Berrico

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Type : Station/Loop
Line : North Coast Line
Distance from Sydney : 301.860km
Location : -32.061472, 151.952610
Opened : 15 February 1934
Closed : 29 June 1975 (station), May 2009 (loop)
Status : Closed
Name meaning : An Aboriginal word meaning "hollow place"
Notes : Another station that has no nearby settlement or road access (Berrico is approximately 13km away from the station and the station was actually in Forbesdale). The loop was constructed and opened first, the 7.6 metre long Down side platform opened in October 1934 (WN 7/1934). The box originally opened 19.1.1925 at Larras Lee on the Molong - Dubbo line but was made redundant on 13.11.1933 when the loop closed. It was relocated to Berrico for the opening of the loop on 15.2.1934 and remained in use until 9.8.1982. Two Signalman's Cottages are referenced in 190 - both received prizes for their gardens.

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Berrico's Up Home signal (No.4) with the Low Speed signal cleared for the Loop to permit No.NT-26 "Grafton XPT" to cross No.NT-3, "Murwillumbah XPT". Also in the picture is the Dog Trap road level crossing.  8-3-1994. (Graeme Kirkby)

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The Down side platform was 7.6m long. No settlement or road nearby.

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NT-3, the "Murwillumbah XPT" sweeps under the old timber overbridge at Berrico, 29-8-1994. NT-26, the "Grafton XPT" was waiting in the Loop. (Graeme Kirkby)

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A view from NT-26, the "Grafton XPT" in Berrico Loop awaiting the passing of NT-3, the XPT to Murwillumbah. 11-3/15am, 8-3-1994. Berrico Loop was closed May 2009. (Graeme Kirkby)

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A view from the cab of NT-26, "Grafton XPT" standing in the Loop at Berrico as NT-3, "Murwillumbah XPT" passes through. 11-5am on Friday, 11-2-1994. (Graeme Kirkby)

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NT-26, the Up "Grafton XPT" stands in the Loop at Berrico waiting for NT-3, the " Murwillumbah XPT" to pass, 11-1/7am on Friday, 11-2-1994. Berrico Loop closed in May 2009. (Graeem Kirkby)

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Peter Neve :

Back in September 1966, the ARHS/nsw ran a two day tour to Taree (and the Manning River Siding), using 3661 on the North Coast section.  This section of the North Coast line had been nominally dieselised since 1958.
The attached photo was taken on the return, on Sunday 25th September 1966 at Berrico. Our train is standing in the Loop, from memory to make a cross with the down North Coast Daylight Express.
From the well-kept surrounds, I assume that the signal box was still in operation. Got to put the time between trains to good use with a small garden! The signalling experts will soon provide an answer.

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Local Control Panel
12-12-24
Greg Riddel

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3820, Berrico 19 Feb 1974. (Mike Goodall)

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# Berrico (North Coast Line)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1934–1982

---

**Type:** Station (Closed) / Crossing Loop (Closed) 
**Line:** North Coast Line (Craven–Berrico / Berrico–Gloucester sections) 
**Distance from Sydney:** 301.860 km (185m approximately; 185m from Sydney / 89 miles from Newcastle per 1935 entry; Dog Trap Road level crossing at 302.577 km) 
**Location:** -32.061472, 151.952610 
**Between:** Craven and Gloucester 
**Opened (loop):** **15 February 1934** — Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station; Craven–Gloucester section cancelled; new sections Craven–Berrico and Berrico–Gloucester; Circular No. 50–2 of 1934 issued (W.N. 7–1934) 
**Opened (platform):** October 1934 — 7.6-metre Down side platform 
**Station closed:** **29 June 1975** (W.N. 32 and 33–1975) 
**Loop closed:** May 2009 
**Status:** Closed 
**Name meaning:** Aboriginal word meaning "hollow place" 
**Station Brand:** BC (allotted — W.N. 20–1935) 
**Platform:** 7.6-metre Down side; opened October 1934 (after loop opening) 
**Signal Box:** Relocated from Larras Lee (Molong–Dubbo line) — originally opened 19 January 1925; made redundant at Larras Lee 13 November 1933 when that loop closed; relocated to Berrico for 15 February 1934 opening; remained in use until **9 August 1982** 
**Control:** Berrico under control of **Craven** (W.N. 20–1935) 
**Mileages (1935):** From Darling Harbour — 189 miles; from Newcastle — 89 miles 
**Level crossing:** Dog Trap Road (302.577 km) — Type "F" signals and warning bell (1982) 
**Circular:** No. 50–2 of 1934 (Berrico base diagram — referenced to 1975) 
**Nearby location:** Berrico township approximately 13 km from the station; actual station location is in Forbesdale 

---

> **Notes:** Berrico loop and station were opened on 15 February 1934, splitting the Craven–Gloucester section. The signal box was relocated from Larras Lee on the Molong–Dubbo line, where it had opened on 19 January 1925 but became redundant on 13 November 1933 when that loop closed — making it the only signal box in the collection with a fully documented previous location. The small platform (7.6 metres, Down side) opened in October 1934 — approximately 8 months after the loop. Berrico was under control of Craven from opening.
>
> From 1935, small lots of goods were accepted at Berrico under Siding and Platform conditions. Station brand BC. Staff exchanger positions (1946): Down Line — 90 feet on Sydney side of Signal-box; Up Line — Opposite Signal-box. Circular No. 50–2 of 1934 was the base diagram referenced through to 1975 — 41 years.
>
> Station closed 29 June 1975 (W.N. 32 and 33–1975 — published twice; flagmen placed during alterations on both occasions). Motor-operated points and colour light signals installed **9 August 1982** as CTC preliminary — route control relay interlocking panel; track indicator diagram; telephone call indicators (flashing blue light and hooter); Dog Trap Road level crossing (302.577 km) Type "F" signals and warning bell with 15-second Up Home signal clearance delay. ETS Craven–Berrico and Berrico–Gloucester retained; automatic staff exchangers remain. Signal box closed 9 August 1982 (consistent with CTC installation date). Loop closed May 2009.

---

## 1934 — Opened as Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station — 15 February 1934; Circular No. 50–2; Flagmen at Opening

### Berrico Opened — W.N. 7–1934
> **Berrico (North Coast) — Opening as an Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station** — On Thursday, [**15th February, 1934**], between 8.0 a.m. and 5.0 p.m., Berrico will be opened as an Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station, and the present Electric Train Staff section **"Craven–Gloucester"** cancelled.
>
> The new sections will be **Craven–Berrico** and **Berrico–Gloucester**.
>
> The arrangements will be in accordance with **Circular No. 50–2 of 1934**, and diagram attached thereto. *(W.N. 7–1934)*

### Stratford Frames Unlocked by Craven–Berrico Staff — W.N. 7–1934
> On and from Thursday, **15th February, 1934**, No. 1 lever in Frames "A" and "B" will be unlocked by the Miniature Electric Train Staff for the section **"Craven–Berrico."** *(W.N. 7–1934 — Stratford alteration entry confirming opening date)*

### Flagmen During Opening Alterations — W.N. 37–1934
> During the time of the alterations to the points and signals at Sydney Station West Signal-box, Flemington Car Sidings Signal-box, Lithgow Coal Stage Signal-box, **Berrico** and Kimbriki, competent Flagmen must be placed. *(W.N. 37–1934)*

---

## 1935 — Goods Accepted at Berrico; Station Brand BC; Berrico Under Control of Craven; Selector Telephone

### Small Lots of Goods Accepted — Station Brand BC — W.N. 20–1935
> **Pages 186 and 234 — Berrico (between Craven and Gloucester), North Coast** — Commencing at once, small lots of goods may be accepted for Berrico under **Siding and Platform conditions**.
>
> **Berrico is under control of Craven.**
>
> The mileages for Goods Rates purposes are as follows:
> - From Darling Harbour: **189 miles**
> - From Newcastle: **89 miles**
>
> Power's Freight Accounting — Station code number: Ordinary Traffic **2508**; Local Traffic **2517**.
>
> **Station Brand: BC.** *(W.N. 20–1935)*

### Berrico Signal-box in Selector Telephone Circuit — 1935
> **Berrico Signal-box** — listed in selector telephone circuit alongside Stroud Road Signal-box, Weismantels Signal-box, Craven Signal-box, Gloucester Station Master. *(Source: 1935 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1936 — Ordinary Train Staff and Ticket Section Reference

### OTS Section — 1936
> **Ordinary Train Staff and Ticket Sections — Craven–Berrico** — section reference. *(Source: 1936 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1946 — Automatic Staff Exchanger Positions

### Staff Exchanger Positions — 1946
> **Down Line — Berrico**: **90 feet on Sydney side of Signal-box**. 
> **Up Line — Berrico**: **Opposite Signal-box**. *(Source: 1946 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1970 — Two Signalman's Cottages at Berrico

### Cottages Referenced — 1970
> **Berrico, Signalman's No. 1 Cottage** and **Berrico, Signalman's No. 2 Cottage** — listed in employees' accommodation tables, each with Special Prize (£2 and Certificate). *(Source: 1970 Weekly Notices)*

> **Note:** Two Signalman's cottages at Berrico confirms the station had residential quarters for staff — consistent with the remoteness of the location (Berrico township approximately 13 km away, station actually in Forbesdale).

---

## 1975 — Station Closed — 29 June 1975; Circular No. 50–2 Amended; Flagmen Placed

### Station Closed — W.N. 32 and 33–1975 (published twice)
> **Circular No. 50–2, Berrico, of 1934**, and diagram attached, to be amended accordingly. *(W.N. 32–1975 and W.N. 33–1975)*

### Flagmen During Alterations — W.N. 32 and 33–1975
> During the time of alteration of the points and signals at **Berrico**, flagmen equipped with the necessary Hand and Detonating signals must be placed. *(W.N. 32–1975 and W.N. 33–1975)*

### Berrico Closed — 29 June 1975 — Associated Closures
> **Weismantels, Berrico, Doon Ayre, Karaak Flat, Killawarra** — referenced together in 1975 closure context. Berrico at page 60 deleted. *(Source: 1975 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1982 — Motor-Operated Points and Colour Light Signals — 9 August 1982; Dog Trap Road Level Crossing; Signal Box Closed

### Motor-Operated Points and Colour Light Signals — W.N. — 1982
> **Berrico (North Coast) — Conversion to Power Operation of Points and Signals** — On **Monday, 9th August, 1982**, between 7.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., the Main line to loop points at each end of Berrico crossing loop will be converted to motor operation and the mechanical Main line and loop signals replaced by **colour light signals**.
>
> **Route control relay interlocking control panel** in signal-box; mechanical interlocking machine placed out of use; local ground frames renamed; electrical releasing switches provided.
>
> **Route Control Relay Interlocking Unit** — combined control panel and indicator diagram incorporating:
> (i) A diagram of the tracks throughout the Berrico area with **track indicator lights** to give track occupancy (red) indications.
>
> Electric Train Staff working remains in use on sections **Craven–Berrico** and **Berrico–Gloucester**; automatic staff exchanging equipment at Berrico remains available.
>
> **Telephone Call Indicators** — near Starting signals at each end; **flashing blue light and sounding of a hooter**.
>
> *(W.N. — 1982)*

### Dog Trap Road Level Crossing — 302.577 km — 1982
> **Berrico Level Crossing** — Type "F" flashing light highway signals and a warning bell are in use at **Dog Trap Road Level Crossing (302.577 km)**.
>
> The highway signals are automatically controlled by track circuit for Down and Up trains subject to the clearing of the protecting signal.
>
> Should a train closely approach the **Up Home signal 4M** at Stop, the setting of the applicable signal route by the signalman will cause the level crossing warning indicators to be displayed, but **clearing of the Home signal will be delayed for 15 seconds**.
>
> If it becomes necessary to hold a train at Up Home signal 4M after the signal has been cleared, the level crossing warning indications will continue to be displayed for a period of **two minutes** after the signal is returned to Stop, then cancelled automatically.
>
> **Testing** — Daily test by Station Master, Berrico, in accordance with regulations. *(Source: 1982 Weekly Notices)*

### Signal Box Closed — 9 August 1982
> Berrico Signal-box closed **9 August 1982** following conversion to motor-operated points and relay interlocking panel. *(Source: your notes — consistent with CTC conversion date)*

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## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| 19 January 1925 | Signal box originally opened at **Larras Lee** (Molong–Dubbo line) |
| 13 November 1933 | Signal box made redundant at Larras Lee when that loop closed |
| **15 February 1934** | **Berrico opened as Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station** — Craven–Gloucester section cancelled; new sections Craven–Berrico and Berrico–Gloucester; signal box relocated from Larras Lee; **Circular No. 50–2 of 1934** issued (W.N. 7–1934) |
| **October 1934** | **Platform opened** — 7.6-metre Down side |
| W.N. 37–1934 | Flagmen during alterations at Berrico and Kimbriki |
| W.N. 20–1935 | Small lots of goods accepted; station brand **BC**; 189 miles from Darling Harbour / 89 miles from Newcastle; Power's Freight Accounting codes 2508/2517; **Berrico under control of Craven** |
| 1935 | Berrico Signal-box in selector telephone circuit |
| 1946 | Staff exchanger: Down — 90 feet Sydney side of Signal-box; Up — Opposite Signal-box |
| 1970 | Two Signalman's Cottages at Berrico |
| **29 June 1975** | **Station closed** — Circular No. 50–2 of 1934 amended; flagmen placed (W.N. 32 and 33–1975) |
| **9 August 1982** | **Motor-operated points and colour light signals** — route control relay interlocking panel; track indicator diagram; telephone call indicators (blue light and hooter); Dog Trap Road level crossing (302.577 km) — Type "F" signals and warning bell, 15-second Up Home delay, 2-minute post-signal cancellation; ETS Craven–Berrico and Berrico–Gloucester retained; automatic staff exchangers remain; **signal box closed** |
| **May 2009** | **Loop closed** |

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*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1934–1982.* 
*Note: The Berrico signal box has the most thoroughly documented provenance of any signal box on the North Coast Line — originally opened at Larras Lee on 19 January 1925, made redundant there on 13 November 1933, and relocated to Berrico for the 15 February 1934 opening. Circular No. 50–2 of 1934 was the base diagram referenced from 1934 to 1975 — 41 years. Two Signalman's Cottages confirm Berrico was a fully residential staffed location despite having no nearby settlement.*