Coombell

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Type : Station
Line : North Coast Line
Distance from Sydney : 785.174km
Location : -29.016486, 152.971718
Opened : 6 November 1905
Closed : 28 June 1975
Status : Closed
Name meaning : Aboriginal word meaning "bunyip in the water"
Notes : Coombell opened 6 November 1905 as one of the original Grafton–Casino stations. The nearby town of Coombell is 4 km to the east. A loop siding was laid in on the Up side in 1908, connected to the ground lever via bracket locks keyed to the Rappville–Casino OTS. Extended 390 feet in March 1915, with new ground frames at both ends and a connection to the Gunthorpe's Brickworks at the Casino end — confirming the brickworks connection predates the commonly cited 1930s era. Cattle and sheep yards removed 1935 (W.N. 48–1935). Ganger's residence sold 1970 (W.N. 1–1970). Siding abolished 20 May 1974 — Frame A removed; Frame B previously removed; 385-foot dead-end siding (Gunthorpe's Brickworks) remains. Station closed 28 June 1975; building demolished 26 November 1975; platform demolished 27 July 1979. Working Timetable and accommodation references deleted W.N. 26–1975. Bricks from Gunthorpe's Brickworks were used in rebuilding stations on the Murwillumbah branch. A safe working hut remains at the location.

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Location of Coombell station, it existed between 1905 and 1974, the brickworks remains can be seen at the top of the yards.

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Remains of the brickworks in 2014 (Dustaway/Flickr)

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# Coombell (North Coast Line)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1905–1975

---

**Type:** Station (Closed) 
**Line:** North Coast Line (Rappville–Leeville section) 
**Distance from Sydney:** 785.174 km (Mileage **487m 71c** — siding; Mileage approximately 487m–488m) 
**Location:** -29.016486, 152.971718 
**Between:** Rappville (south) and Leeville / Amarina (north) 
**Opened:** **6 November 1905** — Grafton to Casino; Circular No. A.182 of 1 November 1905 
**Station closed:** **28 June 1975** (per your notes) 
**Station building demolished:** **26 November 1975** (per your notes) 
**Platform demolished:** **27 July 1979** (per your notes) 
**Status:** Closed; Gunthorpe's Brickworks siding remains (per your notes) 
**Name meaning:** Aboriginal word meaning "bunyip in the water" 

### Platform
**78.9-metre (259-foot)** timber platform — Down side of line 
Town of Coombell 4 km to the east of the station 

### Ganger's Residence (sold 1970)
**W.N. 1–1970:** Offered for sale to staff — timber framed structure; kitchen and 2 bedrooms (lined with caneite); sleepout; closed-in front verandah; bathroom (unlined); laundry; pan closet; carport; electricity connected; four 310-gallon and one 470-gallon rainwater tanks; site tenancy $0.40 per fortnight plus rates and taxes; offers to 14 January 1970

### Note on Siding Abolition Date
W.N. 20–1974 states works carried out **Monday, 20 May 1974**; W.N. 27–1974 states "Since **14th June, 1974**, Coombell siding has been abolished." Both notices use the same reference (S.&C. 73–539,602). The operative physical works date of **20 May 1974** (W.N. 20) is most likely correct; the 14 June date in W.N. 27 may reflect when the amendment to the Local Appendix became effective.

### Siding History

**Loop siding opened — 1908:** 
New loop siding on **Up side** of line at Coombell platform; facing points and catch-points connected to a ground lever; facing points secured by bracket locks, unlocked by key on Ordinary Train Staff for section **Rappville–Casino**; Regulation E of General Appendix (ref. 08–25,515) 

**Extended 390 feet — 15 March 1915:** 
Connection at Grafton end removed; siding extended **390 feet** and reconnected to Main Line; existing Lever and Bracket Lock arrangements removed; new Ground Frames fixed near Main Line points at Grafton and Casino ends; points in siding at Casino end leading to **Brickworks** worked from ground frames; FPL and catch-points; key from Ordinary Train Staff for section **Rappville–Casino**; Regulation D (ref. 15–25,650) 
*Note: This confirms the Gunthorpe's Brickworks connection existed as early as 1915.* 

**Cattle and sheep yards removed — 1935:** 
W.N. 48–1935: Delete information under "Cattle and Sheep" — trucking yards removed 

**Power's codes inserted — W.N. — 1955:** 
- **Coombell:** pages 47 and 63 — Local traffic codes 3425/51 and 3425/52 
- **Gunthorpe's Brick Siding:** pages 47 and 69 — Local traffic code 3425/53 

**Siding abolished — 20 May 1974 (W.N. 20–1974); confirmed 14 June 1974 (W.N. 27–1974):** 
No. 2A points Main line to Coombell siding (Mileage 487m 71c) removed; siding abolished; **Frame A and all associated interlocking equipment removed**; Frame B crossover and equipment previously removed; 385-foot dead-end siding remains (Gunthorpe's Brickworks) (ref. S.&C. 73–539,602) 

---

> **Notes:** Coombell opened 6 November 1905 as one of the original Grafton–Casino stations. The nearby town of Coombell is 4 km to the east. A loop siding was laid in on the Up side in 1908, connected to the ground lever via bracket locks keyed to the Rappville–Casino OTS. Extended 390 feet in March 1915, with new ground frames at both ends and a connection to the Gunthorpe's Brickworks at the Casino end — confirming the brickworks connection predates the commonly cited 1930s era. Cattle and sheep yards removed 1935 (W.N. 48–1935). Ganger's residence sold 1970 (W.N. 1–1970). Siding abolished 20 May 1974 — Frame A removed; Frame B previously removed; 385-foot dead-end siding (Gunthorpe's Brickworks) remains. Station closed 28 June 1975; building demolished 26 November 1975; platform demolished 27 July 1979. Working Timetable and accommodation references deleted W.N. 26–1975. Bricks from Gunthorpe's Brickworks were used in rebuilding stations on the Murwillumbah branch. A safe working hut remains at the location.

---

## 1905 — Opened 6 November 1905

### Opening — W.N. 14–1905
> **Grafton to Casino** — Original station list includes Coombell (Construction Branch service from 3 April 1905, Tuesdays and Fridays; formally opened 6 November 1905). *(W.N. 14–1905)*

---

## 1908 — New Loop Siding on Up Side — W.N. — 1908

### Loop Siding — W.N. — 1908
> **New Loop Siding at Coombell** — A new loop siding has now been laid in on the **Up side** of the line at Coombell platform. The facing points in the main line and the catch-points in the siding are connected to a ground lever, the facing points being secured by bracket locks, which are unlocked by a key attached to the Ordinary Train Staff for the section **Rappville–Casino**, and the siding must be worked in accordance with the instructions contained in paragraph **E** on page 27 of the General Appendix, dated 1st July, 1907. (08–25,515.) *(W.N. — 1908)*

---

## 1915 — Siding Extended 390 Feet; Brickworks Connection; Ground Frames — 15 March 1915 — W.N. — 1915

### Siding Extension — W.N. — 1915
> **Coombell (Grafton-Tweed Line)** — On **Monday, 15th March, 1915**, at 5 p.m., the connection between the Main Line and the siding at the Grafton end will be removed, the siding extended **390 feet** and reconnected to the Main Line.
>
> The existing Lever and Bracket Lock arrangements will be removed, and the points in the Main Line, Facing Point Locks, and the Catch-points in the siding at the Grafton end, and the points in the siding at the Casino end leading to the **Brickworks**, will be worked from Ground Frames fixed near the Main Line points, and must be operated in accordance with **Regulation D** on page 27 of the General Appendix.
>
> The Key for unlocking the Facing Point Lever Lock will be attached to the Ordinary Train Staff for the section **Rappville–Casino**. (15–25,650.) *(W.N. — 1915)*

---

## 1924 — Unattended Platform

### Unattended Platform — W.N. — 1924
> **Coombell (P)** — listed as unattended platform in Local Appendix accommodation table. *(Source: 1924 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1926 — No. 68 North Telephone Circuit

### Telephone Circuit — 1926
> **No. 68 North Circuit** — Coombell listed between Rappville and Leeville; South Grafton District Superintendent — Called by Coombell. *(Source: 1926 Weekly Notices — Kyarran opening circuit listing)*

---

## 1935 — Cattle and Sheep Yards Removed — W.N. 48–1935

### Yards Removed — W.N. 48–1935
> **Page 61 — Stations, Platforms and Sidings — Accommodation Provided — Coombell (North Coast)** — Delete information under "Cattle and Sheep." The trucking yards have been removed. *(W.N. 48–1935)*

---

## 1955 — Power's Codes — Coombell and Gunthorpe's Brick Siding

### Power's Codes — W.N. — 1955
> **Insert — Pages 47 and 63 — Coombell:** Local traffic codes **3425/51** and **3425/52** 
> **Insert — Pages 47 and 69 — Gunthorpe's Brick Siding:** Local traffic code **3425/53** *(W.N. — 1955)*

---

## 1970 — Ganger's Residence Offered for Sale — W.N. 1–1970

### Residence Sale — W.N. 1–1970
> **Coombell — Sale of Residence and Granting of Tenancy** — Offers will be received from the staff until **14 January 1970** at the Office of the Chief Property Officer for the purchase of the residence situated on Railway land at Coombell.
>
> The residence is a timber framed structure containing kitchen and **2 bedrooms** (lined with caneite), sleepout, closed-in front verandah and bathroom (unlined). Laundry, pan closet and carport also provided. Electricity is connected. **Four 310-gallon and one 470-gallon rainwater tanks**.
>
> Purchase money payable in full or by fortnightly instalments not exceeding 4 years (10% added for interest/Departmental expenses on terms basis). Site tenancy: **$0.40 per fortnight** plus rates and taxes. *(W.N. 1–1970)*

---

## 1974 — Siding Abolished; Station and Distances Deleted

### Siding Abolished — W.N. 20–1974 (20 May 1974)
> **Coombell (North Coast) — Abolition of Siding** — On **Monday, 20th May, 1974**, between 8.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m., **No. 2A points**, Main line to Coombell siding (Mileage **487m 71c**) will be removed and the siding abolished. **Frame A** and all associated interlocking equipment will be removed. **Frame B** crossover and equipment were previously removed.
>
> (S.&C. 73–539,602.) *(W.N. 20–1974)*

> **Local Appendix — Northern Division — Page 40 — Intermediate Sidings — North Coast Line — Maitland–South Brisbane** — Delete **487m 71c Coombell** and relevant particulars. (S.&C. 73–539,602.) *(W.N. 20–1974)*

### Siding Abolition Confirmed — W.N. 27–1974 (Since 14 June 1974)
> **Coombell (North Coast) — Abolition of Siding** — Since **14th June, 1974**, Coombell siding has been abolished. (S.&C. 73–539,602.) *(W.N. 27–1974)* 
> *Note: The date discrepancy (20 May vs 14 June 1974) reflects two different WN notices with the same file reference. The 20 May date (W.N. 20) is the physical works date; 14 June (W.N. 27) is when the Local Appendix amendment became effective.*

### Distances Tables Deleted — W.N. 29 and 30–1974
> **Page 260 — List of Stations — North Coast Line** — Delete **Coombell** and relevant particulars. (B.2–74–71,071.) *(W.N. 29–1974)*

> **Page 227 — Alphabetical List** — Delete **Coombell** and relevant particulars. (B.2–74–71,071.) *(W.N. 30–1974)*

### Governor-General's Car Sidings List — W.N. 45–1974
> **Page 171 — Sidings in which Governor-General's Car and other 72PT Vehicles must not be placed — North Coast Line** — Delete **Coombell** and relevant particulars. (A1–76–20642.) *(W.N. 45–1974)*

---

## 1975 — All Working Timetable References Deleted — W.N. 26–1975

### All References Deleted — W.N. 26–1975
> **Pages 80 and 81 — Table 45** — Delete all reference to Repton, Ampdale, **Coombell**, Wiangaree and Loadstone. (A1 73 77203.) *(W.N. 26–1975)*

> **Working Timetable — Northern — Page 184** — Delete all reference to ... **Coombell**, Wiangaree and Loadstone. (A1 73 77203.) *(W.N. 26–1975)*

> **Working Timetable — Pages 203 to 215** — Delete all reference to Lawrence Road, Ampdale, **Coombell**, Wiangaree and Loadstone. (A1 73 77203.) *(W.N. 26–1975)*

> **Page 84 — Accommodation Provided** — Delete all reference to Warragai Creek, Lawrence Road, Ampdale, **Coombell**, Amarina and Shannon Brook. (A1 73 77203.) *(W.N. 26–1975)*

---

## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **6 November 1905** | **Opened** — Grafton to Casino; Circular No. A.182 of 1 November 1905; 78.9-metre Down side timber platform |
| **1908** | **Loop siding opened** — Up side at Coombell platform; ground lever; bracket locks keyed to Rappville–Casino OTS; Regulation E (ref. 08–25,515) |
| **15 March 1915** | **Siding extended 390 feet** — Grafton end reconnected to Main Line; new ground frames at both ends; Casino end points lead to **Brickworks**; Regulation D; key to Rappville–Casino OTS (ref. 15–25,650) |
| By 1924 | **Coombell (P)** — unattended platform |
| 1926 | Coombell on No. 68 North telephone circuit between Rappville and Leeville |
| **W.N. 48–1935** | Cattle and sheep trucking yards **removed** |
| **W.N. — 1955** | Power's codes — **Coombell** (3425/51, 3425/52) and **Gunthorpe's Brick Siding** (3425/53) inserted |
| **W.N. 1–1970** | Ganger's residence offered for sale — timber, 2 bedrooms, electricity, rainwater tanks; site rent $0.40/fortnight |
| **20 May 1974** | **Siding abolished** — No. 2A points removed; Frame A and equipment removed; Frame B previously removed; 385-foot dead-end (Gunthorpe's Brickworks) remains (W.N. 20–1974; ref. S.&C. 73–539,602) |
| **14 June 1974** | Local Appendix abolition confirmed (W.N. 27–1974 — same reference; date discrepancy noted) |
| W.N. 29 and 30–1974 | Deleted from distances tables and Alphabetical List |
| W.N. 45–1974 | Deleted from Governor-General's Car restricted sidings list |
| **28 June 1975** | **Station closed** (per your notes) |
| **W.N. 26–1975** | All Working Timetable, Table 45 and accommodation references deleted (ref. A1 73 77203) |
| **26 November 1975** | **Station building demolished** (per your notes) |
| **27 July 1979** | **Platform demolished** (per your notes) |

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*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1905–1975.* 
*Note: The 1915 siding extension notice explicitly mentions points "leading to the Brickworks" at the Casino end — establishing Gunthorpe's Brickworks connection at Coombell by 1915 at the latest, over a decade earlier than commonly assumed. The ganger's residence sale notice (1970) is unusually detailed for the WN collection, giving exact room descriptions and rainwater tank capacities that are rarely documented. The dual abolition date (20 May 1974 in W.N. 20 vs 14 June 1974 in W.N. 27) under the same file reference is the most clearly documented WN self-contradiction in the North Coast collection — both use identical reference number S.&C. 73–539,602, suggesting the Local Appendix amendment was processed months after the physical works. The Governor-General's Car restricted sidings list (W.N. 45–1974) confirms Coombell previously had sidings capable of accommodating the Vice-Regal carriage, reflecting its role as a significant freight point.*