Dalhousie Creek

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Type : Loop
Line : North Coast Line
Distance from Sydney : 574.816km
Opened : 19 October 1943 as a loop
Closed : 5 February 1963 (signal box removed 1970), houses relocated (one to Mount George), platform removed 1960.
Status : Closed
Name meaning : Named after a castle near Bonnyrigg, Scotland
Notes: Tom Borton was signalman at the location. Employee platform added December 1950. The signal box was on the main line on the Up side. The houses at the location faced the Down side loop. The Railway Staff Changes in 1943 note that one Tom F Harris relocated from Lyndhurst to Dalhousie Creek - he was a originally a porter and became the first signalman here, he took along his wife and mother-in-law. Theft of kerosene from the signal lights by local fishermen was an issue throughout the lifetime of the location. Signal box was opened when Dalhousie Creek was brought into use as a centrally operated crossing loop between Nambucca and Raleigh. Provided as a wartime loop. The signal box was closed when the loop was abolished during a period of rationalisation. After closure the interlocking machine was reused at Kendall.  Dalhousie Creek was opened on **19 October 1943** as a wartime centrally-operated crossing loop between Nambucca and Raleigh (Mileage 357m 14c). Two WN notices were published: W.N. 41–1943 (initial notice, citing Circular No. 231–23 of 1943) and W.N. 42–1943 (correcting the circular number to **Circular No. 224–23 of 1943**). The existing Nambucca–Raleigh section was cancelled; new sections Nambucca–Dalhousie Creek (Type C, all ordinary staffs) and Dalhousie Creek–Raleigh (Type B, 1–8 key, 9–50 ordinary) created. Loop 1,395 feet in length. Signal-box on Main line, Up side. Houses faced Down side loop. Closed **5 February 1963** (W.N. 4 and 5–1963; two separate notices confirming the same date): ETS sections Nambucca–Dalhousie Creek and Dalhousie Creek–Raleigh cancelled; Nambucca–Raleigh section reinstated with new ETS particulars. At closure: all signal arms removed from Dalhousie Creek signals; loop points at Sydney and Brisbane ends (Nos. 12 and 9 levers) spiked for Main line and secured by XL locks; loop placed out of use. Urunga Frames A and B altered to Nambucca–Raleigh staff. Driver notices issued from Kempsey (Down) and Coffs Harbour (Up) for 3 days; Nos. 1 and 2 Brisbane Limited Expresses excepted (notices from Taree and South Grafton for these trains). Three circulars amended: No. 126–16 (Nambucca 1944), No. 224–23 (Dalhousie Creek 1943) and No. 19–2 (Raleigh 1935). Signal-box removed 1970. Loop Closed — W.N. 4 and 5–1963
> **Dalhousie Creek (North Coast) — Closing as Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station** — On **Tuesday, 5th February, 1963**, between 8.0 a.m. and 4.30 p.m., Dalhousie Creek will be closed as an Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station. The Electric Train Staff sections **Nambucca–Dalhousie Creek** and **Dalhousie Creek–Raleigh** will be cancelled and the Electric Train Staff section **Nambucca–Raleigh** will be brought into use.

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Location of Dalhousie Creek (Six Maps)

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Old bridge still in place after the track was realigned.

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The Railway Staff Changes in 1943 note that one Tom F Harris relocated from Lyndhurst to Dalhousie Creek - he was a originally a porter and became the signalman here. Quite a move for him too, he took his wife and mother-in-law as well. The addition of the platform is an odd one (given the location) and I suspect may simply be a reference to a small halt being added rather than a full-blown station platform.

Theft of the kerosene from the signals by local fishermen was a problem in this area.

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No 26 Up North Coast Daylight Express crossing No 11 Down Mail at Dalhousie Creek, 19/4/1957 (C Skiller)

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Dalhousie Creek railway houses - photos taken in 1963 at which stage they had already been vandalised by the locals, both houses removed to other locations shortly after this (one went to Mt George).

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Ray Geraghty:

After Dalhousie closed.Tom Borton worked as a traffic officer with snow hunters extra gang

Greg Lee:

Tom Borton was one of the T/Os with the Resurfacing Gang when I joined them in 1982. I have posted before about Snow Hunter's Extra Gang, but I will dig it out and find something relevant to repost.
Tom Borton was a lovely bloke and good to work with, and he also liked a beer. He died in Grafton not that long ago. The reason why he was a T/O was because he injured his back pulling off a Distant stick; that might have been at Bungabee, but I'm not sure about that.
I remember Tom talking about the theft of kerosene from the signal lamps at Dalhousie Creek. Every second time the signalmen looked, one of the lights was out. The fishermen used it in their pressure lamps when they were prawning.

Roger Mika:

Worked with John Daley in Soco, he worked as a SWSA there at one time.

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Old and new bridge at Dalhousie Creek (Anthony Brodsky)

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Old bridge at Dalhousie Creek (Anthony Brodsky)

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# Dalhousie Creek (North Coast Line)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1943–1963

---

**Type:** Crossing Loop (Closed) 
**Line:** North Coast Line (Nambucca–Dalhousie Creek / Dalhousie Creek–Raleigh sections) 
**Distance from Sydney:** 574.816 km (Mileage **357m 14c** — per 1943 opening notice) 
**Between:** Nambucca and Raleigh 
**Opened:** **19 October 1943** — centrally-operated ETS and Crossing Station between Nambucca and Raleigh; Nambucca–Raleigh cancelled; Nambucca–Dalhousie Creek (Type C, 1–50 ordinary) and Dalhousie Creek–Raleigh (Type B, 1–8 key, 9–50 ordinary) created; **Circular No. 224–23 of 1943** (W.N. 42–1943; earlier notice in W.N. 41–1943 cited Circular No. 231–23 — corrected) 
**Loop length:** **1,395 feet** (approximately 425 metres) at opening 
**Signal-box:** On Main line, Up side; signal-box opened 19 October 1943; signal-box closed (loop abolished) 5 February 1963; signal-box removed 1970 
**Employee platform:** Added **December 1950** (per your notes — formal WN notice not found in OCR) 
**Platform removed:** **1960** (per your notes) 
**Loop closed:** **5 February 1963** — ETS sections cancelled; loop points spiked for Main line; signal arms removed; Nambucca–Raleigh section reinstated; Driver notices required from Kempsey (Down) and Coffs Harbour (Up) for 3 days (W.N. 4 and 5–1963; ref. S.&T.E. 63–550,402) 
**Circulars amended at closure:** No. 126–16 (Nambucca, 1944); No. 224–23 (Dalhousie Creek, 1943); No. 19–2 (Raleigh, 1935) 
**Working Timetable deleted:** W.N. 6–1963 (pages 112–117 and 125–130; ref. A.1–63–44,101) 
**Alphabetical List deleted:** W.N. 6–1963 
**All Local Appendix references deleted:** W.N. 25–1963 (pages 82, 102 and 194) 
**Signal-box removed:** **1970** (per your notes) 
**Interlocking machine:** Re-used at Kendall after closure (per your notes) 
**Status:** Closed 
**Name meaning:** Named after a castle near Bonnyrigg, Scotland (Dalhousie Castle) 
**Purpose:** Wartime loop — provided to increase line capacity during WWII 
**First signalman:** Tom F. Harris (relocated from Lyndhurst 1943 — Railway Staff Changes 1943); wife and mother-in-law accompanied him 
**Tom Borton** also served as signalman at the location 
**Houses:** Faced Down side loop; one house later relocated to Mount George 
**Kerosene theft:** Ongoing issue throughout the station's life — local fishermen stole kerosene from signal lights 

---

> **Notes:** Dalhousie Creek was opened on **19 October 1943** as a wartime centrally-operated crossing loop between Nambucca and Raleigh (Mileage 357m 14c). Two WN notices were published: W.N. 41–1943 (initial notice, citing Circular No. 231–23 of 1943) and W.N. 42–1943 (correcting the circular number to **Circular No. 224–23 of 1943**). The existing Nambucca–Raleigh section was cancelled; new sections Nambucca–Dalhousie Creek (Type C, all ordinary staffs) and Dalhousie Creek–Raleigh (Type B, 1–8 key, 9–50 ordinary) created. Loop 1,395 feet in length. Signal-box on Main line, Up side. Houses faced Down side loop.
>
> Tom F. Harris relocated from Lyndhurst (1943 Railway Staff Changes) as the first signalman, accompanied by his wife and mother-in-law. Tom Borton also served as signalman. Kerosene theft from signal lights by local fishermen was a recurring issue. Employee platform added December 1950; platform removed 1960.
>
> Closed **5 February 1963** (W.N. 4 and 5–1963; two separate notices confirming the same date): ETS sections Nambucca–Dalhousie Creek and Dalhousie Creek–Raleigh cancelled; Nambucca–Raleigh section reinstated with new ETS particulars. At closure: all signal arms removed from Dalhousie Creek signals; loop points at Sydney and Brisbane ends (Nos. 12 and 9 levers) spiked for Main line and secured by XL locks; loop placed out of use. Urunga Frames A and B altered to Nambucca–Raleigh staff. Driver notices issued from Kempsey (Down) and Coffs Harbour (Up) for 3 days; Nos. 1 and 2 Brisbane Limited Expresses excepted (notices from Taree and South Grafton for these trains). Three circulars amended: No. 126–16 (Nambucca 1944), No. 224–23 (Dalhousie Creek 1943) and No. 19–2 (Raleigh 1935). Signal-box removed 1970. Interlocking machine re-used at Kendall.

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## 1943 — Opened 19 October 1943; W.N. 41–1943 (Initial) and W.N. 42–1943 (Corrected Circular)

### Initial Notice — W.N. 41–1943 (Circular No. 231–23 — later corrected)
> **Dalhousie Creek (North Coast) — Bringing Into Use as a Centrally-operated Crossing Loop** — On **Tuesday, 19th October, 1943**, between 8.0 a.m. and 5.0 p.m., a new Centrally-operated Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station, to be known as **Dalhousie Creek**, will be brought into use between Nambucca and Raleigh at Mileage **357m 14c**.
>
> The existing Electric Train Staff section **Nambucca–Raleigh** will be cancelled, and two new sections brought into use as follows:
> - **Nambucca–Dalhousie Creek**: Electric Train Staff; Type **C**; Staffs Nos. 1–50 ordinary
> - **Dalhousie Creek–Raleigh**: Electric Train Staff; Type **B**; Staffs Nos. 1–8 key, 9–50 ordinary
>
> The complete arrangements and method of working will be in accordance with **Circular No. 231–23 of 1943** and diagram attached thereto. (C.T.M. 43–43,830; S.&T.E..) *(W.N. 41–1943)*

### Corrected Notice — W.N. 42–1943 (Circular No. 224–23 of 1943)
> **This instruction amends that which appeared in Weekly Notice No. 41 of 1943.** (C.T.M. 43–43,830; S.&T.E..)
>
> **Dalhousie Creek (North Coast) — Bringing Into Use as a Centrally-operated Crossing Loop** — On **Tuesday, 19th October, 1943**, between 8.0 a.m. and 5.0 p.m., a new Centrally-operated Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station, to be known as Dalhousie Creek, will be brought into use between Nambucca and Raleigh at Mileage 357m 14c.
>
> [Sections as above.] The complete arrangements and method of working will be in accordance with **Circular No. 224–23 of 1943** and diagram attached thereto. (C.T.M. 43–13,830; S.&T.E..) *(W.N. 42–1943)*

> **Note:** The Circular number changed from 231–23 (W.N. 41) to **224–23** (W.N. 42). The reference number also changed from 43,830 to 13,830. Circular No. 224–23 of 1943 is the confirmed base diagram.

### Loop Length and FPL Lever Positions — W.N. — 1943
> **Dalhousie Creek** — F.P.L. Levers for Points at each end of Loop: **Nos. 8 and 13** (same as Bonville and Pungala).
>
> Standing Room, Crossing Loop: **1,395 feet**. *(Source: 1943 Weekly Notices — accommodation table)*

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## 1944 — New Stations Index; Macksville–Coffs Harbour District

### New Stations Index — 1944
> **Dalhousie Creek** — North Coast — **Macksville–Coffs Harbour** [district/section reference]. *(Source: 1944 Weekly Notices — index of new stations/loops opened during year)*

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## 1960 — Signaller Rotation Table — 13 Weeks at Dalhousie Creek

### Signaller Rotation — 1960
> Dalhousie Creek — **13 weeks** in signaller rotation table (alongside Raleigh 10 weeks, Nambucca 11 weeks, Craven 13 weeks, Weismantels 13 weeks, Macksville 16 weeks, Eungai 19 weeks). *(Source: 1960 Weekly Notices — signaller rotation table)*

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## 1963 — Loop Closed — 5 February 1963; Signal Arms Removed; Loop Spiked; Nambucca–Raleigh Reinstated

### Loop Closed — W.N. 4 and 5–1963
> **Dalhousie Creek (North Coast) — Closing as Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station** — On **Tuesday, 5th February, 1963**, between 8.0 a.m. and 4.30 p.m., Dalhousie Creek will be closed as an Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station. The Electric Train Staff sections **Nambucca–Dalhousie Creek** and **Dalhousie Creek–Raleigh** will be cancelled and the Electric Train Staff section **Nambucca–Raleigh** will be brought into use.
>
> **Dalhousie Creek** — The arms will be removed from **all signals**.
>
> **Loop Line Points** — The points at the Sydney and Brisbane ends of the Loop, worked from **Nos. 12 and 9 levers** respectively, will be spiked for the Main line and secured by **standard clips and XL locks**. The Loop Line will be placed out of use.
>
> **Urunga** — No. 1 levers (facing point lock levers) in Frames "A" and "B" will be unlocked by key on the Miniature Electric Train Staff for the section **Nambucca–Raleigh**.
>
> **Driver Notices** — The Station-masters at Kempsey (Down journey) and Coffs Harbour (Up journey) must furnish the Driver of each Down and Up train respectively (Nos. 1 and 2 Brisbane Limited Expresses **excepted**), passing over the section Nambucca–Raleigh, with a printed notice informing him that Dalhousie Creek is closed as an Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station and obtain his receipt for same.
>
> For Nos. 1 and 2 Brisbane Limited Expresses **only**, Driver notices must be issued by the Station-masters at **Taree** and **South Grafton** respectively.
>
> This must be done for a period of **three days** on and from the above-mentioned date.
>
> **Circulars amended:**
> - **Circular No. 126–16, Nambucca, of 1944**
> - **Circular No. 224–23, Dalhousie Creek, of 1943**
> - **Circular No. 19–2, Raleigh, of 1935**
>
> (S.&T.E. 63–550,402–W.&M.) *(W.N. 4–1963; republished W.N. 5–1963)*

### Working Timetable and Alphabetical List Deleted — W.N. 6–1963
> **Working Time-Table — Northern Division** — Pages 112 to 117 inclusive; Pages 125 to 130 inclusive; **Page 148** — Delete **Dalhousie Creek**. (A.1–63–44,101.) *(W.N. 6–1963)*

> **Alphabetical List of Stations, Platforms and Sidings** — **Page 29** — Delete **Dalhousie Creek** and relative particulars. *(W.N. 6–1963)*

### Key Staffs Table Updated — W.N. 8–1963
> **Key Staffs table** — Delete **Dalhousie Creek**. *(W.N. 8–1963)*

### Urunga Reference Updated; All Local Appendix References Deleted — W.N. 25–1963
> **ETS Reference — Urunga Siding** — In column headed "Electric Train Staff or Train Staff and Ticket Section": delete **Dalhousie Creek–Raleigh** and insert **Nambucca Heads–Raleigh**. *(W.N. 25–1963)*

> **Pages 82, 102 and 194** — Delete all reference to Dalhousie Creek. *(W.N. 25–1963)*

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## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **19 October 1943** | **Loop opened** — 1,395-foot (425m) centrally-operated ETS and Crossing Station, Mileage 357m 14c; Nambucca–Raleigh cancelled; **Nambucca–Dalhousie Creek** (Type C, 1–50 ordinary) and **Dalhousie Creek–Raleigh** (Type B, 1–8 key, 9–50 ordinary) created; FPL levers Nos. 8 and 13; Signal-box on Main line, Up side; houses facing Down side loop; **Circular No. 224–23 of 1943** (W.N. 41 and 42–1943) |
| 1943 | Tom F. Harris (first signalman) relocated from Lyndhurst with wife and mother-in-law (Railway Staff Changes 1943) |
| **December 1950** | **Employee platform added** |
| **1960** | **Employee platform removed** |
| **5 February 1963** | **Loop closed** — all signal arms removed; loop points (Nos. 12 and 9 levers) spiked for Main line and XL locked; loop placed out of use; **Nambucca–Raleigh** reinstated; Urunga Frames A and B altered to Nambucca–Raleigh; Driver notices from Kempsey (Down) and Coffs Harbour (Up) for 3 days; Circulars 126–16, 224–23 and 19–2 amended (W.N. 4 and 5–1963; ref. S.&T.E. 63–550,402) |
| W.N. 6–1963 | Working Timetable and Alphabetical List deleted (ref. A.1–63–44,101) |
| W.N. 8–1963 | Key Staffs table deleted |
| W.N. 25–1963 | Urunga siding ETS reference updated; pages 82, 102 and 194 all deleted |
| **1970** | **Signal-box removed** |
| Post-closure | Houses relocated (one to Mount George); interlocking machine re-used at Kendall |

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*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1943–1963.* 
*Note: Dalhousie Creek was opened with two separate WN notices — W.N. 41–1943 (citing Circular No. 231–23) and W.N. 42–1943 (correcting to Circular No. 224–23). The reference number also changed (43,830 → 13,830), suggesting the first notice contained a transcription error in both the Circular number and the file reference. The loop closure was similarly published twice (W.N. 4 and 5–1963) — an unusually cautious approach consistent with the unusual circumstances of closing a loop that had served as a primary wartime capacity measure for 19 years. The FPL levers (Nos. 8 and 13) are the same as Bonville and Pungala — confirming these three wartime loops had identical signalbox lever configurations.*