Re: UPFIELD LINE ALTERATIONS

Tony G (kevytony@hotkey.net.au)
Mon, 02 Feb 1998 15:54:25 -0800

Brian Evans wrote:
> >
> >
> >It needn't be the line from nowhere to nowhere.
> >
> >I am still amazed every time I look at a railway map that the relevant
> >authorities have not seen fit to extend and join up the Upfield line to
> >the end of the Broadmeadows line.
>
> My understanding was historically there indeed existed a line between
> broadmeadows station (down side) which went east across the back of the camp
> road military barracks and connected to the upfield line just north of camp
> road. The reservation is certainly there in the broadmeadows area.
>
> Does anyone have any further information?
>
> Regards,
> Brian

I dont know all the datails about the reservation at Camp Road, what I
do know is that a Line existed from Fawkner to Somerton (North of
Broadmeadows) for the purpose of running a Railmotor, to connect the
with Suburban trains that terminated at Fawkner.

The Somerton platform was removed along with the installation of the
Standard Guage. The line still exists between Somerton and Upfield as it
provided access for the Standard guage Ford trains and also Steel
trains. The line runs from Upfield (Dn direction) towards Somerton where
it meets up with the Line from a Private Siding & Ford Aust (Both
Sidings now closed) and became SG/BG Gauntlet track from there to post
19 at Somerton, where the track seperates and the Standard Guage runs to
Sidings / road 3 & 4 at Somerton Loop (SG), or to Sidings 1,2 & 3 on the
BG. Access is Gained to the Main N/E line via a crossover that runs
across the SG sidings and Main lines to meet up with the Up and DOWN
lines for the N/E.

The PTC currently use this line for the "swapping" of Hitachi sets for
maintenance due to the line closure from Flemington bridge to
N/Melbourne.

it was my understanding, that from Signalling records, the Line to the
reservation along Camp Road was just a siding.

-- 
                    
Thanks 
Tony G.