train Staffs for the sections:
> - **Clapham–Kagaru** (standard gauge line)
> - **Rocklea–Cooper's Plains** (Queensland line)
>
> The siding will be under the control of the **Signalman at Beaudesert Road Signal-box**.
>
> The complete arrangements will be in accordance with **Circular No. 158–28 of 1941** and diagram attached thereto. *(W.N. 20 and 21–1941)*
### Working Instructions — Intermediate Staff Instrument — W.N. 21–1941
> **Intermediate Staff Instrument** (Standard Gauge Line) — provided in Beaudesert Road Signal-box.
>
> **Signalling Arrangements:**
> - Lever "X" in Signal-box unlocked by key on **Auxiliary Electric Train Staff for section Rocklea–Cooper's Plains (Queensland line)**, and will release No. 1 lever in Frame "B" by bolt lock.
> - Frame "B" — No. 1 lever released by bolt lock from Lever "X" in Signal-box, and by key from **Drawer Lock Key Release "B."**
> - Drawer Lock Key Release "B" released by Miniature Electric Train Staff for section **Clapham–Kagaru**.
>
> **Procedure when Beaudesert Road is Unattended:**
> (i) The Signalman at Beaudesert Road must telephone the Signalman at **Rocklea** (QR).
> (ii) The Signalman at Rocklea will then withdraw a Staff for the section Rocklea–Cooper's Plains, and the bearer will give this Staff to the Driver of the train, who will retain it until Clapham is reached.
> *(W.N. 21–1941)*
---
## 1942 — Grade Listed; Base Section 3 Siding (524 feet); Operational Instructions
### Grade Listed — W.N. 4–1942
> **Add between Kagaru and Clapham:**
>
> **Rocklea Commonwealth Siding** — 1 in 1,100 P / 1 in 100 F / 1 in 80 R. *(W.N. 4–1942)*
### Base Section 3 (Army) Siding — W.N. 17–1942
> **Siding, Rocklea, Base Section 3** — A dead-end siding, **524 feet in the clear**, has been constructed at Rocklea for **Base Section 3, Brisbane**, and is available for traffic.
>
> Shunting charge: **2s. 3d. per four-wheeled wagon** and **4s. per eight-wheeled wagon**, minimum **11s. 8d. per shunt**. *(W.N. 17–1942)*
### Operational Instructions — Shunting While Down Train Approaching — W.N. 40, 41, 42, 47–1942
> Beaudesert Road Signalman may give permission for a Staff to be issued at Clapham for an Up train to approach for the purpose of shunting **Rocklea Commonwealth Siding** whilst a Down train is approaching from Kagaru, provided that the **Down train has not passed the Down Home signal, No. 4**.
>
> The Signalman at Beaudesert Road, after issuing an Electric Train Staff to Clapham for a train or engine to proceed to Rocklea Sidings, must use a **sleeve on the lever of Down Home Signal (No. 4)**. *(W.N. 40, 41, 42, 47–1942 — published multiple times)*
---
## 1943 — Wartime Consignees — Commonwealth (Ministry of Munitions), Evans Deakin, Marine Annexe
### Consignments to Rocklea — W.N. 27–1943
> Truckloads for the following establishments are to be consigned and invoiced to **Commonwealth Siding, Clapham**, and invoices forwarded to the Station-master, Clapham, for treatment:
>
> - **Commonwealth (Ministry of Munitions)** (Rocklea)
> - **Evans, Deakin & Co. Ltd.** (Rocklea)
> - **Marine Annexe** (Rocklea)
>
> Small consignments for these three establishments are to be consigned and invoiced to **South Brisbane**. *(W.N. 27–1943)*
### Commonwealth Marine Engine Works — 3ft 6in Gauge Siding — W.N. 44–1943
> **Siding Accommodation, Commonwealth Marine Engine Works, Rocklea** — Consignments for the Commonwealth Marine Engine Works are placed on **Messrs. Evans, Deakin and Coy. Ltd. 3 feet 6 inch gauge siding, Rocklea**, and haulage charges — 1s. 3d. per four-wheeled wagon, 2s. 5d. per eight-wheeled wagon, minimum 11s. per shunt — will be enforced thereon. *(W.N. 44–1943)*
---
## 1944 — Standard Gauge Line Converted to 3ft 6in at No. 38 Building; Marine Engine Works Siding Added
### Gauge Conversion at No. 38 Building — 1 July 1944
> **Commonwealth Sidings, Rocklea (Beaudesert) (North Coast)** — Since **1st July, 1944**, the standard 4ft 8½in gauge line leading to **No. 38 building** at the southern end has been converted into a **3ft 6in gauge line**, which crosses the 4ft 8½in gauge line on the north side, leading into **No. 45 shed**, at a point 220 feet inside the facing points.
>
> The 4ft 8½in gauge line on the south side, leading to **No. 15 shed**, has been permanently broken at a point 260 feet inside the facing points to permit conversion. Sleeper stops are provided on this line at the dead-ends on either side of the new 3ft 6in gauge line.
>
> Circular No. 158–28 of 1941 and diagram to be altered accordingly. *(Source: 1944 Weekly Notices)*
### Marine Engine Works — Dead-end 3ft 6in Siding — Charges — 1944
> **Siding Accommodation — Rocklea — Marine Engine Works** — Siding accommodation (3ft 6in gauge only) has been provided at the Commonwealth Marine Engine Works, Rocklea. The siding is a dead-end, being an extension off the sidings leading to Messrs. Evans, Deakin and Company's premises.
>
> Truckload consignments arriving from the Southern States will be consigned to **Commonwealth Marine Engine Works, Rocklea**, and will be **transhipped at that station to 3ft 6in gauge wagons** for conveyance to the Works.
>
> Shunting charge: **1s. 7d. per 4-wheeled** and **2s. 3d. per 8-wheeled wagon**, plus engine hire at **£1 15s. per hour**, minimum charge **£1 per shunt**, from the time the engine leaves Rocklea until it returns. *(Source: 1944 Weekly Notices)*
### Stores/Munition Depot Closed — 1944
> **Closing Stores and Transport, Salvage and Munition Department Depot, Rocklea** — All concerned will please note that the Stores and Transport, Salvage and Munition Department Depot, Rocklea, has been closed. *(Source: 1944 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1947 — S. Wallace and Son Taken Over by Thomas Borthwick and Sons
### Siding Transferred — W.N. 5–1947
> **Siding, Rocklea — Messrs. S. Wallace and Son** — This siding has now been taken over by **Messrs. Thomas Borthwick and Sons (Australasia), Limited**, and the shunting charge will be **1s. 9d. per four-wheeled wagon** and **3s. 6d. per eight-wheeled wagon**. *(W.N. 5–1947)*
---
## 1950 — Commonwealth Engineering (Qld.) Pty. Ltd. — Old Munition Factory Site
### Commonwealth Engineering — W.N. — 1950
> **Siding Accommodation, Rocklea, Commonwealth Engineering (Qld.) Pty. Ltd.** — Siding accommodation has been provided at the **old munition factory at Rocklea** for Commonwealth Engineering (Qld.) Pty. Ltd., and is available for use.
>
> Shunting charge: **1s. 9d. per four-wheeled wagon** and **3s. 3d. per eight-wheeled wagon**, plus engine hire of **£1 7s. 10d. per hour**, minimum **£1 5s. 0d. per shunt**, from the time the engine leaves Rocklea until it returns. *(Source: 1950 Weekly Notices)*
---
## 1954 — Flagman Required at Beaudesert Road Level Crossing; Daylight Shunting Only
### Flagman Required; Daylight Only — W.N. 59–1954
> **Rocklea — Commonwealth Siding (Beaudesert Road) (North Coast) — Protection of Level Crossing During Shunting Movements** — The instructions published in Weekly Notice No. 22 of 1941 are superseded by the following:
>
> The Station-master, Clapham, will provide a **flagman to accompany each train or light engine** requiring to shunt these Sidings, and the Guard in charge will be responsible for seeing the **Beaudesert Road Level Crossing is properly protected** before allowing the train or engine to pass over the Crossing.
>
> These Sidings serve the **Evans, Deakin Engineering Company and other industries** and must be shunted **only during daylight**, except when specially authorised. *(W.N. 59–1954)*
---
## 1956 — English Electric Company's Sidings — Dual Gauge; Notice Boards; Commonwealth Engineering Connection
### English Electric Company's Sidings — W.N. 50–1956
> **Rocklea (Beaudesert Road–North Coast) — English Electric Company's Siding** — These Sidings connect with the **Commonwealth Engineering Company's Siding** immediately on the Commonwealth Engineering Works side of the bridge over **Rock Waterless Creek**.
>
> A **dual-gauge track** is provided on the English Electric Company's Sidings.
>
> **Notice Boards:**
> (a) Approximately 100 feet on Beaudesert side of abovementioned bridge — inscribed:
> **"NSW rolling stock with loading for English Electric Co., must not be left standing beyond this point."** *(W.N. 50–1956)*
### Listed in Local Appendix Index — W.N. 50–1956
> **Page 286 Index** — Insert: **Beaudesert Road–Rocklea, Commonwealth Engineering Company's Sidings** and **English Electric Company's Sidings**. *(W.N. 50–1956)*
---
## 1963 — Commonwealth Siding Standard Gauge Consignments to be Invoiced to Clapham; Multiple Firms
### Standard Gauge Consignments — W.N. 16–1963
> **Delivery of Goods at Commonwealth Siding, Standard Gauge Line, Rocklea** — Goods conveyed over the standard gauge railway for delivery to:
>
> - **Commonwealth Siding, Evans Deakin & Coy. Ltd.**
> - **Commonwealth Engineering (Qld.) Pty. Ltd.**
> - **English Electric Coy. Ltd.**
> - **Bradford Insulations Qld. Pty. Ltd.**
>
> ...are to be **invoiced to Commonwealth Siding, Clapham**. Shunting charges on such consignments will be accounted for by the Station-master, Clapham. *(W.N. 16–1963)*
---
## 1980 — Rocklea Sidings Become Bye Siding; Clapham Controlling Station; Full Working Instructions Issued
### Rocklea Sidings Become Bye Siding — 28 May 1980 — W.N. 21–1980
> **Rocklea Sidings at Beaudesert Road will become a bye siding** and will be unlocked by the key on the miniature electric train staff for the section **Acacia Ridge–Clapham**.
>
> **New working instructions:**
>
> A new **Intermediate Staff Instrument** will be located adjacent to Frame B in a hut provided for the purpose. The Rocklea sidings will in future be worked in accordance with the provisions of **Regulation 65 (c) (d) and (e), Electric Staff System**, in the General Appendix Part II. **Clapham is the controlling station.**
>
> **NOTE: The staff must not in any circumstances be placed in the intermediate instrument while any portion of the train is on or obstructing the Main line.**
>
> Drawer Lock Key Release B will be removed and replaced by **Duplex Lock B** at the same location.
>
> **For a Train to Enter the Sidings:**
> (i) Guard contacts Signalman, **Beaudesert Road (Nyanda)** by telephone adjacent to Frame B; Signalman gives permission and pulls over **Bolt Lock Lever No. 14**.
> (ii) Guard places key staff (or Pilotman's Key) into **top lock of Duplex Lock B**.
>
> **Pilotman's Key** — the Pilotman's Key from the Pilotman's Lock in Clapham signal-box may be used to enable Rocklea Siding to be shunted during Pilot Working.
>
> Level crossing indicator unit in Beaudesert Road (Nyanda) signal-box will be **removed and transferred to Acacia Ridge signal-box**. *(W.N. 21–1980)*
---
## 1982 — Duplex Lock B Removed; Frame B Renamed Frame C; Electrically Released from Clapham; Shunting Coordination
### Duplex Lock B Removed; Frame B Renamed Frame C — W.N. 35–1982
> **Rocklea Sidings** — Duplex Lock B will be removed and **Frame B will be renamed Frame C**. The intermediate staff instrument located at Frame C will be removed. No. 1 lever in Frame C will be **electrically released direct from Clapham signal-box No. 5** (in conjunction with Mayne signal-box No. 818) as prescribed in Regulation 52(i).
>
> **Entering the Sidings from the Main Line** — In addition to the signal-box releases, the train or light loco must be positioned on the **Brisbane side of Frame C points and within 30 metres** before the release will be effective. Once points are set reverse, the movement is to be hand-signalled into the sidings.
>
> **Departure from the Sidings** — Guard or shunter requests Clapham signal-box release. *(W.N. 35–1982)*
### Shunting Rocklea Sidings from Clapham — Coordination Rules
> When a shunting movement is to be made from Clapham to Rocklea Sidings, Clapham Up Starting signal No. 16 must be kept at Stop and shunt signal No. 42 (under Up 4th Home signal No. 40) cleared for the movement.
>
> It will NOT be permissible for a shunting movement to be made from Clapham to or from Rocklea Sidings once an acceptance has been given by Clapham for a Down train to proceed from Acacia Ridge.
>
> **Shunting of Rocklea Sidings from Clapham is permitted at the same time that shunting of Salisbury Sidings from Acacia Ridge is being carried out.** *(W.N. 35–1982; confirmed W.N. 2–1983)*
---
## 1986 — Rocklea Still Listed in Standard Gauge Line Tables
### Standard Gauge Reference — 1986
> **Rocklea** — listed in the standard gauge line tables alongside Clapham, Yeerongpilly and South Brisbane. *(Source: 1986 Weekly Notices)*
---
## Summary of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| Pre-1926 | **QR Rocklea Station** established — referenced "adjacent to Rocklea Station, on Queensland" in 1931 WN |
| **28 May 1941** | **NSW standard gauge connection opened** — Rocklea Munition Siding at 605m 17c, Up side; Frame B released by Clapham–Kagaru staff and Rocklea–Cooper's Plains QR staff; under Beaudesert Road control; Circular No. 158–28 of 1941 issued (W.N. 20 and 21–1941) |
| W.N. 4–1942 | Grade listed — 1 in 1,100 P / 1 in 100 F / 1 in 80 R |
| W.N. 17–1942 | Base Section 3 (Army) dead-end siding — 524 feet; shunting 2s 3d per 4-wheeled wagon |
| W.N. 40–1942 onwards | Shunting instructions — Up train may approach from Clapham while Down train approaching from Kagaru; sleeve on Down Home signal No. 4 required |
| W.N. 27–1943 | Consignees: Commonwealth (Ministry of Munitions), Evans Deakin & Co. Ltd., Marine Annexe — truckloads to Commonwealth Siding, Clapham; small consignments to South Brisbane |
| W.N. 44–1943 | Commonwealth Marine Engine Works — 3ft 6in gauge siding off Evans Deakin's premises; transhipment from standard gauge |
| **1 July 1944** | No. 38 Building standard gauge line **converted to 3ft 6in gauge**, crossing 4ft 8½in gauge at a diamond |
| W.N. 5–1947 | S. Wallace and Son siding taken over by **Thomas Borthwick and Sons (Australasia) Ltd.** |
| W.N. — 1950 | **Commonwealth Engineering (Qld.) Pty. Ltd.** — siding at old munition factory; shunting 1s 9d/4-wheeled |
| W.N. 59–1954 | Flagman required at Beaudesert Road level crossing; **daylight shunting only** (except with special authority) |
| W.N. 50–1956 | **English Electric Company's Sidings** — dual gauge; connects with Commonwealth Engineering via bridge over Rock Waterless Creek; notice boards; indexed as Beaudesert Road–Rocklea |
| W.N. 16–1963 | Standard gauge invoicing to **Commonwealth Siding, Clapham** — for Evans Deakin, Commonwealth Engineering, English Electric, Bradford Insulations |
| **28 May 1980** | **Rocklea Sidings become bye siding** — Acacia Ridge–Clapham staff; new Intermediate Staff Instrument adjacent to Frame B; Bolt Lock Lever No. 14 from Beaudesert Road (Nyanda); Clapham controlling station; level crossing indicator transferred to Acacia Ridge (W.N. 21–1980) |
| **November 1982** | **Duplex Lock B removed; Frame B renamed Frame C** — electrically released from Clapham No. 5 signal-box; shunting coordination formalised with Salisbury (W.N. 35–1982) |
| 1986 | Rocklea still listed in standard gauge line tables |
| Unknown | Renamed **Pradella (Orrcon) Siding** — after Orrcon steel products; date not found in Weekly Notices collection |
---
*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1931–1986.*
*Note: The NSW standard gauge connection at Rocklea was opened as a wartime munition siding on 28 May 1941 — the same date as the Beaudesert Road Signal-box's first formal operational role. The siding's history traces the transformation of a wartime munitions complex (1941–1945) into a postwar heavy industrial estate hosting engineering, marine, electrical and insulation manufacturers. The 1 July 1944 gauge conversion notice (standard gauge to 3ft 6in inside the complex) is the most unusual single entry — reflecting the complex multi-gauge operational requirements of wartime industry at Rocklea.*