Paterson

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Paterson, 12/8/2020 (Rob Rouse)

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Paterson location (Hi Res)

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Paterson, 1988, Gary Auer

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XP2008 NT32 crossing 3MB1 in the loop with 8L05 in the siding at Paterson 11/11/2020 (Bradley Coulter)

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Eddie Oliver, the RTM's Tours Office makes the staff exchange at Paterson for 3820.  24 Feb 1974. (Mike Goodall)

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5912 MT ballast train Paterson.
Photo Dennis Mitchell

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The OCS local panel made by DelaircoML installed at Paterson. The panel was in the Station Master's office prior to remote control being commissioned. (RT Taaffe)

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It is believed that no covering of Frame A was provided when the line was opened in 1911. The arrangement was peculiar to say the least with main line signals including Starting signals operated from Frame A while Starting signals for the loop line were operated from adjacent ground frames.

Unlike similar installations elsewhere, no Home signals were provided for access to the loop. A signal box was provided when a larger interlocking machine was brought into use as part of the conversion of the loop to central operation.

When the points and signals were converted to power operation as part of the CTC project, the interlocking machine and signal box was taken out of use and control transferred to an OCS panel located in the Station Master's office.

A longer than necessary Type P signal box. Interestingly, in lieu of continuous weatherboards below the sill on the front wall, only three battens were attached. RT Taaffe

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# Paterson (North Coast Line)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1911–1989

---

**Type:** Station and Crossing Loop 
**Line:** North Coast Line (Mindaribba–Paterson / Paterson–Kilbride sections) 
**Station Number:** NC4 
**Distance from Sydney:** 213.224 km (132m approximately at opening) 
**Location:** -32.602720, 151.614420 
**Opened:** 14 August 1911 (with opening of Maitland–Dungog line) 
**Closed:** Prior to 1990 (temporarily); re-opened; in use 
**Status:** In use 
**Name meaning:** After Colonel William Paterson, temporary governor of NSW following William Bligh 
**Platform (original):** 91.4-metre Up side platform; later shortened to 5 metres then re-extended 
**Station Building:** A3 standard station building with waiting room, Station Master's office, cream shed and parcels room; goods shed; Station Master's house 
**Circular:** No. 300–28 of 1936 (Paterson base diagram — later renumbered No. 3130–28 of 1936; referenced to 1988); No. 91–2 of 1982 (Telarah–Kilbride CTC) 

---

> **Notes:** Paterson opened on 14 August 1911 with the Maitland–Dungog line. From opening the station had a Down side platform and goods siding, and an Up side crossing loop, stock and loco sidings — with Frame A on the platform working all facing points and signals for the Main line, and Frame B (Sydney end, Down side) working the facing points and goods siding. A Lever and Bracket Lock "F" secured the facing points in the Stock Siding by key on the Paterson–Dungog staff.
>
> The central interlocked loop was converted to signal-box operation on **1 July 1936** — a new signal-box replaced Frame A, with motor-worked loop points, renamed ground frames, and Circular No. 300–28 of 1936 issued. Large ETS on Paterson–Martin's Creek replaced by miniature type 16 April 1936. In 1942, an Intermediate Staff Instrument for Paterson–Kilbride was provided on the platform with Paterson as controlling station and a Pilotman's Lock in the signal-box. Automatic Staff Exchangers installed (1946 table). Hunter Valley Co-operative Dairy Company siding opened **19 December 1961** at 132m 15c (315 feet standing room; Frame F; key from No. 15 signal-box lever) with Down Home signals relocated. Motor-operated points and colour light signals installed **17–18 January 1982** as CTC preliminary — route control relay interlocking panel in Station Master's Office. Telarah–Kilbride CTC then cancelled Mindaribba–Paterson and Paterson–Kilbride ETS sections. Crossing loop extended (date in notes: unknown from WN). Loop point No. 51 converted to clamplock mechanism **15 March 1987** (confirmed W.N. 2–1988). Frame D connection removed and goods siding converted to dead-end **25 July 1988** (W.N. 45–1988). The station has shifted 19.2 metres from its original site.

---

## 1911 — Opened; Signal and Interlocking Arrangements; Level Crossing Warning; Morse Telegraph

### Maitland–Dungog Line Opened — 14 August 1911
> Morse telegraph instruments provided at **West Maitland and Paterson**; code calls: West Maitland — W.M.; **Paterson — P.A.**; Dungog — D.M.
>
> **Pending completion of telegraph wire between Paterson and Dungog**, Line Clear Reports must not be issued on the Paterson–Dungog section until further notice.
>
> There will be Officers in charge at **Paterson and Dungog**, which stations will be open for the booking of Passenger and Goods traffic. *(Source: 1911 Weekly Notices)*

### Level Crossing Warning — Gresford Road — 1911
> **Paterson** — The level crossing at **Mileage 38.28, 489 yards** on the Dungog side of Paterson Station is approached on the Down journey by a sharp curve and is situated immediately beyond a deep cutting. Drivers of Down trains must sound their whistles loudly leaving Paterson Station and keep a good look-out when approaching this level crossing. *(Source: 1911 Weekly Notices)*

### Signal and Interlocking Arrangements — 1911
> **Paterson** — A platform and Goods Siding are provided on the **Down side**, and a Crossing Loop, Stock and Loco Sidings on the **Up side** of the Line. The Facing Points at each end of the Crossing Loop, Facing Point Locks to same, and all signals are worked from **Frame "A"**, fixed on the platform.
>
> **Frame "B"** — The facing points in the Main line and Crossing Loop, also the points and catch points in the Goods Siding and Facing Point Locks to same, are worked from Frame "B," fixed on the Down side of the Line at the Sydney end of the platform. When it is required to use Frame "B" the key must be obtained from the lock on **No. 8 Lever in Frame "A"** and inserted in the lock on No. 1 Lever.
>
> **Lever and Bracket Lock "F"** — The Facing Points in the Main Line and the Catch Points in the Stock Siding are secured by Lever and Bracket Lock arrangement, unlocked by key on the Ordinary Train Staff for the section **Paterson–Dungog**. *(Source: 1911 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1912 — Public Telephone Connected

### Public Telephone — 1912
> **Public Telephone Connection, Paterson (Dungog Branch)** — A public telephone has been provided at Paterson Railway Station, connected to No. 10 on the local Public Exchange. *(Source: 1912 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1924 — Selective Telephones in Station Masters' Residences

### Selective Telephones — 1924
> **Provision of Selective Telephones in Station Masters' Residences at Paterson** [and other stations]. *(Source: 1924 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1928 — Down Home Signal Post Renewed

### Down Home Signal Renewed — W.N. 16–1928
> **Paterson (North Coast) — Renewal of Down Home Signal** — On Monday, 16th April, 1928, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., the Down Home signal, No. **11**, will be out of use for the purpose of **renewing the post**. *(W.N. 16–1928)*

---

## 1930 — Portable Barriers at Gresford Road Level Crossing — Updated Instructions

### Gresford Road Level Crossing — W.N. — 1930
> **Portable Barriers at Level Crossing** — Instructions relative to the use of Portable Barriers at **Gresford Road Level Crossing, Mileage 132.62, Paterson**, amended and superseded:
>
> | Crossing | Week-days | Sundays |
> |---------|-----------|---------|
> | Gresford Road, Paterson | Always, except when required to be removed for passage of trains | Always, except when required to be removed for passage of trains |

*(Source: 1930 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1936 — Central Operation of Loop — 1 July 1936; Miniature Staffs on Paterson–Martin's Creek

### Large ETS Replaced by Miniature — Paterson–Martin's Creek — 16 April 1936
> **Paterson–Martin's Creek — Replacing Large Electric Train Staffs by Miniature Staffs and Provision of Additional Staffs** — On **Thursday, 16th April, 1936**, between 7.30 a.m. and 5.0 p.m., the large Electric Train Staffs on the section **Paterson–Martin's Creek** will be replaced by those of the Miniature type, and 14 additional Staffs will be provided. *(Source: 1936 Weekly Notices)*

### Central Operation of Loop — 1 July 1936 — W.N. — 1936
> **Paterson (North Coast) — Central Operation of Loop** — On **Wednesday, 1st July, 1936**, between 7.30 a.m. and 5.0 p.m., the Loop line points at the Sydney end will be altered to work from the Signal-box, and the following alterations carried out:
>
> 1. **Provision of Signal-box** in lieu of Frame "A"
> 2. Dispensing with Frame "C" and **power-working the Loop points** from the Signal-box
> 3. Provision of **ground frame** to work Loop to Goods Siding connection at Sydney end
> 4. Re-naming of existing ground frames
> 5. Re-numbering of signals, and provision of additional signal — **Down Home Main to Loop**
> 6. Transferring Staff Instruments to new Signal-box and provision of extension bells
>
> **Circular No. 300–28 of 1936** (Paterson base diagram) issued. *(Source: 1936 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1942 — Intermediate Staff Instrument for Paterson–Kilbride; Pilotman's Lock; Martin's Creek Closed

### Intermediate Staff Instrument — Paterson–Kilbride — 1942
> **Intermediate Electric Train Staff Instrument** for the section **Paterson–Kilbride** provided on the platform. The **controlling station is Paterson**, and the method of working is in accordance with Regulation No. 72 (Electric Tablet and Electric Train Staff Systems — Working Siding or Junction Equipped with Intermediate Staff Instrument) in the General Appendix, Part II.
>
> A telephone connecting to No. 78 telephone circuit, North, provided near the Intermediate Staff Instrument.
>
> **Pilotman's Lock** — A Pilotman's Lock is provided in the Signal-box at Paterson, and will contain the Pilotman's Key for unlocking Frames "B" and "C" during the times Pilot Working is in operation. When Pilot Working has been cancelled the key must be returned to the Pilotman's Lock by the Signal Electrician. *(Source: 1942 Weekly Notices)*

### Drivers' Notices — Martin's Creek Closed as ETS Station — 1942
> The Station-master at **Paterson** on the Down journey (and Dungog on the Up journey) must furnish the Driver of each Down and Up train with a printed notice informing him that **Martin's Creek is closed as an Electric Train Staff Station** while passing over the section Paterson–Wallarobba. *(Source: 1942 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1946 — Automatic Staff Exchanger Positions

### Staff Exchanger Positions — 1946
> **Down Line — Paterson**: Opposite Signal-box. 
> **Up Line — Paterson**: **22 feet from Grafton end of Platform**. *(Source: 1946 Weekly Notices — automatic staff exchanger positions)*

---

## 1950 — Down Distant Signal Relocated; Circular No. 300–28 Amended

### Down Distant Signal Relocated — W.N. 10 and 11–1950
> **Paterson (North Coast) — Alteration to Location of Down Distant Signal** — On **Tuesday, 14th March, 1950**, between 7.30 a.m. and 5.0 p.m., the Down Distant Signal, No. 20, will be out of use for the purpose of being moved **595 feet nearer to the station**.
>
> Diagram attached to **Circular No. 300–28 of 1936** to be amended accordingly. *(W.N. 10 and 11–1950 — published twice)*

---

## 1961 — Hunter Valley Co-operative Dairy Company Siding — 19 December 1961

### Hunter Valley Dairy Siding Opened — W.N. 51–1961
> **Paterson (North Coast) — Provision of Private Siding for the Hunter Valley Co-operative Dairy Company** — Since **19th December, 1961**, a new dead-end private siding, laid in on the **Down side** of, and connecting to the Main line at **mileage 132m 15c**, approximately 130 feet on the Sydney side of No. 13 points (Main to Loop), has been brought into use and is known as **Hunter Valley Dairy Siding, Paterson**.
>
> Standing room in the siding: **315 feet**. Gates provided in the boundary fence at approximately 205 feet from the dead-end.
>
> Points in the Main line (facing to Up trains) and the catch points in the siding worked from **No. 2 lever in a new Frame F**, situated on the Up side of the line adjacent to the points. **No. 1 lever in Frame F**, operating the facing point lock, unlocked by **key from No. 15 lever** in the signal-box.

### Down Home Signals Relocated — W.N. 51–1961
> In conjunction with the Hunter Valley Dairy Siding, the bracket post carrying the **Down Home Signal, Main, No. 19**, and the **Down Home Signal, Main to Loop, No. 17**, has been relocated **175 feet nearer to Sydney**.
>
> The **Down Distant Signal, No. 20**, has been relocated **175 feet nearer to Sydney**.
>
> Circular **No. 3130–28, Paterson, of 1936** (renumbered from 300–28) and diagram attached to be amended accordingly. *(W.N. 51–1961)*

---

## 1982 — Motor-Operated Points and Colour Light Signals — 17–18 January 1982

### Conversion to Motor-Operated Points — W.N. 1 and 2–1982
> **Paterson (North Coast) — Conversion to Power Operation of Points and Signals** — On **Sunday/Monday, 17th and 18th January, 1982**, between 7.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., as a preliminary to the introduction of centralised traffic control signalling on the North Coast line, the **Main line to Loop line points at each end of Paterson crossing loop** will be converted to motor operation and the mechanical Main line and Loop signals replaced by **colour light signals**.
>
> A **position light shunting signal** to regulate shunting movements on the Main line and between the Main line and the Loop line will be provided at the Sydney end of the crossing loop.
>
> The foregoing points and signals will be worked from a **route control relay interlocking control panel located in the Station Master's Office**. The existing mechanical interlocking machine will be placed out of use.
>
> Colour light signals — **single light type** in accordance with Regulation 5 (Signalling). A **low speed indication** (small green light) and a **shunting signal** (yellow light) provided.
>
> Electric Train Staff working remains in use on sections **Mindaribba–Paterson** and **Paterson–Kilbride**. *(W.N. 1 and 2–1982)*

### Telarah–Kilbride CTC — Mindaribba–Paterson and Paterson–Kilbride ETS Cancelled
> ETS working on sections **Telarah–Mindaribba, Mindaribba–Paterson** and **Paterson–Kilbride** cancelled. CTC working, remotely controlled from **Broadmeadow CTC Centre**, introduced in lieu. Speed board sections: **Oakhampton–Mindaribba** and **Mindaribba–Paterson** listed. *(Source: 1982 Weekly Notices)*

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## 1988 — Crossing Loop Extension (No. 51 Points Clamplock 15 March 1987); Frame D Removed; Goods Siding to Dead End — 25 July 1988

### Crossing Loop Extension — No. 51 Points Clamplock — W.N. 2–1988
> **Paterson (North Coast) — Extension of Crossing Loop** — Since **15th March, 1987**, No. 51 points have been converted to operation by **clamplock mechanism**.
>
> **Emergency Working of No. 51 Points** (pump handle has special key attached with chain):
> 1. Unlock ESML cupboard (SL lock)
> 2. Operate switch therein to "EMERGENCY" and remove the key
> [Further steps listed]
>
> *(W.N. 2–1988)*

### Frame D Connection Removed — Goods Siding to Dead End — 25 July 1988 — W.N. 45–1988
> **Paterson (North Coast) — Removal of Frame D Connection** — On **25th July 1988**, Frame D connection was removed and a **stop block with white over red buffer lights** was placed in the vicinity of former 2D catchpoints. The catchpoint indicator has also been removed.
>
> Consequently, **Frame D, Releasing Switch D and associated equipment** have been dispensed with, together with Releasing Lock D.
>
> **The Goods siding has become a dead end facility, facing to Down trains.**
>
> No. 82 lever has become spare.
>
> Circular No. 91–2 (1982), North Coast, Centralised Traffic Control, Introduction of CTC Working, Telarah–Kilbride, and Sheet 3 of diagrams attached, to be amended accordingly. *(W.N. 45–1988)*

---

## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **14 August 1911** | **Opened** — Down side platform (91.4m) and goods siding; Up side crossing loop, stock and loco sidings; Frame A on platform (all main line signals and loop points); Frame B (Sydney end, Down side, key from No. 8 lever Frame A); Lever and Bracket Lock F (Stock Siding — Paterson–Dungog staff); Morse telegraph P.A.; level crossing warning Gresford Road; Officers in charge at Paterson and Dungog |
| 1912 | Public telephone connected to local exchange No. 10 |
| 1924 | Selective telephones in Station Masters' residences |
| W.N. 16–1928 | Down Home signal No. 11 post renewed |
| 1930 | Portable barriers at Gresford Road level crossing — updated instructions |
| **16 April 1936** | Large ETS on Paterson–Martin's Creek replaced by miniature type; 14 additional staffs provided |
| **1 July 1936** | **Central Operation of Loop** — new signal-box in lieu of Frame A; motor-worked loop points; ground frame for Loop–Goods Siding connection; signals renumbered; **Circular No. 300–28 of 1936** issued |
| 1942 | Intermediate Staff Instrument — Paterson–Kilbride on platform; controlling station Paterson; Pilotman's Lock in signal-box; Drivers' Notices re Martin's Creek closure |
| 1946 | Staff exchanger positions: Down — opposite signal-box; Up — 22 feet from Grafton end of platform |
| W.N. 10 and 11–1950 | Down Distant signal No. 20 relocated 595 feet nearer station; Circular No. 300–28 amended |
| **19 December 1961** | **Hunter Valley Co-operative Dairy Company Siding** opened — 132m 15c, Down side, dead-end, 315-foot standing room; Frame F (No. 2 lever, key from No. 15 signal-box lever); Down Home signals No. 17 and 19 relocated 175 feet toward Sydney; Down Distant No. 20 relocated 175 feet toward Sydney; Circular renumbered **3130–28 of 1936** (W.N. 51–1961) |
| **17–18 January 1982** | **Motor-operated points and colour light signals** — route control relay interlocking panel in Station Master's Office; position light shunting signal at Sydney end; single light colour light signals; ETS Mindaribba–Paterson and Paterson–Kilbride retained (W.N. 1 and 2–1982) |
| 1982 | Telarah–Kilbride CTC — Mindaribba–Paterson and Paterson–Kilbride ETS cancelled; Broadmeadow CTC Centre |
| **15 March 1987** | No. 51 points (crossing loop extension) converted to **clamplock mechanism** (confirmed W.N. 2–1988) |
| **25 July 1988** | **Frame D connection removed** — Goods siding converted to **dead end facing to Down trains**; stop block with white over red buffer lights; Frame D, Releasing Switch D, Releasing Lock D all removed; No. 82 lever spare; Circular No. 91–2 amended (W.N. 45–1988) |

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*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1911–1989.* 
*Note: Paterson is one of the most fully documented original stations on the North Coast Line. Circular No. 300–28 of 1936 (later renumbered 3130–28 of 1936) remained the base diagram from 1936 through to 1988 — 52 years. The Hunter Valley Co-operative Dairy Siding (now used by the Rail Motor Society) was provided in 1961 off the 437-metre goods siding. The conversion of the goods loop to a dead end on 25 July 1988 marks the final major change in the collection.*