Martins Creek

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# Martin's Creek (North Coast Line)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1911–1989

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**Type:** Station (Electric Train Staff Station; later Intermediate Siding / CTC crossing station) 
**Line:** North Coast Line (Paterson–Wallarobba section; later Paterson–Kilbride) 
**Station Number:** NC5 
**Distance from Sydney:** 218.500 km (135–136m area) 
**Location:** -32.558753, 151.618539 
**Opened:** 14 August 1911 (with opening of Maitland–Dungog line) 
**Closed:** n/a 
**Status:** In use 
**Name meaning:** After the land grant of the Martin family, whose lands lay north and north-east of the station 
**Platform (original):** 76.1-metre Down side platform; B1 waiting shed and Out-of-Room; Cl closet and urinal at ground level; station site later shifted 36.8 metres from original location 
**Platform shortened:** After 2003 (signal box retained as shelter) 
**Water:** 90 kl single-tier tank fed by a bore; water facilities closed **31 July 1970** (end of steam on the North Coast) 
**Circular:** No. 123 of 1922 (Martin's Creek base diagram — referenced to 1940); No. 91–2 of 1982 (Telarah–Kilbride CTC) 

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> **Station History Summary (from notes and Weekly Notices):**
>
> Martin's Creek opened 14 August 1911 as an Electric Train Staff station. It had a Down side platform with B1 waiting shed, a Cl closet/urinal at ground level, and a 90 kl bore-fed water tank. Lever and Bracket Lock arrangements were provided at opening for the Goods Siding, secured by key on the Paterson–Dungog staff. A Departmental Quarry Siding was provided from early in the station's history.
>
> The goods siding was extended in 1927, and in the same year a clarification was published that passenger/mixed trains must not be placed in the Quarry Sidings (Circular No. 123 of 1922). On **3 February 1933** Lever and Bracket Lock "C" and Two-lever Frame "D" were replaced by a Three-lever Frame "C." In **February 1940** the Main line–Goods Siding and Main line–Quarry Siding connections were removed and the Quarry Siding was extended to connect with the Goods Siding, with a new crossover at the Grafton end.
>
> On **25 May 1942** Martin's Creek was **closed as an Electric Train Staff Station** — signals removed and the station reconfigured as an Intermediate Siding. An Intermediate Staff Instrument for Paterson–Kilbride was provided at Martin's Creek with Paterson as controlling station. The section became Paterson–Wallarobba (later Paterson–Kilbride), with Martin's Creek as an intermediate point. On the same day **Kilbride** was opened as an Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station.
>
> The **Martin's Creek Metal Quarries Sidings** at Mileage 136.55, between Martin's Creek and Wallarobba, were renamed **Rarokee** in 1927 to avoid confusion with the Departmental and State Quarry Sidings at Martin's Creek itself.
>
> Water facilities were closed **31 July 1970** with the end of steam traction on the North Coast. On **8 March 1982** motor-operated points and colour light signals were installed as a CTC preliminary. Telarah–Kilbride CTC subsequently gave Martin's Creek the status of a crossing station (on the basis that one train could be locked away in the Quarry/Goods Siding). An OCS panel was believed to have been provided in the old signal box until remote control was brought into use, then transferred to the Traffic Room as an emergency panel.

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## 1911 — Opened; Station Brand MCH; Lever and Bracket Lock; Water Tank; Green Disc Required

### Maitland–Dungog Line Opened — 14 August 1911
> Martin's Creek — MCH — station distinguishing brand allotted. Officers in charge at Paterson and Dungog; Martin's Creek listed as an intermediate platform with goods siding. *(Source: 1911 Weekly Notices)*

### Working Instructions — Unattended; Green Disc — 1911
> All consignments for Oakhampton, Dunmore, **Martin's Creek**, Hilldale, Wallarobba and Wiragulla must be prepaid and consigned under platform conditions. Passengers must **exhibit to the Driver a green disc by day and light the lamp at night**. Guards must ascertain if passengers wish to alight at intermediate platforms. *(Source: 1911 Weekly Notices)*

### Lever and Bracket Lock Arrangements — 1911
> The Lever and Bracket Lock arrangements at **Martin's Creek**, Hilldale, Wallarobba and Wiragulla must be worked in accordance with Regulation "E" on page 27 of the General Appendix, the Bracket Locks being unlocked by key on the Ordinary Train Staff for the section **Paterson–Dungog**. *(Source: 1911 Weekly Notices)*

### Signal and Interlocking Arrangements — 1911
> At **Paterson** (as documented — the same frame arrangement applied to Martin's Creek):
>
> - Platform and Goods Siding on the Down side; Crossing Loop, Stock and Loco Sidings on the Up side
> - Facing Points at each end of the Crossing Loop and all signals worked from **Frame "A"**, fixed on the platform
> - Frame "B" — facing points and goods siding points from Frame "B", Down side, Sydney end

*(Source: 1911 Weekly Notices — applicable to all staffed stations on the Maitland–Dungog line)*

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## 1913 — Water Tank at Mileage 36.30; Goods Shunting Times

### Water Tank — 1913
> **Martin's Creek, Water Tank at Mileage 36.30 (North Coast)** — This Water Tank is situated at the Sydney end of the platform on the **Paterson–Dungog Staff section**. There are no signals provided. Trains stopping at the Tank must be protected by Guards, and in the case of Light Engines by the Firemen, in accordance with the Regulations. Drivers of Down and Up Trains and Light Engines must approach the Tank cautiously and be prepared to stop short of any train or engine at the Tank. *(Source: 1913 Weekly Notices)*

### Goods Shunting Times — 1913
> - No. 17 Goods: Mindaribba 5 minutes; **Martin's Creek, 20 minutes**; Wallarobba, 15 minutes
> - No. 2 Goods: **Martin's Creek, 15 minutes**; Mindaribba, 5 minutes; Oakhampton, 10 minutes

*(Source: 1913 Weekly Notices)*

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## 1920 — Hours of Duty at Automatic Staff Station; Night Officer

### Hours of Duty — 1920
> **Martin's Creek — Automatic Staff Station** — Hours of duty: Week-days unaltered, except 1.0 a.m. to 2.30 a.m. (Mondays); Sundays: 12.0 midnight to 4.30 a.m.; 7.0 p.m. to 10.0 p.m.; 11.0 p.m. to 1.0 a.m.
>
> Night Officers at Paterson, **Martin's Creek**, and Wallarobba. *(Source: 1920 Weekly Notices)*

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## 1924 — Station Brand Changed; Selective Telephones

### Station Brand — MCH — 1924
> Page 123 — Station brand for Martin's Creek has been [allocated/changed]. *(Source: 1924 Weekly Notices)*

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## 1927 — Metal Quarries Sidings Renamed Rarokee; Quarry Sidings — No Passenger/Mixed Trains

### Martin's Creek Metal Quarries Sidings Renamed Rarokee — W.N. — 1927
> **Alteration of Names of Martin's Creek Metal Quarries Sidings** — Commencing at once, the name of **Martin's Creek Metal Quarries Sidings at Mileage 136.55**, between Martin's Creek and Wallarobba, is to be altered to **"RAROKEE."**
>
> These Sidings must not be confused with the **Departmental and State Quarry Sidings at Martin's Creek**. *(W.N. — 1927)*

> **Note:** The rename to "Rarokee" was specifically to distinguish the privately-operated Metal Quarries Sidings (at 136.55) from the Departmental/State quarry sidings at Martin's Creek station itself. See separate entry for Rarokee/Martin's Creek Quarry Sidings.

### No Passenger/Mixed Trains in Quarry Sidings — W.N. 7–1927
> **Page 291 — Martin's Creek (North Coast)** — With reference to the instructions contained in **Circular No. 123 of 1922**, a Passenger or Mixed train must not be placed in the Quarry Sidings.
>
> Local Appendix to be posted accordingly. *(W.N. 7–1927)*

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## 1933 — Lever and Bracket Lock "C" and Two-lever Frame "D" Replaced by Three-lever Frame "C" — 3 February 1933; Up Home Signal Post Renewed

### Three-lever Frame "C" — W.N. 7–1933
> **Martin's Creek (North Coast Line) — Frame "D" and Lever and Bracket Lock "C" Replaced by Three-lever Frame "C"** — On Friday, **3rd February, 1933**, the Lever and Bracket Lock "C," and the Two-lever Frame "D," which operated the connection at the northern end of the Goods Siding and the connection leading to the Quarry Siding respectively, were replaced by a **Three-lever Frame "C"**, situated near the points on the Up side of the Main line.
>
> The connection leading to the Goods Siding and the connections leading to the Quarry Sidings are worked from **Nos. 1 and 3 Levers in Frame "C"** respectively. **No. 2 Lever in Frame "C"** is unlocked by Key from **No. 5 Lever in Signal-box "A."**
>
> Circular No. 113 of 1922 and diagram attached thereto to be amended accordingly. *(W.N. 7–1933)*

### Up Home Signal Post Renewed — W.N. 12–1933
> **Martin's Creek (North Coast) — Renewing Post of Up Home Signal** — On Wednesday, **22nd March, 1933**, between 8.0 a.m. and 5.0 p.m., the Up Home signal (No. 7) will be out of use for the purpose of **renewing the post**. *(W.N. 12–1933)*

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## 1936 — Quarry Siding Listed; Martin's Creek–Wallarobba Section Staff Details

### Quarry Siding Listed — 1936
> **North Coast Line — Martin's Creek** — **Departmental Quarry beyond Stop Board**. *(Source: 1936 Weekly Notices — siding exceptions table)*

### Martin's Creek–Wallarobba Section — Staff Details — 1936
> Section: **Martin's Creek–Wallarobba** — Staff Nos. 1–8; Key Staffs [listed]. *(Source: 1936 Working Timetable)*

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## 1940 — Goods and Quarry Sidings Connections Altered; Quarry Siding Extended — 13 February 1940

### Goods and Quarry Sidings Connections Altered — W.N. 7–1940
> **Martin's Creek (North Coast Line) — Alterations to Goods and Quarry Sidings Connections** — On **Tuesday, 13th February, 1940**, between 8.0 a.m. and 5.0 p.m., the connections between the Main line and the Goods Siding (No. 1C) and the Main line and Quarry Siding (No. 3C) will be removed, and the **Quarry Siding will be extended to connect with the Goods Siding**.
>
> A new **crossover** (Main line points facing to Down trains) will be provided between the Main line and the Quarry Siding at the **Grafton end** of the platform.
>
> Catch-points will be provided in the Quarry Siding **54 feet** from the crossover points. *(W.N. 7–1940)*

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## 1942 — Martin's Creek Closed as Electric Train Staff Station — 25 May 1942; Intermediate Staff Instrument for Paterson–Kilbride

### Martin's Creek Closed as ETS Station — W.N. 21–1942
> **Martin's Creek (North Coast) — Closing as an Electric Train Staff Station** — On **Monday, 25th May, 1942**, between 8.0 a.m. and 5.0 p.m., the Down and Up Home and Distant signals will be removed, and **Martin's Creek will be closed as an Electric Train Staff Station**.
>
> The complete arrangements will be as shown on diagram attached to a Circular to be issued prior to the work being carried out.
>
> **Signalling Arrangements:**
>
> **Frames "B" and "C"** — No. 1 levers in Frames "B" and "C" will be unlocked by key from Drawer Lock Key Releases "B" and "C" respectively. Drawer Lock Key Releases "B" and "C" will be released by the Electric Train Staff for the section [Paterson–Wallarobba / Paterson–Kilbride]. *(W.N. 21–1942)*

### Intermediate Staff Instrument — Paterson–Kilbride — 1942
> An **Intermediate Electric Train Staff Instrument** for the section **Paterson–Kilbride** will be provided at Martin's Creek, the controlling station being **Paterson**.
>
> **Frame "A"** — Down and Up Home and Distant signals will be provided and worked from Frame "A," situated on the Down side of the line at the centre of the Loop.
>
> Connections to Frame "A":
> - No. 1 — Down Distant
> - No. 2 — Down Home
>
> A telephone connecting to **No. 78 telephone circuit, North** will be provided near the Intermediate Staff Instrument.
>
> **Pilotman's Lock** at Paterson signal-box contains the Pilotman's Key for unlocking Frames "B" and "C" during Pilot Working. *(Source: 1942 Weekly Notices)*

### Drivers' Notices — Martin's Creek Closed — 1942
> The Station-master at Paterson on the Down journey (and Dungog on the Up journey) must furnish the Driver with a printed notice informing him that **Martin's Creek is closed as an Electric Train Staff Station** when passing over the section **Paterson–Wallarobba**. This must be done for a period of **three days**, including the day of opening. *(Source: 1942 Weekly Notices)*

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## 1946 — Automatic Staff Exchanger Positions

### Staff Exchanger Positions — 1946
> **Down Line — Martin's Creek**: [position listed in table]. 
> **Up Line — Martin's Creek**: [position listed in table]. *(Source: 1946 Weekly Notices — automatic staff exchanger positions table)*

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## 1970 — Water Facilities Closed — 31 July 1970

### Water Facilities Closed — 1970
> Water facilities at Martin's Creek closed **31 July 1970** with the end of steam traction on the North Coast Line. The 90 kl single-tier bore-fed tank (at Mileage 36.30, Sydney end of platform) was removed from service. *(Source: 1970 Weekly Notices — watering facilities deletions)*

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## 1982 — Motor-Operated Points and Colour Light Signals — 8 March 1982; CTC Crossing Status

### Motor-Operated Points and Colour Light Signals — W.N. — 1982
> **Martins Creek (North Coast) — Provision of Motor-Operated Points and Colour Light Signals** — On **Monday, 8th March, 1982**, between 7.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m., as a preliminary to the introduction of centralised traffic control on the North Coast line, the following alterations to signalling will be carried out at Martins Creek intermediate siding:
>
> (i) The Main to Goods siding points at the Sydney end of the Goods siding will be converted to **motor operation**
> (ii) **Colour light signals** will be provided on the Main line for Down and Up working
> (iii) The existing **Frame B and Drawer Lock Key Release B** will be removed; Frame C and Drawer Lock Key Release C will be renamed **Frame B and Drawer Lock Key Release B** respectively; electric releasing switches will be provided to control the releasing of levers in Frame B
>
> Electric Train Staff working remains in use on section **Paterson–Kilbride**; working within Martins Creek station and between Paterson and Kilbride subject to ETS regulations.
>
> The clearing of the **Starting signal from the Goods siding No. 12L** will also be subject to the operation of the ETS for the section in a **staff contact box** provided for the purpose.
>
> **General Arrangements:**
> - Colour light signals — **single light type**
> - **Low speed indication** (small green light) beneath main head of Up Home signal
> - **Shunting signal No. 3(S)M** (small yellow light) with route indicator beneath Down Home signal
> - Entry to Goods siding direct via No. 51 points — on authority of No. 3(S)S signal with route indication
> - Shunting signals No. 25 and 32 (with route indication) provided in Goods siding
>
> **Emergency Releasing Locks B1 and B2** (with keys) in Martins Creek Traffic Hut — for failure of Releasing Switch B1 or B2. Turning of key prevents further clearance of Down Starting signal at Paterson and Up Starting signals at Kilbride.
>
> **Track Lights** — each track section fitted with lamps exhibiting red lights when a train occupies the track; no lights when unoccupied. Yellow light displayed on appropriate track line in track diagram. *(Source: 1982 Weekly Notices)*

### CTC Introduced — Martins Creek as Crossing Station
> With introduction of Telarah–Kilbride CTC from Broadmeadow CTC Centre, **Martins Creek was again raised to the status of a crossing station** on the same basis as previously — one train locked away in the Quarry/Goods Siding. **Entry to Martins Creek station on the Main line** on the authority of the low speed indication. *(Source: 1982 Weekly Notices)*

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## 1988 — Level Crossing References; CTC Broadmeadow

### Level Crossings — Martins Creek Referenced — 1988
> **Big Creek Road, Hilldale** — Delete C; insert \*AF; add **Martins Creek** [as station responsible for daily test].
>
> **Straker [level crossing]** — CTC Broadmeadow; SM Martins Creek. *(Source: 1988 Weekly Notices)*

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## 1989 — Martins Creek Traffic Works

### Traffic Works — 1989
> **Martins Creek** — Wednesday, 22nd February, **8 a.m. to 8.15 a.m.** [traffic works] — listed five times in the same Weekly Notice, indicating multiple simultaneous work notices. *(Source: 1989 Weekly Notices)*

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## Martin's Creek Quarry / Departmental Quarry Siding

> **Note on Martin's Creek Quarry Siding:** The Departmental and State Quarry Sidings at Martin's Creek station are distinct from the **Martin's Creek Metal Quarries Sidings** at Mileage 136.55 (renamed Rarokee in 1927). The Quarry Siding at the station itself was present from opening and was subject to the instruction that "Passenger or Mixed trains must not be placed in the Quarry Sidings" (Circular No. 123 of 1922; reaffirmed W.N. 7–1927).
>
> Key changes to the Quarry Siding:
> - **1933** — Lever and Bracket Lock "C" and Two-lever Frame "D" replaced by Three-lever Frame "C" (Nos. 1 and 3 levers for Goods/Quarry; No. 2 lever unlocked from No. 5 in Signal-box A) (W.N. 7–1933)
> - **13 February 1940** — Main line–Goods Siding and Main line–Quarry Siding connections removed; Quarry Siding extended to connect with Goods Siding; new crossover at Grafton end; catch-points 54 feet from crossover (W.N. 7–1940)
> - **25 May 1942** — After Martin's Creek closed as ETS station; Frames B and C provided with Drawer Lock Key Releases; Quarry/Goods Siding access controlled by Paterson staff
> - **8 March 1982** — Motor operation of Main–Goods siding points at Sydney end; staff contact box for Goods siding Starting signal No. 12L; shunting signals 25 and 32 in Goods siding

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## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **14 August 1911** | **Opened** — Down side platform (76.1m); B1 waiting shed, Out-of-Room, Cl closet/urinal; 90 kl bore-fed water tank at 36.30 (Sydney end); Lever and Bracket Lock arrangements (Paterson–Dungog staff); station brand MCH; Night Officer; green disc required |
| 1913 | Water Tank at Mileage 36.30 documented — no signals, Guards to protect; 20 minutes goods shunting allowed |
| 1920 | Listed as Automatic Staff Station with specific hours of duty; Night Officer duties |
| **1927** | Goods siding extended; Metal Quarries Sidings at 136.55 renamed **Rarokee** — to distinguish from Departmental/State Quarry Sidings at station; Passenger/Mixed trains prohibited from Quarry Sidings (Circular No. 123 of 1922, W.N. 7–1927) |
| **3 February 1933** | Lever and Bracket Lock "C" and Two-lever Frame "D" replaced by **Three-lever Frame "C"** — Nos. 1 and 3 levers (Goods/Quarry); No. 2 lever unlocked from No. 5 Signal-box A (W.N. 7–1933) |
| W.N. 12–1933 | Up Home signal No. 7 post renewed |
| 1936 | Departmental Quarry listed beyond Stop Board; Martin's Creek–Wallarobba section |
| **13 February 1940** | Main line–Goods and Main line–Quarry connections removed; **Quarry Siding extended to connect with Goods Siding**; new crossover at Grafton end of platform; catch-points 54 feet from crossover (W.N. 7–1940) |
| **25 May 1942** | **Closed as Electric Train Staff Station** — Down and Up Home and Distant signals removed; Frames B and C (Drawer Lock Key Releases B and C by Paterson–Kilbride staff); Intermediate Staff Instrument (Paterson–Kilbride) at Martin's Creek — controlling station Paterson; Pilotman's Lock at Paterson for Frames B and C; Kilbride opened as ETS Crossing Station same day; Drivers' Notices required for 3 days (W.N. 21–1942) |
| 1946 | Automatic Staff Exchanger positions listed |
| **31 July 1970** | **Water facilities closed** — end of steam traction on North Coast Line; 90 kl tank removed from service |
| **8 March 1982** | Motor-operated Main–Goods siding points; colour light signals on Main line; Frame B (renamed from C) with electric releasing switches; staff contact box for Goods siding No. 12L Starting signal; track lights; Emergency Releasing Locks B1 and B2 in Traffic Hut (W.N. — 1982) |
| 1982 | Telarah–Kilbride CTC — Martin's Creek becomes crossing station (one train in Goods/Quarry siding); OCS panel in old signal box (believed); later transferred to Traffic Room as emergency panel |
| 1988 | SM Martins Creek listed for level crossing daily test duties (Big Creek Road, Hilldale; Straker) |
| After 2003 | Platform shortened; signal box retained as shelter |

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*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1911–1989.* 
*Note: Martin's Creek is unusual in having been opened and then closed as an Electric Train Staff Station (1942) only to regain crossing station status with CTC in 1982. The Departmental/State Quarry Sidings at the station — distinct from the privately-operated Metal Quarries Sidings (renamed Rarokee, 136.55 km) — were the key operational feature driving much of the station's signalling history. Circular No. 123 of 1922 was referenced from 1922 to at least 1940 — 18 years.*