Yass Town railway station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yass Town railway station |
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| Location | Yass Town Tramway, Yass, Yass Valley Shire, New South Wales, Australia |
| Owner | Transport Asset Holding Entity |
| Official name: Yass Town Railway Station and yard group | |
| Type | state heritage (complex / group) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 1293 |
| Type | Railway Platform/Station |
| Category | Transport – Rail |
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Yass Town railway station is a special old train station in Yass, Australia. It is now a museum. This station used to be the end of a short train line called the Yass Tramway. Today, it is home to the Yass Railway Museum. The station is important because it is a heritage-listed site. This means it is protected for its historical value.
Contents
A Look Back: The Station's Story
How the Yass Tramway Began
The Yass Town branch tramway was a short railway line. It opened on 20 April 1892. On the same day, the main Yass station was renamed Yass Junction. The tramway helped connect the town of Yass to the main railway line.
When the Tramway Closed
The Yass Tramway line officially closed in 1988. After it closed, a group called the Australian Railway Historical Society (ACT Division) worked with the local council. They wanted to save the old tramway and station area. The council took control of the station. They then leased it to the Historical Society.
The Railway Museum Opens
The Yass Railway Museum opened in the old station building. This happened on 20 April 1992. This date was exactly 100 years after the tramway first opened. The museum later came under the control of the local council. It still operates from the former station building today.
What the Station Looks Like
Buildings and Structures
The station area has several buildings. They were all built between 1891 and 1892. The main station building is made of timber. It is a type of station often found along roadsides. There is also a timber shed and a lamp room. The lamp room is made of corrugated iron. A goods shed is also on site. This shed was used for storing items being transported by train.
Platform and Equipment
The station platform is made of timber. It is at ground level. This is because it was used for a tramway, which often had lower platforms. You can also see some old equipment at the station. There is a T42 5-ton jib crane. This crane was used to lift heavy things. There is also an Avery 4cwt weighing machine. This machine was used to weigh goods.
The Track's Importance
The old track and its path along Dutton Street are also part of the heritage listing. This means the railway line itself is protected. It helps show how the tramway worked.
Why Yass Town Station is Special
A Unique Railway Site
The Yass Town group of buildings is very important. It has a unique design. It is the only surviving tramway station complex of its kind. This is shown by all its buildings being at ground level. Most train stations have a raised platform. The buildings date back to 1892. They are unusual and not standard designs.
A Well-Preserved Example
Even though the loco shed is gone, the rest of the station is still very complete. The station building itself is considered one of the best examples of a timber roadside station building that still exists.
Heritage Protection
Yass Town railway station was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This means it meets special requirements for historical importance. It is considered rare in New South Wales. This includes its historical, scientific, and architectural value. It is also seen as socially rare.
See also
