Tamrookum

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Ronny Webb photo. 4489 departing Tamrookum headed for Brisbane, March 83.

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Tamrookum crossing loop (Peter Lee)

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Ronny Webb photo's. 1) Inside Tamrookum staff hut. Can see the diagram &  staff intruments L-R for Glenapp & Kagaru. Needed a key to operate the frames to allow entry & departure from loop. The train would stand at the home signal & wait for a green flag or light from the signalman at the frame to enter the set road. 2) 8023/8013 at Tamrookum on NL1 Brisbane Limited. Has passed the upper quadrant down home signal & can see the frame which signalman operated to allow entry/departure from loop. In March 1988.

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Ronny Webb, photo's. More of RM 402 radio testing. After Kagaru, next stop was Tamrookum.  1) 4465/45?? in the loop waiting, you can see the small  white clearance marker between both lines, where trains had to stop, not to foul other line. Only in loops with no signals for departures. Tamrookum & Greenbank were like this, as Kagaru & Glenapp were fully controlled with signals ex loops. 2-4) RM 402 at Tamrookum hut with Yeerongpilly driver Barry Rodda, plus at the controls & couple locals women having a look. 5) 4848 with Yeerongpilly driver Russell Smallman ready to alight, arriving in the loop. No date supplied.

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Tamrookum station 1953 and 2020

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The last paybus run to Qld where NSWGR employees were paid cash in an envelope. My Dad Ray Woodeson is in the middle at Tamrookum Station. (Suzi McGuiness)

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Location of Tamrookum

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Type : Loop/Station
Line : North Coast Line
Distance from Sydney : 909.162km
Location : -28.124667, 152.916177
Opened : 25 November 1941
Closed : n/a (loop open) (station closed)
Status : In use
Name meaning : Aboriginal word meaning "place of boomerangs"
Notes: a 1570 metre crossing loop exists at the location. The Down side platform was 15.24 metres in length and opened on 21/6/1947. Tamrookum opened on 25 November 1941 as an Automatic Crossing Loop with a 1,310-foot loop on the Up side, splitting the Glenapp–Kagaru section into Glenapp–Tamrookum (13m 29c) and Tamrookum–Kagaru (18m 14c). The loop was equipped with Releasing Switches unlocked by the respective section staffs (not an occupied signal box). The Staff Hut housed staff instruments for both sections. A 50-foot (15.24-metre) platform was added on 21 June 1947, with a shelter shed. The Bromelton intermediate loop (opened 1942, between Tamrookum and Kagaru) was closed in 1946, restoring a direct Tamrookum–Kagaru section. Round Mountain Quarry Siding had an Intermediate Staff Instrument (installed 1942, removed 1951, reinstated 1956) on the Tamrookum–Kagaru section. Landmarks converted to reflectorised type 25 September 1972 — Circular No. 384–74 of 1941 amended. The 1,570-metre loop is a significant extension of the original 1,310-foot loop. Loop opened — 25 November 1941 — W.N. 47–1941. WN 3/1952 - new siding provided.

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Tamrookum platform and signal hut, 15th January, 1994. (Chris Harrison)

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Tamrookum waiting shed, 15th January, 1994. (Chris Harrison)

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On 16/11/93 the late Cliff Olds photographed this goods train at Tamrookum QLD led by 44231-44240-44214.

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1MB9 TAMROOKUM (QLD)
This I believe to be a late running SCT Logistics 1MB9 which was forced into the siding loop at Tamrookum to allow the southbound Great Southern to pass.
In these photo's SCT006 & STC013 are seen pulling out of the loop siding back on the main line for the short trip to the Bromelton Intermodal Siding just 5 minutes north.
If anyone recorded the number of the second loco, if you can let me know I will edit the post accordingly.
Tuesday 3rd February 2026
Photo/s: Mal Pascoe

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# Tamrookum (North Coast Line)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1941–1986

---

**Type:** Loop / Station (Electric Train Staff and Automatic Crossing Loop; later Crossing Loop) 
**Line:** North Coast Line (Glenapp–Tamrookum / Tamrookum–Kagaru sections) 
**Distance from Sydney:** 909.162 km 
**Mileage (Working TT):** 564m 73c (opening 1941); 564m 76c (platform notice W.N. 6–1948) 
**Between:** Dulbolla/Glenapp and Round Mountain Quarry Siding/Kagaru 
**Opened:** 25 November 1941 (Automatic Crossing Loop — W.N. 47–1941) 
**Platform Added:** 21 June 1947 (W.N. 6–1948) — 50 feet (15.24 metres), Down side 
**Loop:** 1,570 metres (current); original loop 1,310 feet (399 metres) on Up side 
**Status:** In use (loop); station closed 
**Name meaning:** Aboriginal word meaning "place of boomerangs" 
**Circular:** No. 384–74 of 1941 (Tamrookum base diagram — referenced through to 1972) 
**Station Number:** KB 10 
**Station Brand:** TMO 
**Under control of:** Kagaru (from 1946 when Bromelton closed) 

---

> **Notes:** Tamrookum opened on 25 November 1941 as an Automatic Crossing Loop with a 1,310-foot loop on the Up side, splitting the Glenapp–Kagaru section into Glenapp–Tamrookum (13m 29c) and Tamrookum–Kagaru (18m 14c). The loop was equipped with Releasing Switches unlocked by the respective section staffs (not an occupied signal box). The Staff Hut housed staff instruments for both sections. A 50-foot (15.24-metre) platform was added on 21 June 1947, with a shelter shed. The Bromelton intermediate loop (opened 1942, between Tamrookum and Kagaru) was closed in 1946, restoring a direct Tamrookum–Kagaru section. Round Mountain Quarry Siding had an Intermediate Staff Instrument (installed 1942, removed 1951, reinstated 1956) on the Tamrookum–Kagaru section. Landmarks converted to reflectorised type 25 September 1972 — Circular No. 384–74 of 1941 amended. The 1,570-metre loop is a significant extension of the original 1,310-foot loop, outside the Weekly Notices collection scope.

---

## 1941 — Tamrookum Named; Automatic Crossing Loop Opened — 25 November 1941

### Station Named Tamrookum — W.N. 34–1941
> It has been decided to name the above station **Tamrookum**. *(W.N. 34–1941.)*

### Loop Opened — 25 November 1941 — W.N. 47–1941
> On Wednesday, **25th November, 1941**, between 8.0 a.m. and 5.0 p.m., a new Loop, **1,310 feet in length** in the clear, laid in on the **Up side** of the line at Mileage **564m 73c**, will be brought into use as an **Automatic Crossing Loop**, and will be known as **Tamrookum**.
>
> **System of Working** — The existing Electric Train Staff section "**Glenapp–Kagaru**" will be cancelled, and the new sections to be brought into use will be:
>
> | Section | Length |
> |---------|--------|
> | **Glenapp–Tamrookum** | **13m 29c** |
> | **Tamrookum–Kagaru** | **18m 14c** |
>
> The complete arrangements will be in accordance with **Circular No. 384–74 of 1941** and diagram attached thereto.
>
> (C.T.M. 41–75,627; 41–700,620–W. & M.) *(W.N. 47–1941. — published three times in 1941)*

### Releasing Switch and Frame Arrangements
> **Frame "A"** — No. 1 lever (F.P.L. for No. 2 points) is unlocked by key from Releasing Switch "A" or by key from Releasing Lock "A.B."
>
> **Releasing Switch "A"** is released by key on the Electric Train Staff for the section **Glenapp–Tamrookum**; door secured by S.L. lock.
>
> **Frame "B"** — No. 1 lever is unlocked by key from Releasing Switch "B" or by key from Releasing Lock "A.B."
>
> **Releasing Switch "B"** is released by key on the Electric Train Staff for the section **Tamrookum–Kagaru**; door secured by S.L. lock.
>
> When it is required to operate Frame "A" or "B" for a train entering or departing from the Loop:
> 1. Insert Electric Train Staff for the section in the lower lock of the duplex lock on the releasing switch, and turn.
> 2. When indicator shows "Free," turn releasing switch handle from "N" to "R" and obtain key from top lock.
> 3. Withdraw Electric Train Staff from the duplex lock.
> 4. Frame may then be worked as required.
> 5. When movement completed, levers must be restored to normal.

*(Source: 1941 Weekly Notices — working instructions for Tamrookum Automatic Crossing Loop)*

---

## 1942 — Grade Added to Publications; Bromelton Opened; Staff Hut and Round Mountain Quarry Siding Intermediate Instrument; Divisible Staff Working; Section Running Times

### Grade Listed — W.N. 4–1942
> **North Coast Line — Add between Glenapp and Round Mountain Quarry Siding:** 
> **Tamrookum** — Level — 1 in 100 F — 1 in 132 R. *(W.N. 4–1942.)*

### Bromelton Opened — Tamrookum–Kagaru Split — W.N. 50–1942
> The existing Electric Train Staff section **Tamrookum–Kagaru** will be cancelled, and the new sections to be brought into use will be:
> - **Tamrookum–Bromelton**
> - **Bromelton–Kagaru**
>
> Bromelton brought into use as an Automatic Crossing Loop. *(W.N. 50–1942.)*

### Staff Hut at Tamrookum — Round Mountain Quarry Siding Intermediate Staff Instrument
> An **Intermediate Staff Instrument** for the section Tamrookum–Bromelton is provided in a **Staff Hut**, situated between the Main line and Quarry Siding, opposite the catch-points.
>
> A telephone, connected to **No. 89 Telephone Circuit, North**, is provided in the Staff Hut.
>
> When it is required to withdraw a Staff from the Intermediate Staff Instrument at Round Mountain Quarry Siding:
> **(a) When Tamrookum and Bromelton are Unattended** — Telephone Control Officer and obtain his permission to withdraw a Staff and occupy the Main line.
> **(b) When Tamrookum and Bromelton are Attended** — Telephone the Officer in charge at Tamrookum and ask for permission to withdraw a Staff and occupy the Main line.
>
> **Note** — As there is no direct telephone communication between Tamrookum and Round Mountain Quarry Siding, the direction to raise a Staff with Intermediate Instrument must be given verbally, instead of by one long ring on the telephone.

*(Source: 1942 Weekly Notices)*

### Staff Hut Door and Working — Security Arrangements
> The Staff Instruments for the sections Tamrookum–Bromelton and Bromelton–Kagaru will be located in the **Staff Hut**. The door secured by S.L. lock; instruments equipped for automatic working.
>
> When Unattended — Staff Instruments operated by the Guard or Fireman, who will be responsible for securing the door of the Staff Hut with S.L. lock before the train proceeds.
>
> **Divisible Electric Train Staff Working** must only be brought into operation on the sections Tamrookum–Bromelton and Bromelton–Kagaru when there is an Officer in charge at each end of the section.
>
> During the times that Bromelton is unattended, the Officers in charge at **Glenapp and Kagaru** must see that the Firemen of trains are provided with S.L. keys.

*(Source: 1942 Weekly Notices — W.N. 52–1942)*

### Telephone Circuit — Tamrookum Staff Hut
> **Tamrookum Staff Hut** — listed in No. 89 Telephone Circuit, North, alongside Glenapp Signal-box, Round Mountain Quarry Siding (cannot be called), Bromelton Staff Hut, Kagaru Signal-box.

*(W.N. 52–1942)*

### Section Running Times — 1942
> **Tamrookum–Bromelton** — Down: Goods 25 minutes; **Bromelton–Tamrookum** — Up: Light Engines [time].

*(Source: 1942 Weekly Notices — running time tables)*

### Divisible Electric Train Staff — Glenapp–Tamrookum and Tamrookum–Kagaru — W.N. 23–1942
> Train Staffs, Nos. 9 and 10, have been provided on sections **Glenapp–Tamrookum** and **Tamrookum–Kagaru**. *(W.N. 23–1942.)*

---

## 1943 — Additional Electric Train Staffs — Nos. 37–50

### Additional Staffs Provided — 18 August 1943
> On **18th August, 1943**, additional Staffs, Nos. **37–50**, inclusive, will be provided on each of the sections Border Loop–Glenapp, **Glenapp–Tamrookum**, **Tamrookum–Bromelton** and Bromelton–Kagaru. *(W.N. 33–1943.)*

---

## 1946 — Bromelton Closed; Tamrookum–Kagaru Restored; Intermediate Staff Instrument at Round Mountain

### Bromelton Closed — Tamrookum–Kagaru Section Restored — W.N. 33 and 35–1946
> The existing Electric Train Staff sections Tamrookum–Bromelton and Bromelton–Kagaru will be cancelled, and Electric Train Staff Working will be brought into use over the section **Tamrookum–Kagaru**.
>
> Drivers' Notices issued — Casino (Down) and Clapham (Up) for three days from date. *(W.N. 33 and 35–1946.)*

### Intermediate Staff Instrument — Round Mountain Quarry Siding — Tamrookum–Kagaru — 1946
> Intermediate Staff Instrument for section **Tamrookum–Kagaru** provided in Staff Hut between Main line and Quarry Siding.
>
> **Telephone** — No. 89 Circuit; Controlling Station — **Kagaru**.

*(Source: 1946 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1947 — Divisible Staff Working — Tamrookum–Bromelton Deleted; Frames C and D Provided; Platform Listed

### Divisible Staff Working — Tamrookum–Bromelton Deleted — W.N. 14–1947
> **Sections of Line on which Divisible Staffs are in Use — West Maitland–South Brisbane** — Delete **Tamrookum–Bromelton**. *(W.N. 14–1947.)*

### Frames C and D Provided — W.N. 25, 26, 28–1947
> **Frames "C" and "D"** — fixed adjacent to the points on the Up side of the Main line.
>
> No. 1 lever in Frame "C" and Frame "D," operating the facing point lock on the points, will be unlocked by key on the Electric Train Staff for the section **Tamrookum–Kagaru**.
>
> Diagram attached to Circular No. 38–39 of 1942 to be amended accordingly. *(W.N. 25, 26 and 28–1947 — three separate entries)*

### Platform Listed in Working Timetable — W.N. 51–1947
> **Tamrookum** — Not a goods station, only small consignments which can be loaded in the brake-van can be accepted. Freight must be prepaid.
>
> **48m 17c** [from South Brisbane] — **Tamrookum** — A platform, **50 feet in length**, with shelter shed has been provided. Passengers, parcels or small lots of goods traffic can be accepted. Freight must be prepaid. (B. 2–4–32,555.) *(W.N. 51–1947.)*

---

## 1948 — Platform Mileage Corrected; Station Number and Brand Confirmed

### Platform Mileage Confirmed — W.N. 6–1948
> **Tamrookum (North Coast) — Provision of Platform** — Alter mile post mileage to **564m 76c**, and add in column "Length of Passenger Platform" **50**; Station Number **KB 10**; and Station Brand **TMO** (since **21st June, 1947**). (45–55,415.) *(W.N. 6–1948.)*

> **Note:** The W.N. 6–1948 entry confirms the platform opened **21 June 1947** and gives the corrected mileage as 564m 76c (amended from 564m 73c in the original loop opening). Platform is 50 feet (15.24 metres) on the Down side.

---

## 1949 — Deleted from Some Working Timetable Pages; Then Reinstated

### Tamrookum Deleted — Then Reinstated — W.N. — 1949
> **Working Time-table — Northern Division — Casino–South Brisbane — Pages 303 to 306** — Tamrookum — Delete [certain particulars]. Insert [amended particulars]. *(W.N. — 1949.)*

---

## 1951 — Round Mountain Quarry Siding Intermediate Staff Instrument Removed; Then Reinstated 1956

### Intermediate Staff Instrument Removed — 16 October 1951
> On Tuesday, **16th October, 1951**, between 8.0 a.m. and 4.0 p.m., the **Intermediate Electric Train Staff Instrument** at Round Mountain Quarry Siding for the section Tamrookum–Kagaru and the **Pilotman's Duplex Lock** will be dispensed with and removed.
>
> The Pilotman's Lock and Key for the section Tamrookum–Kagaru will be removed from Kagaru.
>
> Frame "A" — No. 1 lever (F.P.L. for No. 2 points) will be unlocked by key on the Miniature Electric Train Staff for the section Tamrookum–Kagaru. *(W.N. 42–1951.)*

---

## 1952 — New Siding — Frames A and B Updated

### Frames A and B — New Siding — W.N. 3–1952
> No. 1 lever in Frames "A" and "B" operating the facing point locks on the points, will be unlocked by key on the miniature electric train staff for the section **Tamrookum–Kagaru**. *(W.N. 3–1952.)*

---

## 1956 — Intermediate Staff Instrument Reinstated at Round Mountain Quarry Siding

### Intermediate Staff Instrument Reinstated — 23 January 1956
> On **Monday, 23rd January, 1956**, an **Intermediate Electric Train Staff Instrument** for the section Tamrookum–Kagaru will be provided in the Staff Hut situated on the Up side of the line adjacent to No. 2 points leading to the Quarry Siding.
>
> Frame "A" — No. 1 lever (F.P.L. for No. 2 points) is unlocked by key on Electric Train Staff for the section Tamrookum–Kagaru.
>
> Controlling station: **Kagaru**. Telephone: **No. 289 Channel** between Round Mountain Quarry Siding and Kagaru.
>
> A Pilotman's key will **not** be provided for operating the ground frame during pilot working. *(Source: 1956 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1967 — Staff — Tamrookum E.S. (Cabin); Section Running Times

### Staff Designation — Tamrookum — Cabin
> **Tamrookum — E.S. (Cabin)** — listed in staff vacancy/designation tables. *(Source: 1967 Weekly Notices)*

### Section Running Times — 1967
> **Glenapp–Tamrookum** and **Tamrookum–Kagaru** listed in sectional running time tables. *(Source: 1967 Working Timetable)*

---

## 1969 — Portable Telephone Circuit — Tamrookum to Kagaru; Border Loop–Tamrookum Section

### Portable Telephone Circuit — Tamrookum to Kagaru
> **Tamrookum** — Wall telephone.
>
> Plug-in boxes at: 565m 40c, 566m 00c, 566m 37½c, 567m 02½c, 567m 37½c, 568m 07½c, 568m 40c [and continuing toward Kagaru].

*(W.N. — 1969)*

### Section Reference — Border Loop–Tamrookum
> **Border Loop–Tamrookum** and **Tamrookum–Kagaru** listed together. (S. & T.E. 65–780,301–W. & M.) *(W.N. 4–1969.)*

---

## 1972 — Landmarks Converted to Reflectorised Type — 25 September 1972

### Landmarks Converted — W.N. 38–1972
> **Tamrookum (North Coast) — Conversion of Landmarks to Reflectorised Type** — On Monday, **25th September, 1972**, between 8 a.m. and 12 noon, the existing triangles on the Up and Down Landmarks will be replaced by **reflectorised triangles** and the lamps will be removed accordingly.
>
> Diagram attached to **Circular No. 384–74, Tamrookum, of 1941**, to be amended accordingly. (S. & T.E.–72–780,137–W. & M.) *(W.N. 38–1972.)*

---

## 1976 — Track Classification Amended

### Track Classification — W.N. 33–1976
> **Tamrookum** — delete '†' and insert '†††'. (A1 73 72614.) *(W.N. 33–1976.)*

---

## 1981 — Section Running Times Updated

### Running Times — Tamrookum Sections
> **Kagaru–Tamrookum**: 24 minutes → amended to **25 minutes** 
> **Tamrookum–Glenapp**: 21 minutes → amended to **22 minutes**

*(W.N. 20 and 21–1981)*

---

## 1986 — Standard Gauge Line References; Glenapp–Tamrookum Speed Boards

### Standard Gauge Line
> **Tamrookum — Standard Gauge Line** — listed in freight rate tables. *(Source: 1986 Weekly Notices — two entries)*

### Speed Boards — Glenapp–Tamrookum — Updated
> In section "Glenapp–Tamrookum": 
> Amend: 891.660 → 70; Delete: 892.060; Amend: 895.400 → [speed]; Amend: 900.770 → [speed]. *(Source: 1986 Weekly Notices)*

---

## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| W.N. 34–1941 | Station named **Tamrookum** |
| **25 November 1941** | **Automatic Crossing Loop opened** — 1,310 feet, Up side, 564m 73c; Glenapp–Kagaru section split into Glenapp–Tamrookum (13m 29c) and Tamrookum–Kagaru (18m 14c); Circular No. 384–74 of 1941 issued (W.N. 47–1941) |
| W.N. 4–1942 | Grade listed — Level / 1 in 100 F / 1 in 132 R |
| W.N. 23–1942 | Divisible Electric Train Staff — Glenapp–Tamrookum and Tamrookum–Kagaru |
| W.N. 50–1942 | Bromelton opened — Tamrookum–Kagaru split into Tamrookum–Bromelton and Bromelton–Kagaru; Staff Hut and Intermediate Staff Instrument at Round Mountain Quarry Siding established |
| W.N. 52–1942 | Telephone circuit (No. 89 North) — Tamrookum Staff Hut listed |
| W.N. 33–1943 | Additional Electric Train Staffs Nos. 37–50 on Glenapp–Tamrookum and Tamrookum–Bromelton sections |
| W.N. 33 and 35–1946 | Bromelton closed — **Tamrookum–Kagaru section restored** |
| W.N. 14–1947 | Divisible Staff Working on Tamrookum–Bromelton deleted |
| **21 June 1947** | **Platform added** — 50 feet (15.24 metres), Down side, 564m 76c; Station Number KB 10; Station Brand TMO |
| W.N. 42–1951 | Round Mountain Quarry Siding Intermediate Staff Instrument removed |
| 23 January 1956 | Round Mountain Quarry Siding Intermediate Staff Instrument **reinstated** — No. 289 channel; controlled by Kagaru |
| W.N. 38–1972 | Landmarks converted to reflectorised type — Circular No. 384–74 of 1941 amended |
| W.N. 33–1976 | Track classification changed from '†' to '†††' |
| W.N. 20 and 21–1981 | Running times updated — Kagaru–Tamrookum 25 min; Tamrookum–Glenapp 22 min |
| 1986 | Tamrookum Standard Gauge Line listed; Glenapp–Tamrookum speed boards updated |