Re: Puffing Billy Signalling at Menzies Creek

["Craig Potter" <mikado@rivernet.com.au>]

Hi, I was signalman there only 2 weeks ago and know about what is
happening.....

> Menzies Creek station is being prepared for a fairly major
> resignalling project, but I can't find too many details anywhere.
> There is a frame installed in the signal bay, although not connected
> yet, and four (count them...) large electric staff instruments lined
> up on the opposite side.  
Yes there is a major signalling project on but it is lacking from staff
resources to be completed.  PBR are currently having to signal Cockatoo &
Gembrook, so already thin resources are really stretched.  Until a few
years ago, the frame was actually working, but interlocked with signals
only.  This changed when the station was converted into an island platform,
due to reasons above.  Now the signalman has to dash to either end of the
yard to let trains in.  Very hard on hot/wet days I can tell you!

The large electric staff instruments are not connected, just in the box for
storage/looks at the moment.  They will be used later when the system is
installed at PBR. There are actually 8 of them and plenty more in the goods
shed!  This will make the signalmans job so much easier and we can run more
trains, which will start in October this year.  With volunteer signalmen
working irregularly we have to concentrate hard to keep the mind on doing a
correct job - electric staff will make it easier.

 
> So, it would appear as though MCk will be interlocked, although one
> recent issue of NG mentioned something about "trailable" points.  I
> cannot recall seeing anything written about electric staff, and in any
> case, why four?  
Yes trailable points are in the plan so that the signalman doenst have to
run up and down the yard all the time.  You need a few instruments as we
have 1 staff section (at the moment) Bel -Lakeside which can be split into
2 (BEl-MC/MC-Lake)  The MC-Lake then can split into 2 (MC-EM and EM-Lake)
depending on traffic.  With Gembrook soon to open there will be more.

> Another interesting feature is the new (to me) splitting distant
> erected facing down trains on the approach to the station.  
this is to warn crossing trains of approaching indications so they wont
have to slow down so much due to the poor visibilty of the home stick.  It
is hidden by a hillside.

Hope this helps.

Craig Potter