Creswick was one of those stations that when you stumbled upon it for the first time, you were amazed that the whole complex had survived for so long. A lovely main building, dating from 1874, a classic Victorian railways elevated signal box, built in March 1913, still in full use with the electric staff system of safeworking when first visited in 1986, and an ancient brick goods shed. It all just oozed timelessness, and peace, being situated well outside of town. And naturally in those days, friendly staff would allow one to wander the yard in complete safety. I first visited in 1986, and did not realize that time was short for Creswick’s continued existence in it’s present form. Then, in 1989, the crossing loop was removed, and the station unattended. In 1993 with the end of the Mildura passenger service it was formerly closed. Then followed years of neglect, vandalism, restoration, and the cycle went on. Finally in July 2010 passenger trains were reintroduced to Maryborough, and a new platform built on the site of the former loop, and goods yard. The old station still sits, all windows boarded over, with local council plans to turn the original complex into a community hub of sorts.
There are other photos of Creswick at Vicrail stations.
VIC 3363, Australia
Signal box dates from 26-3-1913. Curious as to where the 1910 date came from?
Nice shots but Creswick is very much a north south alignment although the railway does approach from a westerly aspect on the down owing to the easier grades. The sharp curve at the down definitely brings the line onto a north south alignment.
Hi David,
Yes Mick has comfirmed its true. So I will go and change accordingly. If you have any photos we could use, and credit to you of any places along this line, it would be much appreciated.
Thanks for you interest,
Cheers.
Davo.
Actually from Railpage, a history appeared in a thread on Creswick. However since you have a precise date it is even better.
Do you know if Clunes had a large box like Creswick, as there was a massive interlocking hole under the platform some years ago, or was it just one of those things that was planned and never happened?
Clunes (and probably Talbot as well) were to be interlocked like Creswick but sense prevailed in head office or the money ran out, and they were not done although Clunes got the building but not the frame. The only frame at Clunes was the 10 lever machine in the dinky box at the Melbourne end of the station building. I have pics but they will need sorting out from the chaff in my collection.
Hi David,
Thanks very much for the information, just writing up Clunes now. I have seen pictures of the small shed you mentioned and remember the great hole under the platform where it stood for a much larger structure. The only thing I need to clarify did they actually build a large box there, as in the case of Maroona, which then sat unused, empty, and later demolished, or just prepare the platform, then put up the small shack with it’s 10 levers and that was the end of it. I thought I had pictures of Clunes before they shortened the platform right up, however sadly seems when I made it there with a camera the work was already done.
Thanks for any pictures you may find,
Cheers,
David.