Kilbride

[admin]

Type : Loop
Distance from Sydney : 223.468km
Location : -32.523532, 151.631880
Opened : 25 May 1942
Closed : n/a
Status : In use
Name meaning : After town of Kilbride, County Antrim, Ireland
Notes : Another of the wartime loops. Opened 25 May 1942 as interlocked 481.5 metre loop on Up side, Central interlocking added 17 November 1942. 28 September 1980 - runaway points at both ends of the loop removed.  17/7/1985 signal box and toilet removed after CTC installed. The passing loop was extended to 1563 metres and there is a short 154 metre Up facing siding contained within the loop. The box had a sleeper-built employee platform attached. A short deadend Up siding edxists at the Down end of the loop.

[admin]

Location of Kilbride Loop (Six Maps)

[admin]

April 1946 near Kilbride siding north of Paterson. The engine driver was killed and several bulk milk tankers destroyed when the milk express from Taree to Sydney was derailed during torrential rain.

[admin]

5112 and 5408 Kilbride 29/10/1972 (Merv Gaut)

[admin]

Kilbride signal box in the 1970s (unknown photographer)

[admin]

BS6 in Kilbride waiting for NT32 to pass (Stephen Joseph Miller)

[admin]

Up Freight in late 1990s emerging from fog about 200m south of loop (Stephen Joseph Miller)

[admin]

Kilbride layout, 1942

[admin]

Kilbride from NT35 24/4/21 (Lance Lyon)

[admin]

Kilbride Loop, Stephen Joseph Miller, May 2020

[admin]

View from cab of NT-25 in the Loop at Kilbride, crossing an Up "City Rail" 620 class rail car on a service from Dungog. 3-23pm, 8-4-2003.  Kilbride Loop was extended at this Northern end (as well as the Southern end) in December 2009, to be 1567 metres in length. (Graeme Kirkby)

[admin]

Kilbride local control panel

[admin]

NVJF34078 in Kilbride Loop 22/08/1984
(Brad Coulter)

[admin]

A Type P signal box was one of those constructed as part of the war effort of World War Two. Someone must have thought that the nameboard was better on the small sleeper platform than on the front of the signal box. RT Taaffe

[admin]

# Kilbride (North Coast Line)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1942–1985

---

**Type:** Crossing Loop (Electric Train Staff Station) 
**Line:** North Coast Line (Paterson–Kilbride / Kilbride–Wallarobba sections) 
**Distance from Sydney:** 223.468 km 
**Between:** Martin's Creek / Paterson and Wallarobba 
**Opened:** **25 May 1942** — 481.5-metre loop on Up side; Frames A, B and C; opened as Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station simultaneously with Martin's Creek closing as ETS station 
**Central Interlocking Added:** **17 November 1942** — Frames A, B and C dispensed with; new Signal-box on Down side at centre of loop; "U" indicators on Main line Starting signals (W.N. 45 and 46–1942) 
**Circular:** No. 355–35 of 1942 (Kilbride base diagram — referenced to 1985) 
**Signal Box and Toilet Removed:** **17 July 1985** after CTC installed 
**Loop Extended:** To 1,563 metres (date not found in WN collection) 
**Up Facing Siding:** 154 metres, contained within the loop 
**Status:** In use 
**Name meaning:** After the town of Kilbride, County Antrim, Ireland 

---

> **Notes:** Kilbride was opened on 25 May 1942 — the same day Martin's Creek was closed as an Electric Train Staff Station. The original loop was 481.5 metres on the Up side with three ground frames (A, B, C). On 17 November 1942 the station was converted to central operation with a new Signal-box on the Down side at the middle of the loop, "U" indicators on Main line Starting signals, and Circular No. 355–35 of 1942 issued as the base diagram. An Intermediate Staff Instrument for the Paterson–Kilbride section was provided on the platform with Paterson as controlling station.
>
> The 1946 staff exchanger positions — Down Line: 23 feet on Sydney side of Signal-box; Up Line: Opposite Signal-box — confirm automatic staff exchange equipment was installed. On 28 September 1980 the runaway points at both ends of the Loop line were removed and straight-railed; Nos. 10 and 11 levers became spare. On 15 March 1982 motor-operated points and colour light signals were installed as a CTC preliminary, with a route control relay interlocking panel in the signal-box. Telarah–Kilbride CTC was then introduced, followed by Kilbride–Stroud Road CTC in the same year. The signal-box and toilet were removed on 17 July 1985 following CTC introduction. A sleeper-built employee platform was attached to the signal-box.

---

## 1942 — Opened as Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station — 25 May 1942

### Kilbride Opened — W.N. 20–1942
> On **Monday, 25th May, 1942**, Kilbride was opened as an Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station. The loop is on the **Up side** of the line, **481.5 metres in length** in the clear.
>
> **Drivers' Notices** — The Station-master at Dungog on the Down journey (and Paterson on the Up journey) must furnish the Driver of each train with a printed notice informing him that **Kilbride is open as an Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station**. This must be done for a period of three days, including the day of opening. *(W.N. 20–1942)*

### Intermediate Staff Instrument — Paterson–Kilbride — 1942
> An **Intermediate Electric Train Staff Instrument** for the section **Paterson–Kilbride** is 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 with **No. 78 telephone circuit, North** is provided near the Intermediate Staff Instrument.
>
> **Pilotman's Lock** — A Pilotman's Lock is provided in the signal-box at Paterson, and contains the Pilotman's Key for unlocking Frames "B" and "C" during Pilot Working. *(Source: 1942 Weekly Notices)*

### Sections — Paterson–Kilbride and Kilbride–Wallarobba Created
> The existing section **Paterson–Wallarobba** was cancelled. New sections created:
> - **Paterson–Kilbride**
> - **Kilbride–Wallarobba**
>
> Running times: Paterson to Kilbride — 6 minutes (light engine); Kilbride to Wallarobba — 8 minutes. *(Source: 1942 Weekly Notices — running times)*

---

## 1942 — Conversion to Centrally-Operated Loop — 17 November 1942

### Central Operation — W.N. 45 and 46–1942 (published twice)
> **Kilbride (North Coast) — Conversion to Centrally-operated Loop** — On **Tuesday, 17th November, 1942**, between 8.0 a.m. and 5.0 p.m., Kilbride will be converted to a centrally-operated Crossing Loop.
>
> The main alterations to be carried out are as follows:
>
> (i) The existing **Frames "A," "B" and "C"** will be dispensed with and a new **Signal-box** will be provided on the **Down side of the line at the middle of the Loop**
> (ii) Down and Up **Home and Starting signals** will be provided
> (iii) The **points at each end of the Loop** and all signals will be worked from the Signal-box
> (iv) **"U" indicators** will be provided on the Main line Starting signals
>
> The complete arrangements will be in accordance with **Circular No. 355–35 of 1942** and diagram attached. *(W.N. 45 and 46–1942)*

### Selector Telephone — Kilbride Added — 1942
> **Add "Kilbride"** to list of selector telephones. *(Source: 1942 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1946 — Automatic Staff Exchanger Positions

### Staff Exchanger Positions — 1946
> **Down Line — Kilbride**: **23 feet on Sydney side of Signal-box**. 
> **Up Line — Kilbride**: **Opposite Signal-box**. *(Source: 1946 Weekly Notices — automatic staff exchanger positions)*

---

## 1980 — Runaway Points Removed — 28 September 1980

### Runaway Points Removed — W.N. 39–1980
> **Kilbride (North Coast) — Removal of Runaway Points in Loop Line** — On **Sunday, 28th September, 1980**, between 7.30 a.m. and 4.00 p.m., the runaway points at **both ends of the Loop line** will be removed and the following signal alterations will take place:
>
> (i) The points in the Loop line leading to the runaway dead ends will be **removed and straight-railed**, so that No. 9 and 12 points become **single-ended points only**
> (ii) The facing point locks No. 10 and No. 11 will be removed and the **switch lockbars** previously worked by Nos. 10 and 11 levers will be altered to become **clearance bars** — locking Main line points No. 9 and No. 12 in either the normal or reverse position when a train is standing on the respective clearance bar
>
> Nos. 10 and 11 levers in the signal-box will become **spare**.
>
> **Circular No. 355–35, Kilbride of 1942** and diagram attached, to be amended accordingly. *(W.N. 39–1980)*

---

## 1982 — Motor-Operated Points and Colour Light Signals — 15 March 1982; CTC Introduced

### Motor-Operated Points and Colour Light Signals — W.N. 10–1982
> **Kilbride (North Coast) — Conversion to Power Operation of Points and Signals** — On **Monday, 15th March, 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 points at each end of Kilbride crossing loop** will be converted to motor operation and the mechanical Main line and Loop signals replaced by **colour light signals**. The existing run-off points at each end of the loop line will be **removed and straight-railed**.
>
> The foregoing points and signals will be worked from a **route control relay interlocking control panel located in the signal-box**. The existing mechanical interlocking machine will be placed out of use.
>
> **Colour light signals** — single light type; indications in accordance with Regulation 5 (Signalling).
>
> **Low speed indication** (small green light) with route indicator beneath the main head of the Down Home signal.
>
> **Telephone Call Indicator** — provided near the Starting signals at each end of the crossing loop; flashing blue light and sounding of a hooter when activated. Any employee observing the indicator light or hearing the hooter must promptly [respond].
>
> Electric Train Staff working remains in use on sections **Paterson–Kilbride** and **Kilbride–Wallarobba**; automatic staff exchanging equipment at Kilbride remains available.
>
> If a Down and an Up train are closely approaching Kilbride at the same time, the second train must be held at the Home signal until the first train has been admitted and brought to a stand close to the Starting signal. *(W.N. 10–1982)*

### Telarah–Kilbride CTC Introduced — 1982
> Electric Train Staff working on sections **Telarah–Mindaribba, Mindaribba–Paterson, Paterson–Kilbride** cancelled. CTC working remotely controlled from **Broadmeadow CTC Centre** introduced in lieu. Working of trains between Telarah and Kilbride on the authority of fixed signals.
>
> **Circular No. 91–2 (1982)** — Introduction of CTC Working, Telarah–Kilbride — issued. *(Source: 1982 Weekly Notices)*

### Kilbride–Stroud Road CTC Introduced — 1982
> Electric Train Staff working on sections **Kilbride–Wallarobba, Wallarobba–Dungog, Dungog–Monkerai** [and beyond] cancelled. CTC working remotely controlled from **Broadmeadow CTC Centre** introduced in lieu between Kilbride and Stroud Road.
>
> **Kilbride designated as CTC location No. 05** in the CTC section table:
>
> | From | To | Section | Route Setting |
> |------|----|---------|-|
> | Kilbride (05) | Wallarobba (06) | Kilbride–Wallarobba | Down Starting No. 12M or 12L |
> | Wallarobba (06) | Kilbride (05) | Wallarobba–Kilbride | Up Starting No. 11M or 11L |
>
> **Pilot staffs** brought into use at Kilbride, Wallarobba, Dungog, Monkerai and Stroud Road for emergency working.
>
> **Local control panels** provided at Kilbride [and other CTC locations] for use when Broadmeadow CTC Centre is unavailable.
>
> CTC boards: **"Begin CTC"** at Up Starting signals Kilbride; **"End CTC"** at Down Home signal Kilbride [relocated] from Down Distant signal. *(Source: 1982 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1985 — Signal Box and Toilet Removed — 17 July 1985; Distance Confirmed

### Signal Box Removed — W.N. 16–1985 (referenced)
> Following the introduction of CTC, the **signal-box and toilet at Kilbride were removed on 17 July 1985**.
>
> **223.468 km Kilbride** — as appearing in Weekly Notice 16 of 1985. *(Source: 1985 Weekly Notices)*

> **Note:** The sleeper-built employee platform that was attached to the signal-box was also removed at this time. The 1985 entry confirms the distance of **223.468 km**.

---

## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **25 May 1942** | **Kilbride opened** as Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station — 481.5-metre Up side loop; Frames A, B and C; Paterson–Wallarobba section cancelled; Paterson–Kilbride and Kilbride–Wallarobba created; Intermediate Staff Instrument (Paterson–Kilbride) on platform — controlling station Paterson; Drivers' Notices required 3 days; Martin's Creek closed as ETS station same day (W.N. 20–1942) |
| **17 November 1942** | **Converted to centrally-operated loop** — Frames A, B and C dispensed with; new signal-box on Down side at centre of loop; Down and Up Home and Starting signals; "U" indicators on Main line Starting signals; selector telephone added; **Circular No. 355–35 of 1942** issued (W.N. 45 and 46–1942) |
| 1946 | Staff exchanger positions: Down — 23 feet on Sydney side of signal-box; Up — Opposite signal-box |
| **28 September 1980** | Runaway points at both ends of Loop removed and straight-railed; Nos. 9 and 12 become single-ended; switch lockbars converted to clearance bars; Nos. 10 and 11 levers spare; Circular No. 355–35 amended (W.N. 39–1980) |
| **15 March 1982** | **Motor-operated points and colour light signals** — route control relay interlocking panel in signal-box; run-off points removed and straight-railed; ETS Paterson–Kilbride and Kilbride–Wallarobba retained; automatic staff exchangers remain; telephone call indicator (blue light and hooter) (W.N. 10–1982) |
| 1982 | **Telarah–Kilbride CTC** — Paterson–Kilbride ETS cancelled; Broadmeadow CTC Centre; Circular No. 91–2 (1982) issued |
| 1982 | **Kilbride–Stroud Road CTC** — Kilbride–Wallarobba ETS cancelled; CTC location No. 05; pilot staffs at Kilbride; "Begin CTC" and "End CTC" boards; local control panel provided |
| **17 July 1985** | **Signal-box and toilet removed** — following CTC installation; sleeper-built employee platform also removed; distance confirmed 223.468 km |
| Current | Loop extended to **1,563 metres**; 154-metre Up facing siding contained within loop |

---

*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1942–1985.* 
*Note: Kilbride was opened and fully upgraded within 6 months in 1942 — initially with three ground frames, then converted to a centrally-operated signal-box in November 1942. Circular No. 355–35 of 1942 was the base diagram from 1942 to at least 1982 — 40 years. The station served as the southern terminal of both the Telarah–Kilbride and Kilbride–Stroud Road CTC sections from 1982.*