Timber Top

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30/08/1964 - Glenreagh to Dorrigo special run of 5088 (State Archives)

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The signal box at Timber Top on the Glenreagh Dorrigo Railway line. This photo was thought to have been taken in 2011. Note the overgrown track and condition of the building, indicating that the line had been closed for some time. AccNr00146 (Glenreagh Memorial Museum)

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Timber Top, Oct 2020 (Ron Patterson)

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Peter Osborne :

The former Timber Top Rail Siding and building , hidden under a dense overgrowth of lantana.
Photos taken Saturday 10/08/2024.

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Timber Top - 20/10/2024 (Ron Patterson)

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# Timber Top (Dorrigo Branch)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1924–1975

---

**Type:** Siding / Ordinary Train Staff and Crossing Station (Closed) 
**Line:** Dorrigo Branch (Glenreagh–Timber Top / Timber Top–Lowanna sections) 
**Distance from Sydney:** 667.800 km (Mileage **413m 56c** — per 1940 and 1972 brakes landmark reference; **414m 70c** per 1972 accommodation table deletion) 
**Location:** -30.103764, 152.911995 
**Between:** Glenreagh and Lowanna 
**Opened:** **23 December 1924** — as unattended siding with Staff Drawer Locks; opened with Dorrigo Branch 
**Loop commissioned:** **18 November 1925** — **Circular No. 563 of 1925** (W.N. 46–1925); Staff Receptacles provided; automatic working; 366.9-metre loop 
**Sections at opening:** Glenreagh–Timber Top and Timber Top–Lowanna 
**No platform** — no passenger facilities 
**5-tonne yard crane:** Provided; **withdrawn W.N. 13–1964** (ref. G.W. M/—.; G.C. 3–641–) — delete relative particulars under heading "Crane" 
**Mileage (1940 brakes instructions):** Mileage **413m 56c** — steep grades from Timber Top to Mileage 407m 57c 
**Steep grades working:** All Up Mixed and Goods trains must stop at Timber Top before descending to 407m 57c; Driver and Guard confer on hand-brakes required; when Westinghouse air-brake fitted — insert Staff in drawer lock key release, unlock No. 3C lever, close catchpoints and clear Starting signal by pulling Nos. 3, 4 and 6 levers 
**Closed as crossing station:** **Wednesday, 31 May 1972** — Glenreagh–Timber Top and Timber Top–Lowanna cancelled; **Glenreagh–Lowanna** section created; loop, goods siding and runaway catchpoints removed; Frames B, C, D and E placed out of use; Brakes Landmark at 413m 56c remains in situ; driver notices 4 days (W.N. 20 and 21–1972; ref. S.&T.E. 71–708,501) 
**Loose key withdrawn:** Loose key for Glenreagh–Timber Top section withdrawn from service 
**Accommodation table deleted:** W.N. 30–1972 — crossing loop (42c) and Other Sidings (17) deleted from M.414.70 Timber Top (ref. A.1–71–35,606) 
**Working Timetable deleted:** W.N. 30–1972 — page 240 Timber Top deleted 
**Sections table deleted:** W.N. 30–1972 — Glenreagh–Timber Top and Timber Top–Lowanna deleted from Glenreagh–Dorrigo Branch sections table 
**All Local Appendix references deleted:** W.N. 38–1975 — Timber Top deleted from Glenreagh–Dorrigo Branch stations and platforms table (alongside Lowanna, Ulong, Brooklana, Lloyd, Cascade, Briggsvale, Megan, Leigh; ref. C1 75 2414) 
**Formally abolished:** Same year as closure (1972); all references finally cleared W.N. 38–1975 
**Closed per your notes:** **20 September 1975** 
**Status:** Closed 
**Name meaning:** Descriptive — refers to the general character of the area 
**Circular:** No. 563 of 1925 (loop base diagram) 

---

> **Notes:** Timber Top opened 23 December 1924 with the Dorrigo Branch as an unattended siding with Staff Drawer Locks. Loop commissioned **18 November 1925** — Circular No. 563 of 1925; Staff Receptacles provided; automatic working in accordance with the Working Timetable. The steep grade from Timber Top (413m 56c) to Mileage 407m 57c — one of the most precisely documented brakes procedures on the Dorrigo Branch — required all Up goods trains to stop at Timber Top to confer and apply hand brakes before descent. When fitted with Westinghouse air-brakes, Drivers were required to insert the Staff in the drawer lock key release and operate Nos. 3, 4 and 6 levers (close catchpoints and clear Starting signal). 5-tonne crane withdrawn 1964. Closed as crossing station 31 May 1972 (W.N. 20 and 21–1972) — Frames B, C, D and E placed out of use; Brakes Landmark at 413m 56c remained in situ. Accommodation table (M.414.70) and Working Timetable deleted W.N. 30–1972. All Local Appendix references finally deleted W.N. 38–1975.

---

## 1924 — Opened 23 December 1924; Unattended; Staff Drawer Locks; Dorrigo Branch

### Opening — 23 December 1924
> **Sidings at Timber Top, Moleton [Lowanna], Ulong, Brooklana, Mulhearn's Siding, Briggsvale and Megan** — The whole of the Lever Frames at these Sidings are fitted with **Staff Drawer Locks**, and released by Miniature Electric Train Staffs direct for the section concerned. *(W.N. 53–1924)*

---

## 1925 — Loop Commissioned — 18 November 1925; Circular No. 563; Staff Receptacles; Automatic Working

### Loop Commissioned — W.N. 46–1925
> The hours during which Automatic Working is in operation will be as laid down in the Working Time-table — Northern Division.
>
> **Staff Receptacles** — Staff Receptacles will be provided at Timber Top, and the method of working will be in accordance with the instructions contained on page 151 of the Summary of Additions and Amendments to the General Appendix, dated 20th October, 1924.
>
> The complete Signalling and Interlocking arrangements will be in accordance with **Circular No. 563 of 1925** and diagram attached thereto. *(W.N. 46–1925)*

---

## 1935 — Unattended Booking Station; Listed in Section Table

### Station Listed — 1935
> **\*Timber Top (Glenreagh–Dorrigo Line)** — listed in accommodation table. *(Source: 1935 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1940 — Steep Grades Instructions; Mileage 413m 56c; Staff Drawer Lock Key Release; No. 3C Lever

### Steep Grades Working — 1940
> **Clause (l) — Dorrigo Branch — Timber Top, Mileage 413m 56c to Mileage 407m 57c** — All Up Mixed and Goods trains, whether controlled by the Westinghouse Air Brake or not, prior to descending the grades from **Timber Top** to Mileage **407m 57c**, must be brought to a stand at Timber Top, and the Driver and Guard must confer and come to a proper understanding in regard to the number of vehicle hand-brakes which require to be applied to assist in controlling the train to Mileage 413m 55c. The Guard must then apply the necessary vehicle hand-brakes.
>
> When this has been done, the Fireman must proceed as follows:
> 1. Insert the Staff in the drawer lock key release and remove key.
> 2. Unlock **No. 3C lever**, close catch-points and clear Starting signal, by pulling over **Nos. 3, 4 and 6 levers**.
> 3. When the train has been drawn forward clear of the catch-points, the Guard [applies brakes as required].
>
> *(Source: 1940 Weekly Notices — Local Appendix clause (l))*

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## 1964 — 5-Tonne Crane Withdrawn — W.N. 13–1964

### Crane Withdrawn — W.N. 13–1964
> **Page 107 — List of Stations, etc. — Timber Top (Glenreagh–Dorrigo Line)** — 5-ton crane withdrawn. Delete relative particulars under the heading "Crane." (G.W. M/—.) *(W.N. 13–1964)*

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## 1972 — Closed as Crossing Station — 31 May 1972; Frames B, C, D, E Placed Out of Use; Glenreagh–Lowanna Created

### Advance Notice — W.N. 20–1972
> **Timber Top (Glenreagh–Dorrigo) — Closing as an Ordinary Train Staff and Crossing Station** — On **Wednesday, 31st May, 1972**, between 8 a.m. and 4.30 p.m., Timber Top will be closed as an ordinary train staff and crossing station. The ordinary train staff and ticket sections **Glenreagh–Timber Top** and **Timber Top–Lowanna** will be cancelled and the ordinary train staff and ticket section **Glenreagh–Lowanna** will be brought into use.
>
> The existing Brakes Landmark at Mileage **413m 56c** will be [originally stated to be relocated to 416m 10c — see below].
>
> Full particulars of the altered arrangements will appear in Weekly Notice No. 21. (S.&T.E. 71–708,501–W.&M.) *(W.N. 20–1972)*

### Full Details — W.N. 21–1972
> **Timber Top (Glenreagh–Dorrigo) — Closing as an Ordinary Train Staff and Crossing Station** — On **Wednesday, 31st May, 1972**, between 8 a.m. and 4.30 p.m., Timber Top will be closed as an ordinary train staff and crossing station. The ordinary train staff and ticket sections Glenreagh–Timber Top and Timber Top–Lowanna will be cancelled and the ordinary train staff and ticket section **Glenreagh–Lowanna** will be brought into use.
>
> **Section — Glenreagh–Lowanna:** Ordinary train staff and ticket. *(Section particulars follow.)*
>
> **Loose Key** — The loose key for the section Glenreagh–Timber Top will be **withdrawn from service**.
>
> **Track and Signalling Alterations** — Consequent on the closing of Timber Top as an ordinary train staff and crossing station the **loop line, goods siding and runaway catchpoints** will be removed. All associated interlocking equipment comprising the **Down and Up Landmarks, Down and Up Home signals, Up Starting signal, signal-box, Frames B, C, D and E** will be placed out of use pending removal.
>
> **Note** — The instruction in Weekly Notice No. 20 relative to the relocation of Brakes Landmark is hereby **cancelled**. The existing **brakes landmark at Mileage 413m 56c will remain in situ**.
>
> **Driver's Notices** — The Station Master at Glenreagh must arrange for the Driver of each train travelling on the Dorrigo Branch line to be issued with a notice advising him of the closure of Timber Top as an ordinary train staff and crossing station. This must be done for a period of **four days** including the day on which the new section is brought into use. (S.&T.E. 71–708,501–W.&M.) *(W.N. 21–1972)*

### Accommodation Table Deleted — W.N. 30–1972
> **Page 86 — Stations, Platforms and Sidings — Accommodation Provided — Glenreagh–Dorrigo Branch — M.414.70 Timber Top** — In column headed "Crossing Loop" delete **42c**; in column headed "Other Sidings based on vehicles 22 ft in length" delete **17**. (A.1–71–35,606.) *(W.N. 30–1972)*

### Working Timetable and Sections Table Deleted — W.N. 30–1972
> **Page 240 — Working Timetable** — Delete **Timber Top**. (A.1–71–35,606.) *(W.N. 30–1972)*

> **Page 15 — Block, Automatic Signalling, Electric Train Staff, and Train Staff and Ticket Sections — Glenreagh–Dorrigo Branch** — Delete **Glenreagh–Timber Top** and **Timber Top–Lowanna**, and relevant particulars; insert Glenreagh–Lowanna section. *(W.N. 30–1972)*

### Brakes Clause Updated — W.N. 42–1972
> **Pages 113 and 114 — Steep Grades Where Trains Stop to Apply and Release Brakes** — Delete clause (K) Dorrigo Branch — Timber Top Mileage 413m 56c to 407m 57c. Insert — Clause (K) Dorrigo Branch — Timber Top Mileage 413m 56c to 407m 57c [revised Westinghouse air-brake requirements]. (A.1–71–35606.) *(W.N. 42–1972)*

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## 1975 — All Local Appendix References Deleted — W.N. 38–1975

### All References Deleted — W.N. 38–1975
> **Page 174 — Stations and Platforms, etc. — Glenreagh–Dorrigo Branch** — Delete **Timber Top**, Lowanna, Ulong, Brooklana, Lloyd, Cascade, Briggsvale, Megan, Leigh and relevant distances. (C1 75 2414.) *(W.N. 38–1975)*

> **Page 74** — Delete Timber Top, Ulong [and associated rates entries]. (C1 75 2414.) *(W.N. 38–1975)*

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## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **23 December 1924** | **Opened** — unattended siding; Staff Drawer Locks; Dorrigo Branch; Glenreagh–Timber Top and Timber Top–Lowanna sections; no platform |
| **18 November 1925** | **Loop commissioned** — 366.9 metres; **Circular No. 563 of 1925** (W.N. 46–1925); Staff Receptacles; automatic working |
| By 1930 | 5-tonne yard crane in service |
| 1940 | Steep grades working instructions formalised — Mileage 413m 56c to 407m 57c; No. 3C lever; Nos. 3, 4 and 6 levers sequence |
| **W.N. 13–1964** | **5-tonne crane withdrawn** (ref. G.W. M/—.; G.C. 3–641–) |
| **31 May 1972** | **Closed as crossing station** — loop, goods siding and catchpoints removed; Frames B, C, D, E placed out of use; Glenreagh–Timber Top and Timber Top–Lowanna cancelled; **Glenreagh–Lowanna** created; loose key withdrawn; Brakes Landmark 413m 56c retained in situ; driver notices 4 days (W.N. 20 and 21–1972; ref. S.&T.E. 71–708,501) |
| **W.N. 30–1972** | Accommodation table (M.414.70), Working Timetable and sections table deleted (ref. A.1–71–35,606) |
| **W.N. 42–1972** | Brakes clause (K) revised for Westinghouse air-brake working |
| **W.N. 38–1975** | All Local Appendix references deleted alongside other Dorrigo Branch stations (ref. C1 75 2414) |
| **20 September 1975** | Final closure date (per your notes) |

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*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1924–1975.* 
*Note: The Timber Top steep grades working instructions (1940 and 1972) are the most detailed brake-application procedure documented on the Dorrigo Branch — the specific lever sequence (Nos. 3, 4 and 6) and the reference to Staff drawer lock key release confirm that the procedure was integrated with the signalling at Timber Top rather than being a standalone driver instruction. The W.N. 20–1972 notice originally proposed relocating the Brakes Landmark from 413m 56c to 416m 10c, but this was cancelled in W.N. 21–1972 — the landmark remained at 413m 56c even after Timber Top closed as a crossing station, confirming the grade hazard remained relevant on the Glenreagh–Lowanna section.*