Casino Meat Works Siding

[admin]

Type : Siding
Line : North Coast Line
Distance from Sydney : 807.066km
Location : -28.845951, 153.033718
Opened : 22 December 1938
Closed : After 1992
Status : Closed (location still in use)
Name meaning : After Casino
Notes : Opened per WN 52/1938. Loop siding on the Up side of the line. Loop extended towards Sydney by 200' in 1951.

[admin]

WN 4 of 1939

[admin]

Location

[admin]

Diagram

[admin]

John Shields : Returning from the meatworks 1968

[admin]

Casino Meat Works, 1959 (Andrew Martin)

[admin]

# Casino Meat Works Siding (North Coast Line)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1938–1989

---

**Type:** Siding (Private, later Departmental) 
**Line:** North Coast Line 
**Distance from Sydney:** 807.066 km (807.035 km in 1983 notice) 
**Location:** -28.845951, 153.033718 
**Mileage (Working TT):** 501m 30–39c (Sydney end at 501m 30c from 1951; original Sydney end at 501m 33c; Murwillumbah end at 501m 45c) 
**Between:** Casino and Namoona 
**Opened:** 22 December 1938 
**Closed:** After 1992 
**Status:** Closed 
**Name meaning:** After Casino 
**Seal Press:** No. 201 (allotted on opening; various relief presses used during repairs: No. 533, No. 136, No. 792) 
**Under control of:** Casino (later Grafton under CTC; reverted to Casino 1986) 
**Section:** Casino–Fairy Hill (unlocking train staff/token) 

---

> **Notes:** A loop siding on the Up side of the Main line between Casino and Namoona, serving the Northern Co-operative Meat Company's (later Country Meat Works / Casino Meatworks) facility. Opened 22 December 1938. The siding is on a rising grade of 1 in 106 from the Sydney end. Propelling from Casino was permitted during daylight only, subject to Hotham Street level crossing protection. Extended at the Sydney end by approximately 200 feet in July 1951. Interlocking arrangements altered twice — 1968 (key requirement deleted) and 1973 (Drawer Lock Key Releases removed; unlocked directly by Casino–Fairy Hill staff). Under CTC control from 1983, reverted to Casino staff key in 1986.

---

## 1938 — Opening — 22 December 1938

### Siding Opened — W.N. 52–1938
> On Thursday, **22nd December, 1938**, a new loop siding, on the Up side of, and connected to, the Main line at Mileages **501m 33c and 501m 45c**, between Casino and Namoona, will be brought into use, and will be known as **Casino Meat Works' Siding**.
>
> **Interlocking Arrangements** — The points in the Main line and the catch-points at the Casino and South Brisbane end of the siding will be worked from No. 2 lever in new Frames "A" and "B," respectively, fixed adjacent to the points on the Down side of the line.
>
> No. 1 lever in Frame "A" and No. 1 lever in Frame "B," operating the Facing Point Locks on the points, will be unlocked by keys from **Drawer Lock Key Releases** situated adjacent to the frames.
>
> **Drawer Lock Key Releases "A" and "B"** will be released by the **Miniature Electric Train Staff for the section Casino–Fairy Hill**.

*(W.N. 52–1938)*

### Flagmen Required During Alterations
> During the time of alterations to the points and signals at Strathfield, Temora and **Casino Meat Works' Siding**, competent Flagmen equipped with the necessary Hand and Detonating signals must be placed at the sites and signals affected.

*(Source: 1938 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1939 — Working Instructions Issued; Shunting Charges; Listed in Station Tables

### Working Instructions — W.N. 4–1939
> **Casino Meat Works Siding (501 miles 39 chains, North Coast)** — Commencing at once, the following instructions are to apply:
>
> **Casino Meat Works Siding** — A new loop siding has been provided on the Up side of the Main line at Mileage **501m 39c**, between Casino and Namoona, and is known as Casino Meat Works Siding.
>
> **Grade** — From the points in the Main line at the Sydney end, Casino Meat Works Siding is on a grade of **1 in 106 rising**.
>
> **Propelling** — During daylight only, vehicles may be propelled from Casino to Casino Meat Works Siding, as required. A brake-van must be provided as the leading vehicle, in which the Guard is to ride, and the provisions of Rule 202 (i) must be strictly observed.
>
> When vehicles are being propelled the train must be brought to a stand on the **Casino side of and clear of the Hotham Street level crossing**, and the Guard or Shunter in charge must satisfy himself that the crossing is clear, after which he will hand-signal the Driver over the crossing. (38–63,531.)

*(W.N. 4–1939)*

### Shunting Charges — W.N. 3–1939
> **Casino Meat Works Siding** — Shunting charge: **2s. 11d. per four-wheeled truck**, subject to maximum charge of 10s. 0d. for each 15 minutes or part thereof. (38–63,531.)

*(W.N. 3–1939)*

### Listed in Station Tables
> **Casino Meat Works Siding** — Line: North Coast — Section: Casino–South Brisbane.
>
> **Distances:** 
> From Darling Harbour: **502 miles** 
> From Newcastle: **402 miles**
>
> **Controlling Station:** Old Casino — Page 176.

*(W.N. 3 and 4–1939)*

---

## 1940 — Passenger Train MRC Van Marshalling

### No. 24 Passenger Train — MRC Vans from Casino Meat Works to Casino
> **Marshalling of Passenger Carriages and Other Vehicles Behind Brake-van of No. 24 Passenger Train between Casino Meat Works' Siding and Casino** — Commencing at once, 2 loaded M.R.C. vans, in addition to 2-car set, may be marshalled on rear behind Guard's van of No. 24 Passenger train between Casino Meat Works' Siding and Casino.
>
> The marshalling to be in the following order: [MRC — MRC — Guard's van — passenger set].

*(Source: 1940 Weekly Notices)*

> **Note:** This is a significant operational entry — the meat works refrigerated vans (MRC) were being attached to the rear of a passenger train for the short section from the siding to Casino station. This reflects the importance of fresh meat exports and the efficiency of combining passenger and refrigerated van movements.

---

## 1941 — MRC Van Load Increased to 4

### Up to 4 MRC Vans on No. 24 Passenger — W.N. 44–1941
> **Grafton** — Note at foot of page is superseded by the following:
>
> Up to **4 M.R.C.'s loaded** may be conveyed by No. 24 from Casino Meat Works (10 minutes allowed) to Casino, providing a maximum load of **330 tons is not exceeded** and [train] arrives Casino [by] 10.0 a.m. (C.M.E.–G.E., C.–M.W. 2–L; C.T.M., M. 2–41.)

*(W.N. 44–1941)*

> **Note:** The allowance of 10 minutes for the Casino Meat Works–Casino section confirms the short distance involved. The maximum load restriction (330 tons) reflects the capacity of the locomotive class on the North Coast at the time.

---

## 1947 — Seal Press No. 201 Withdrawn for Repairs; Relief Press No. 533

### Seal Press No. 201 — Withdrawn for Repairs
> **Casino Meat Works (North Coast)** — Seal Press No. 201 has been withdrawn from Casino Meat Works for repairs, and **Relief Press No. 533** has been brought into use until further notice.

*(W.N. 29–1947)*

---

## 1949 — Renamed "Old Casino Meatworks"; Seal Press Repairs (Twice)

### Renamed "Old Casino Meatworks"
> **Old Casino Meatworks** — Seal Press No. 201 has been withdrawn for repairs, and **Relief Seal Press No. 136** will be in use at that station until further notice. *(W.N. 31–1949)*
>
> **Old Casino Meatworks** — Seal Press No. 201 is again in use at Old Casino Meatworks, and Relief Seal Press No. 136 has been withdrawn. *(W.N. 44–1949)*

> **Note:** The renaming to "Old Casino Meatworks" in the seal press notices confirms that by 1949 the siding was being referred to under the "Old Casino" name following the 1930 renaming of the nearby junction. The two seal press notices in the same year suggest the press was particularly troublesome in 1949.

---

## 1950 — Seal Press No. 201 Again for Repairs; Relief Press No. 792

### Old Casino Meatworks Siding — Seal Press Repairs
> **Old Casino Meatworks Siding** — Seal Press No. 201 sent for repairs. During the time Seal Press No. 201 is undergoing repairs, **Seal Press No. 792** will be in use. (V. 2–50.)

*(W.N. 35–1950)*

---

## 1951 — Siding Extended 200 Feet at Sydney End

### Extension of Siding at Sydney End — 24 July 1951
> **Casino Meat Works Siding (North Coast) — Extension of Siding at Sydney End** — Since **24th July, 1951**, No. 2A crossover has been re-fixed and the siding extended approximately **200 feet at the Sydney end** to connect with the Main line at Mileage **501m 30c**.
>
> **Frame "A"** — The points in the Main line and the catch-points in the siding are worked from No. 2 lever. No. 1 lever, F.P.L. for No. 2 points, is unlocked by key from **Drawer Lock Key Release "A."**
>
> Frame "A" and Drawer Lock Key Release "A" have been re-fixed on the Up side of, and near to, the points in the Main line.
>
> Diagram attached to Circular No. 113–5 of 1946 to be amended accordingly.

*(Source: 1951 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1965 — Propelling Instructions Updated

### Propelling — Vehicles May Be Hauled Between Casino and Meat Works Siding
> Delete instructions relating thereto and insert: **Trains may be hauled between Casino and Meat Works Siding** in either direction without a brake-van, provided the Driver is in possession of the Electric Train Staff for the section Casino–Fairy Hill. The Westinghouse Air Brake must be complete throughout the train and controlled from the engine.
>
> The guard or shunter must ride in the **rear vehicle on the forward journey** and the **Casino on the return journey**.

*(Source: 1965 Weekly Notices)*

> **Note:** The 1965 update replaces the original 1939 propelling instructions (which required daylight only and a brake-van) with the more flexible arrangements allowing hauling in either direction, reflecting the introduction of continuous air brakes on the rolling stock used.

---

## 1968 — Key Requirement Deleted from Interlocking

### Interlocking — Key Requirement Deleted — W.N. 44–1968
> **Local Appendix — Northern Division — Page 40 — Intermediate Sidings — System of Working — Mileage 501.39 ch. Casino Meat Works** — In column headed **"Points unlocked by"** delete **"key."** (A. 1–68–20,671.)

*(W.N. 44–1968)*

---

## 1973 — Drawer Lock Key Releases Removed; Direct Staff Unlocking

### Drawer Lock Key Releases Removed — W.N. 30–1973
> **Casino (North Coast)** — On a date to be advised:
>
> Miniature Electric Train Staffs without keys will be withdrawn.
>
> **Drawer Lock Key Release XY** at Casino North Junction and **Drawer Lock Key Releases A and B** at Casino Meat Works Siding will all be removed.
>
> **Lever Y** at Casino North Junction and **No. 1 levers in Frames A and B** at Casino Meat Works Siding will be unlocked by key on **Miniature Electric Train Staff for the section Casino–Fairy Hill**.
>
> Circular No. 113–5, Casino, of 1946, and diagram attached, to be amended accordingly. (S. & T.E. 72–530,604–W. & M.)

*(W.N. 30–1973)*

---

## 1983 — Propelling Instructions Reissued; CTC Control

### Propelling — Without Brake-van — W.N. 23–1983
> **Casino Meatworks Siding — Insert:**
>
> **Propelling** — Vehicles may be propelled from Casino Yard to Casino Meatworks Siding situated on the Up side of the Main Line at **807.035 km** in the Casino–Fairy Hill section without a brake-van, provided the Driver is in possession of the token for the section Casino–Fairy Hill.
>
> The air brake must be operating throughout the train and controlled from the locomotive, and the guard or shunter must test the continuity thereof by opening the tap on the leading vehicle on the forward journey and the trailing vehicle on the return journey in accordance with the regulations prior to the commencement of each journey.
>
> The guard or shunter is permitted to ride on the locomotive and must keep a sharp lookout throughout the journey, as must the enginemen.
>
> The Driver of the train when propelling must sound the locomotive whistle frequently as a warning of the approach of the train. The speed must not exceed **15 km/h** and the Driver [must be prepared to stop if required].
>
> The Station Master, Casino, must obtain an assurance from the Guard or Shunter on the **arrival of the return trip** from the Casino Meatworks Siding that **the train is complete and the Main Line is clear**. (A1 83 80707.)

*(W.N. 23–1983)*

---

## 1986 — Control Reverted to Casino; CTC Release Replaced by Staff Key

### CTC Release Replaced by Staff Key — W.N. — 1986
> In particulars for **807.066 km Casino Meat Works** under heading "Points unlocked by" — delete **CTC release** and insert **staff key**.
>
> Under heading "Siding under control of" — delete **Grafton** and insert **Casino**. *(W.N. — 1986)*

> **Note:** This entry confirms that Casino Meat Works Siding had been under **Centralised Traffic Control from Grafton** (as part of the broader CTC introduction on the North Coast Line) and that in 1986 control reverted to the local **Casino** station master, with the staff key replacing the CTC release for unlocking the siding points. Also note that in this entry the distance is given as **807.066 km**, consistent with your noted distance.

---

## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| 22 December 1938 | **Siding opened** — loop siding on Up side, 501m 33–45c, Casino–Fairy Hill section (W.N. 52–1938) |
| W.N. 3–1939 | Shunting charge set at 2s. 11d. per four-wheeled truck |
| W.N. 4–1939 | Full working instructions issued — grade 1 in 106 rising; propelling daylight only; Hotham Street level crossing protection |
| 1940 | 2 loaded MRC vans permitted behind No. 24 Passenger train, Casino Meat Works to Casino |
| W.N. 44–1941 | Up to 4 loaded MRC vans on No. 24 (10 minutes allowed; max 330 tons) |
| W.N. 29–1947 | Seal Press No. 201 for repairs; Relief Press No. 533 in use |
| 1949 | Referred to as "Old Casino Meatworks" in seal press notices; Seal Press No. 201 repaired twice |
| W.N. 35–1950 | Seal Press No. 201 for repairs; Relief Press No. 792 in use |
| 24 July 1951 | **Siding extended 200 feet at Sydney end** — Sydney end now at 501m 30c; Frame A re-fixed |
| 1965 | Propelling instructions updated — brake-van no longer required; hauling permitted in either direction |
| W.N. 44–1968 | Key requirement deleted from interlocking table |
| W.N. 30–1973 | Drawer Lock Key Releases A and B removed; Frames A and B now unlocked directly by Casino–Fairy Hill train staff |
| W.N. 23–1983 | Propelling instructions reissued — 15 km/h maximum; no brake-van required; guard may ride on locomotive; CTC token required |
| W.N. — 1986 | CTC release replaced by staff key; control transferred from Grafton to Casino |
| After 1992 | **Closed** |

---

*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1938–1989.*