This blog will follow the planning and construction of a model of Nannup railway station in Sn3½ (1:64) scale. The project is very much in the early planning stages and I will endeavour post updates as progress is made.
This first post will feature a large annotated selection of prototype photos and maps of Nannup and surrounds.
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Nannup Rail History
Between 1898 and 1899 the Jarrah Wood & Sawmills Company constructed a timber line from Busselton to Jarrahwood. In 1902 the Jarrah Wood & Sawmills Company was absorbed by the Millars Timber & Trading Company. By 1907 the line was derelict and was purchased by the WAGR. A new formation was laid to Nannup and the Wonnerup to Nannup branchline officially opened in 1909. Mixed trains were common on the line and a fast passenger train between Busselton and Nannup was introduced in 1946. The the line was reduced to goods only in 1948 when road bus services were introduced. Following two derailments line was closed in 1984. A re-commissioning study was conducted in 1989 to access mineral sands deposits, but never eventuated. Traffic on the line was primarily timber, supplied by the adjoining timber mill, general freight, beer kegs, recycled bottles, fruit and superphospahte. G, W and Msa Class locomotive were common on the line until the end of steam in 1971. X/XA/XB locos ruled the line in later years, with F and Y class locos also seen on the line.
Map of the line to Nannup Mill (LR )
On the northern approach to Nannup the line crosses the Blackwood River via a large timber trestle. The bridge is now preserved as a walking and cycling trail and is also part of the Munda Biddi Trail.
Station Yard
At its greats extent, Nannup consisted of four tracks with a goods platform, goods shed, out-of-shed and stockyard. The stockyard was removed in 1927, with the eastern fourth track and good shed also removed most likely around the same time.
Early photos also appear to show what looks like a station masters house. A barracks was also provided near the station.
Loco Depot
A spartan loco depot was provided at the south end of the yard. An elevated siding allowed for coaling from wagons on the raised line. A 40ft turntable was available at the end of the spur, which was later upgraded to 60ft. The facilities were out of use by 1972.
W 952, the last steam loco working on the line, early 70s. |
Sawmill Spur
The Nannup Sawmill was originally constructed in 1915 by the Kauri Timber Company and was later taken over by Bunnings. The mill was serviced by a spur from the south end of yard.
A Malcolm Moore built locomotive was used to haul the WAGR timber wagons between the yard and the mill. The loco was originally built as a batch of twenty 3' gauge locos in 1950 for a Victorian dam project and was converted to 3' 6" for use in WA around 1960.
