Medlow Bath railway station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Medlow Bath
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Eastbound view in September 2007
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| Location | Great Western Highway, Medlow Bath Australia |
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| Coordinates | 33°40′25″S 150°16′50″E / 33.673595°S 150.280674°E | ||||||||||
| Elevation | 1,059 metres (3,474 ft) | ||||||||||
| Owned by | Transport Asset Holding Entity | ||||||||||
| Operated by | NSW TrainLink | ||||||||||
| Line(s) | Main Western | ||||||||||
| Distance | 115.80 km (71.95 mi) from Central | ||||||||||
| Platforms | 2 (1 island) | ||||||||||
| Tracks | 2 | ||||||||||
| Connections | Bus | ||||||||||
| Construction | |||||||||||
| Structure type | Ground | ||||||||||
| Other information | |||||||||||
| Station code | MED | ||||||||||
| Website | Transport for NSW | ||||||||||
| History | |||||||||||
| Opened | 21 January 1880 | ||||||||||
| Electrified | Yes | ||||||||||
| Previous names | Browns Siding Pulpit Hill Medlow |
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| Traffic | |||||||||||
| Passengers (2013) | 40 (daily) (Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink) | ||||||||||
| Rank | 269 | ||||||||||
| Services | |||||||||||
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| Official name | Medlow Bath Railway Station group | ||||||||||
| Type | State heritage (complex / group) | ||||||||||
| Designated | 2 April 1999 | ||||||||||
| Reference no. | 1190 | ||||||||||
| Type | Railway Platform/ Station | ||||||||||
| Category | Transport - Rail | ||||||||||
Medlow Bath railway station is a special old railway station. It is found on the Main Western railway line in Medlow Bath, Australia. The station was built by NSW Government Railways between 1902 and 1922. It was added to a special list of important places in New South Wales on April 2, 1999. The station first opened on January 21, 1880. It was called Browns Siding Pulpit Hill back then. Later, it was renamed Medlow in 1883 and then Medlow Bath in 1903.
Contents
Station History
The railway line from Katoomba to Blackheath opened in 1868. A train stop was set up at Medlow Bath in 1881. It was first called Brown Siding. This was because of Brown's sawmill nearby.
The station became Medlow in 1883. It was renamed Medlow Bath in 1903. This happened when Mark Foy's Hydro-Majestic Hotel opened.
Platform Changes Over Time
The first platform in 1881 was 30 metres (100 feet) long. It was on the same side as the current station. More buildings were added in 1899. In 1902, the railway line was made into two tracks. This meant the old platform had to be replaced.
The new platform became an "island" platform. This is a platform with tracks on both sides. The buildings you see today were built around that time. Like many stations in the area, Medlow Bath got a standard brick building. It was built in the Federation style.
The Old Signal Box
There is also a small timber signal box on the platform. A system to control the trains was put there in 1909. It seems the timber building was added around 1922 to cover it. This signal box stopped being used in 1957. It was then used as a storage room. It is now a rare example of a signal box on a platform.
Other Station Updates
An extra railway track was built in 1926. In 1942, the platform was made longer towards the Sydney end. The old house for the gatekeeper is now owned by a private person.
Train Services and Platforms
Medlow Bath station has one island platform. This means it has two sides for trains. NSW TrainLink Blue Mountains Line trains use this station. They travel from Sydney Central to Lithgow.
| Platform | Line | Stopping pattern | Notes |
| 1 |
NSW TrainLink
|
services to Sydney Central | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
NSW TrainLink
|
services to Mount Victoria & Lithgow |
Station Design and Features
The station has a main building and a timber signal room. The platform is made of brick. There is also a footbridge.
Main Station Building (1902)
The main station building was built in 1902. It is made of red bricks. It has a roof made of corrugated metal. This roof extends out to form awnings over both platforms. This building is an early example of the "A8" Federation style.
It has six sections lined up along the platform. There are brick pillars between each section. The building has fancy details like moulded lines and a decorative top edge. The windows and doors are made of timber. They have special designs and coloured glass. The roof has tall chimneys and decorative ends.
Medlow Bath Station is not staffed. The inside of the building is not currently used. It used to have a ticket office, waiting rooms, and toilets. The rooms have special ceilings and fireplaces.
Timber Signal Room (around 1922)
This is a small timber building. It is located near the ticket office. It used to cover the train control system. It is now used as a storage room. It has a steep metal roof. It also has small windows and a timber door.
Island Platform (1902)
The platform runs north to south. The station buildings are in the middle. The platform is made of brick with a concrete top. There are some round raised areas on the platform. These might be for accessing services under the platform. There are also garden beds along the platform.
Modern things like lights, signs, and wooden benches are on the platform. There is also metal fencing at both ends.
Footbridge (1901, 1994)
A footbridge crosses over the tracks. It connects the Great Western Highway and Railway Parade. The original parts of the bridge are from 1901. It was updated in 1994. The bridge has new stairs and a new concrete path. Metal railings were added in 1994 for safety.
Station Condition
As of December 2008, the station was in good shape from the outside. However, the inside of the main building was in poor condition. The signal room was good outside, but its inside condition was unknown. The platform and footbridge were in very good condition.
The main building looks mostly the same from the outside. But the inside has changed a lot. The timber signal room is still mostly original. The footbridge also keeps its original steel frame.
Changes Over the Years
- Around 1922: The timber signal box was built to cover the train control system.
- 1926: An extra railway track was added.
- 1942: The platform was made longer towards Sydney.
- 1957: The railway line was made electric.
- 1994: The footbridge was updated with a new path and stairs. Its steel frame was cleaned and repainted.
Getting There: Transport Links
Blue Mountains Transit operates two bus routes that stop at Medlow Bath station:
- 698: From Katoomba to Blackheath
- 698V: From Katoomba to Mount Victoria
Why Medlow Bath Station is Special
Medlow Bath Railway Station is important for many reasons. It shows how railways were built in the early 1900s. Especially how they added more tracks in the Blue Mountains. It was built when many people expected more tourists in the mountains. This was because of big hotels like the Hydro-Majestic Hotel.
The station building is a great example of a Federation style railway station. It shows the typical design of island platform buildings. These were built when the railway line was doubled between Penrith and Lithgow.
Historical Importance
Medlow Bath Station is important because it shows the history of railway building. It highlights the amazing engineering achievements of the early 1900s. It was built to prepare for a busy time in the mountains. This was especially true with the growth of holiday resorts like the Hydro-Majestic Hotel.
Beautiful Design
The station building is a good example of a standard design. It shows the typical look of Federation period buildings. These were built after the railway line was doubled. The station still looks great and fits well in its surroundings.
Community Connection
This place helps the local community feel connected to their past. It is an important part of their local history.
Rare Features
The timber signal room is quite rare. Most signal rooms in the Blue Mountains are part of the main station building. This one is separate.
Typical Railway Examples
The station building is an early example of a common railway design. Many similar stations were built later. The footbridge from 1901 is also a typical example. It shows how steel beams were used to build bridges back then.
