Lithgow Coal Stage Signal Box facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lithgow Coal Stage Signal Box |
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| Coordinates | 33°28′30″S 150°10′25″E / 33.4751°S 150.1735°E |
| Crosses |
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| Locale | Gas Works Lane, Lithgow, City of Lithgow, New South Wales, Australia |
| Owner | RailCorp |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Elevated signal box |
| Material | Timber / weatherboard / corrugated iron |
| History | |
| Contracted lead designer | New South Wales Government Railways |
| Construction begin | 1885 |
| Construction end | 1925 |
| Official name: Lithgow Coal Stage Signal Box | |
| Type: | State heritage (built) |
| Designated: | 30 August 2013 |
| Reference #: | 1832 |
| Type: | Signal Box |
| Category: | Transport - Rail |
| Builders: | NSW Government Railways |
The Lithgow Coal Stage Signal Box is a special old railway building. It used to be part of a railway bridge. Now, it works as a railway signal box. This means it helps control train movements.
You can find it at Gas Works Lane in Lithgow, Australia. The New South Wales Government Railways designed and built it. Construction happened between 1885 and 1925. Today, RailCorp, a government agency, owns the building. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on August 30, 2013. This listing means it's an important historical site.
Contents
History of the Signal Box
Early Railway Days in Lithgow
The railway line in this area first opened in 1869. However, Lithgow did not have its own train station until 1877. This was a big step for the town's connection to the railway network.
Building the Signal Box
The Lithgow Coal Stage Signal Box was built in 1925. It is actually the third signal box constructed in this specific area. It was needed because the railway yards were growing. Also, a new place for trains to be stored and fixed was built. This new area replaced an older one called the Eskbank locomotive depot.
Why "Coal Stage"?
The signal box got its name from a large structure built in 1888. This structure was an "on-line overhead coaling bunker." A coaling bunker was a big storage area for coal. Trains would stop underneath it to get refilled with coal. Even though the bunker is gone now, the signal box keeps its name.
How it Worked
The signal box helped control trains going to and from the locomotive depot. It also managed trains on local coal mine branch lines. These lines led to different coal mines. It also controlled trains using the old coaling bunker.
When it was first built, the signal box had 64 mechanical levers. These levers were used to change signals and train tracks. Today, many of these levers are no longer in use.
Modern Changes
In 1957, the Lithgow railway yard became electrified. This meant trains started using electricity instead of coal. Because of this, the signal box's system was updated. It was changed to work with electric light signals. The original wooden steps leading up to the box were also replaced with metal ones.
What the Signal Box Looks Like
Outside the Building
The Lithgow Coal Stage Signal Box is a large, rectangular building. It stands high above the ground. It is made of timber (wood). It has a hipped roof, which means it slopes down on all four sides. The roof is made of corrugated iron.
The outside walls are covered with overlapping timber boards called weatherboard. It also has timber-framed windows with multiple glass panes. These are called sash windows and they slide open. On the eastern side, there's a new steel staircase. This staircase leads up to the entrance door on the ground floor.
Inside the Building
Inside the signal control room, the walls are covered with flat wooden boards. The ceiling has flat panels made of asbestos cement. The signal and point control system is still there. It originally had 64 levers. Today, 41 of these levers are still working. They have been updated to control modern electric light signals and track switches.
You can also see an old telephone system inside. There are also bells and other tools used by signal operators. The ground floor of the building has exposed timber frames. You can see the chains and rods that connect to the levers above. This lower area is also used for storage.
Condition of the Building
As of December 2009, the building and its equipment were in good condition. The Signal Box is still very much like it was when it was built. It is still being used, which means it is in excellent shape.
Updates Over Time
- 1957: The signal system was updated to work with electric light signals.
Why it's a Heritage Site
The Lithgow Coal Stage Signal Box is very important. It is a large and impressive timber signal box. It has been used continuously since 1925. It still has most of its original equipment. This makes it a great example of an old railway signal box from the early 1900s.
It has been updated to work with modern electric signals. This shows how old buildings can adapt to new technology. It is one of the largest signal boxes of its kind still standing. It is located near the Eskbank railway station. The signal box is a key part of Lithgow's railway history. It controlled access to the train depot and local coal mine lines. This shows its strong connection to Lithgow's industrial past.
The Lithgow Coal Stage Signal Box was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on August 30, 2013. This means it meets certain important criteria:
- It shows the history of New South Wales: It is one of the largest and most complete old timber signal boxes still working in the state. It shows an important part of how railways developed in Lithgow.
- It has links to important people or groups: This signal box is strongly connected to the past coal operations and industrial railway lines in the area. This includes lines to the State Mine and Power Station.
- It is a good example of design or technical skill: It is an excellent and complete example of a large, old timber signal box that stands high up.
- It can teach us about history: The signal box can help us understand how these buildings were designed in the 1920s. It also shows how signalling technology changed over time.
- It is rare or uncommon: It is quite rare to find a signal box of this age that is still being used.
- It represents a type of historical place: The Signal Box is a good example of traditional timber signal boxes. Other similar examples can be found in places like Homebush, Parramatta, Mount Victoria, and Katoomba.
Images for kids
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