Kundle Kundle Grassland Siding

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Type : Siding
Line : North Coast Line
Distance from Sydney : 387.872km
Location : -31.850028, 152.508051
Opened : 26th February 1974
Closed : 2013
Status : Closed
Name meaning : After the nearby estate of Mr Francis Fisher, in turn after the Aboriginal word meaning "where the wild carrots grow"
Notes : Later called Lansdowne Engineering. 496 metre dead end siding with a 292 metre spur siding. A crossover was provided 112 metres from the end of the dead end sidings. Grasslands Pty Ltd Siding opened on **26 February 1974** (W.N. 8–1974) as a dead-end siding on the Down side of the Main line at 387.872 km (241m 1c), between Taree and Melinga. The siding had a run-around capability via a spur siding and crossover connected by spring lever points. Frame A (Duplex Lock A) was released by the Taree North–Melinga ETS key. A notable operational feature: during shunting, the warning lights at Kundle Kundle level crossing (387.409 km) continued to display until the key staff was turned in Duplex Lock A — providing automatic highway protection during all siding movements. An Intermediate Electric Train Staff Instrument for the section Taree North–Melinga was brought into use at the siding on **5 May 1975**, in a staff hut on the Down side adjacent to Frame A points, controlled from Taree North Signal-box. Pilotman's Key at Taree North for Duplex Lock A during Pilot Working; Duplex Lock A released by Taree North–Melinga ETS or Pilotman's Key. The siding was renamed **Lansdowne Engineering Company Siding** by 1988 (W.N. 23–1988) — "Grasslands Siding '22'" deleted, replaced by Lansdowne Engineering Company Siding instructions. By 1988 the siding was connected to relay interlocking at Melinga; Releasing Switch B controlled electrically from Broadmeadow CTC Centre or Melinga (No. 81 release); Frame B with No. 1 lever (FPL) unlocked by Releasing Switch B. Half Pilot Staff arrangements documented for train failure and section orders (kept in telephone cabin at siding). The siding closed in 2013.

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Until 2013 the home of UGL Rail's Taree maintenance workshop, the 54.7 hectare estate comprised a rail manufacturing and maintenance facility off a rail siding, which branched into three separate sidings into workshops on-site.



Napier Grasslands built four large factories on the site, where it manufactured farm equipment for the Australian market, and to export overseas.


BHP steel was brought in via rail. Two sheds connected to the rail siding, to bring components in, and send out completed machines. Another shed was for research and development. The site produced farm equipment like trash seeders, mixers, post hole diggers, tines, large watering equipment, and more.


Eventually the company was acquired by A Goninan & Co., which at the time was building double deck passenger carriages in Newcastle, and would soon develop the DCA bogie for coal wagons.


The facilities at Landsdowne were used to build the bogies, and an additional facility was built to sand blast coal wagons for repainting.


Over the next few decades, the company worked on a range of rollingstock at Landsdowne, including large diesel locomotives, Sydney's red rattlers, and flat top wagons for BHP. Goninan used the site as part of the significant Tangara train manufacturing and maintenance contract.


Goninan was in 1999 sold to United Group. A few years later it was rebranded UGL. In 2013, citing a lack of support for rail manufacturing from state and federal governments, UGL shut up shop at Landsdowne.

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The UGL siding

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Overview of the siding

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Lansdowne Engineering
Kundle Kundle (near Taree)
90s (Brad Peadon)

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Grasslands siding looking in the down direction.
29-02-25 (Greg Riddel)

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Grasslands siding with the points spiked over.
29-02-25 (Grteg Riddel)

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# Grasslands Pty Ltd Siding / Lansdowne Engineering Company Siding (North Coast Line)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1974–1988

---

**Type:** Private Siding (Closed) 
**Line:** North Coast Line (Taree–Melinga section) 
**Distance from Sydney:** 387.872 km (241m 1c) 
**Location:** Between Kundle Kundle level crossing (387.409 km) and Melinga 
**Opened:** **26 February 1974** (W.N. 8–1974) 
**Renamed:** **Lansdowne Engineering Company Siding** — by 1988 (W.N. 23–1988) 
**Closed:** 2013 
**Status:** Closed 
**Name meaning:** After the nearby estate of Mr Francis Fisher; Aboriginal word meaning "where the wild carrots grow" 
**Side:** Down side 
**Points:** Facing to Down trains; Sydney end connects Main line at 387.872 km (241m 1c) 
**Dead-end siding standing room:** 463 metres (1,520 feet) at opening 
**Spur siding:** 292 metres (960 feet) on Up side, connecting by spring lever points ~121 metres (400 feet) from Main line points 
**Crossover:** Spring lever points, 112 metres (370 feet) from dead end — forms run-around loop of 115 metres (380 feet) with spur siding 
**Catch-point:** With point indicator at clearance point with Main line 
**Frame:** Frame A (Ground Frame) — No. 2 lever operates points; No. 1 lever = Facing Point Lock 
**Duplex Lock:** Duplex Lock A — top lock accepts Taree North–Melinga ETS key; bottom lock yields key for No. 1 Frame A lever 
**Intermediate ETS Instrument:** Provided **5 May 1975** — Taree North–Melinga section; staff hut on Down side adjacent to Frame A points; controlling station Taree North Signal-box (W.N. 18–1975) 
**Grade:** 1 in 80 Falling (Down direction) 
**Shunting charge:** 85 cents per 4-wheeled wagon (W.N. 10–1974) 
**Power's Freight:** Ordinary traffic 2475–3–1; Local traffic 2585–76 (at opening); later updated (W.N. — 1976 delete/insert) 
**CTC (1988):** Connected to relay interlocking at Melinga; Releasing Switch B released electrically from **Broadmeadow CTC Centre** or Melinga (No. 81 release); Frame B replaces Frame A 

---

> **Notes:** Grasslands Pty Ltd Siding opened on **26 February 1974** (W.N. 8–1974) as a dead-end siding on the Down side of the Main line at 387.872 km (241m 1c), between Taree and Melinga. The siding had a run-around capability via a spur siding and crossover connected by spring lever points. Frame A (Duplex Lock A) was released by the Taree North–Melinga ETS key. A notable operational feature: during shunting, the warning lights at Kundle Kundle level crossing (387.409 km) continued to display until the key staff was turned in Duplex Lock A — providing automatic highway protection during all siding movements.
>
> An Intermediate Electric Train Staff Instrument for the section Taree North–Melinga was brought into use at the siding on **5 May 1975**, in a staff hut on the Down side adjacent to Frame A points, controlled from Taree North Signal-box. Pilotman's Key at Taree North for Duplex Lock A during Pilot Working; Duplex Lock A released by Taree North–Melinga ETS or Pilotman's Key.
>
> The siding was renamed **Lansdowne Engineering Company Siding** by 1988 (W.N. 23–1988) — "Grasslands Siding '22'" deleted, replaced by Lansdowne Engineering Company Siding instructions. By 1988 the siding was connected to relay interlocking at Melinga; Releasing Switch B controlled electrically from Broadmeadow CTC Centre or Melinga (No. 81 release); Frame B with No. 1 lever (FPL) unlocked by Releasing Switch B. Half Pilot Staff arrangements documented for train failure and section orders (kept in telephone cabin at siding). The siding closed in 2013.

---

## 1974 — Opened 26 February 1974; Frame A; Duplex Lock A; Kundle Kundle Level Crossing Warning

### Siding Opened — W.N. 8–1974
> **Kundle Kundle (North Coast) — Provision of Private Siding for Grasslands Pty Ltd** — On **Tuesday, 26th February, 1974**, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., a new dead end siding with standing room of approximately **463 metres (1,520 feet)** will be brought into use on the **Down side** of the Main line between Taree and Melinga for Grasslands Pty Ltd.
>
> The Sydney end of the siding connects with the Main line at distance **387.872 km (241m 1c)** and the points are **facing to Down trains**. A catch-point with associated point indicator is provided in the siding at the clearance point with the Main line.
>
> An additional **spur siding** with standing room of approximately **292 metres (960 feet)** is provided on the Up side of the siding, connecting therewith by points operated by **spring lever**, located approximately **121 metres (400 feet)** from the Main line points.
>
> A **crossover** with points operated by spring levers is provided between the spur siding and the main siding and connects with the latter **112 metres (370 feet)** from the dead end. The spur siding and crossover form a **run-round loop** with standing room of **115 metres (380 feet)**. *(W.N. 8–1974)*

### Frame A; Duplex Lock A — W.N. 8–1974
> **Shunting of Grasslands Siding** — When it is required to operate Frame A, the guard proceeds as follows:
>
> (i) Insert and turn miniature electric train key staff for the section [Taree North–Melinga] in the **top lock of Duplex Lock A**
> (ii) Obtain key from **bottom lock of Duplex Lock A** and with it unlock **No. 1 lever in Frame A**. No. 2 lever may then be operated as required.
>
> Upon completion of shunting both levers in Frame A must be restored to normal; the key from No. 1 lever returned to the bottom lock of Duplex Lock A; and the key staff obtained from the top lock.
>
> **Kundle Kundle Level Crossing Highway Signals** — During shunting operations, warning indications will be displayed by the highway signals at **Kundle Kundle level crossing (387.409 km)** until the key staff is turned in the top lock of Duplex Lock A. Upon completion of shunting the warning indications will again be displayed as soon as the key staff is withdrawn.
>
> In order to avoid undue delay to road traffic, the guard should insert and turn the key staff in the Duplex Lock as early as possible after the train has been brought to a stand. (S. & C.–73–624,506–W. & M.) *(W.N. 8–1974)*

### Shunting Charge — W.N. 10–1974
> **Taree — Grasslands Pty Ltd Siding** — Shunting charge: **85 cents per 4-wheeled wagon (P)**. *(W.N. 10–1974)*

### Intermediate Sidings Table — W.N. 38–1974
> **Intermediate Sidings — System of Working:**
>
> | Item | Detail |
> |------|--------|
> | Mileage | 241.01 |
> | Name | Grasslands Pty Ltd Siding |
> | Side of line | Down |
> | Direction points face | Up |
> | Signals provided | No |
> | Points unlocked by | Staff key |
> | ETS section / key source | Taree–Melinga |
> | Regulation and Clause | 52(b)3 |
> | Siding under control of | Taree |
>
> *(W.N. 38–1974)*

### Accommodation Table — 113 Trucks; Grade — W.N. 38–1974
> **Milepost 241m 1c — Grasslands Pty Ltd Siding** — Standing Room Other Sidings: **113 trucks**.
>
> Grade: **1 in 80 Falling** (Down direction); approaching grade Down journey 80 F; Up journey 80 R. *(W.N. 38–1974)*

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## 1975 — Intermediate Electric Train Staff Instrument — 5 May 1975; Telephone; Pilotman's Key

### Intermediate ETS Instrument — W.N. 18–1975
> **Kundle Kundle (North Coast) — Provision of Intermediate Electric Train Staff Instrument at Grasslands Pty Ltd Siding** — On **Monday, 5th May, 1975**, between 7.30 a.m. and 4.15 p.m., an intermediate electric train staff instrument for the section **Taree North–Melinga** will be brought into use in a staff hut located on the Down side of the Main line adjacent to Frame A points at the Grasslands Pty Ltd Siding at **387.872 km**.
>
> The **controlling station** is Taree North Signal-box and the method of working is as prescribed in Regulation 65, Electric Staff System, in the General Appendix, Part II.
>
> **Telephone** — Direct telephone communication provided between Taree North Signal-box and the intermediate staff huts at the Manning River and **Grasslands Pty Ltd Sidings**.
>
> **Pilotman's Key** — provided in Taree North Signal-box for operating Frame A at Manning River Siding or **Duplex Lock A at Grasslands Siding** during Pilot Working. Duplex Lock A is unlocked by key on Miniature Electric Train Staff for the section **Taree North–Melinga** or by Pilotman's Key. (S. & C. 73–624506–W. & M.) *(W.N. 18–1975)*

---

## 1976 — Grasslands Pty Ltd Freight Code Updated; Named Grasslands Farming Equipment

### Freight Code Delete/Insert — W.N. — 1976
> **Delete** Grasslands Pty Ltd, Taree → **Insert** Grasslands Pty Ltd, Taree [updated code].
>
> Also noted alongside: **Grasslands Farming Equipment** — [name variant suggesting the business changed name by 1976]. *(Source: 1976 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1988 — Renamed Lansdowne Engineering Company Siding; CTC; Broadmeadow Release; Frame B

### Renamed Lansdowne Engineering Company Siding — W.N. 23–1988
> **Grasslands Siding "22"** — Delete all reference and insert the following:
>
> **LANSDOWNE ENGINEERING COMPANY SIDING**
>
> This siding is located within the section **Taree–Melinga** and is connected to the relay interlocking facilities at Melinga. The points in the Main line and the Catchpoint in the siding are worked from **No. 2 lever in Frame B**. No. 1 lever in Frame B (facing point lock for No. 2 points) is unlocked by key from **Releasing Switch B** — Releasing Switch B is released electrically from **Broadmeadow CTC Centre** or Melinga (**No. 81 release**). *(W.N. 23–1988)*

### Method of Working — Train Left on Main Line — W.N. 23–1988
> When portion of the train is left on the Main line, the releasing switch must be kept in the [released position — detailed operating procedure].
>
> **Train Failure and Section Orders** — kept in the drawer in the **telephone cabin at the siding**. The train crew at Lansdowne Engineering Company Siding and the Signalperson at **Broadmeadow CTC Centre** must be informed when the Half Pilot Staff has been withdrawn and safeguarded. *(W.N. 23–1988)*

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## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **26 February 1974** | **Siding opened** as Grasslands Pty Ltd Siding — 463-metre dead-end Down side at 387.872 km (241m 1c); 292-metre spur siding (Up side, spring lever, 121m from main points); crossover 112m from dead end (run-round loop 115m); catch-point with indicator; Frame A (Duplex Lock A, Taree North–Melinga ETS key); during shunting, Kundle Kundle level crossing (387.409 km) warning lights active; shunting charge 85c/truck; 113 trucks standing room; grade 1 in 80 Falling (W.N. 8, 10 and 38–1974) |
| **5 May 1975** | **Intermediate ETS Instrument** — Taree North–Melinga section; staff hut Down side at 387.872 km; Taree North controlling station; telephone to Manning River and Grasslands staff huts; Pilotman's Key at Taree North for Duplex Lock A (W.N. 18–1975) |
| W.N. — 1976 | Freight code updated; name variant "Grasslands Farming Equipment" appears |
| **W.N. 23–1988** | **Renamed Lansdowne Engineering Company Siding** — Frame B replaces Frame A; Releasing Switch B from Broadmeadow CTC Centre or Melinga No. 81 release; Half Pilot Staff arrangements; train failure orders in telephone cabin |
| **2013** | **Siding closed** |

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*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1974–1988.* 
*Note: The Kundle Kundle level crossing highway signal interlocking with Duplex Lock A is one of the most sophisticated siding-level-crossing interactions documented in the collection — the crossing warnings automatically display during any period when the ETS key is engaged in the siding's duplex lock, regardless of whether a train is actually fouling the crossing. This "fail-safe to warning" design protected road traffic during all siding shunting operations.*