Bennett Brook Railway

The Bennett Brook Railway is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge tourist oriented railway operated by the West Australian Light Railway Preservation Association and is located within the boundaries of Whiteman Park, 19 kilometres (12 mi) from Perth.

Bennett Brook Railway
Overview
Status	Operating as a tourist railway
Owner	West Australian Light Rail Preservation Association
Locale	Whiteman, Western Australia
Stations	Whiteman Village Junction (formerly Central) Mussel Pool Kangaroo Flats Zamia (formerly Maine)
Website	bbr.org.au
Service
Type	Tourist railway
Operator(s)	West Australian Light Rail Preservation Association (WALRPA)
Depot(s)	Mussel Pool Workshops
History
Opened	1984
Technical
Line length	Approx 6 kilometres (3.7 mi)
Track gauge	2 ft (610 mm)
Operating speed	20 km/h (12 mph)

Bennett Brook Railway
Mussel Pool railway yard & workshops pedestrian path Bennett Brook Whiteman Drive West Whiteman Village Junction park management track pedestrian path park management track park management track park management track One Duck Lagoon Kangaroo Flats station pedestrian path pedestrian path Zamia station

History

The Western Australian Light Railway Preservation Association (WALRPA) was formed on 26 April 1976 by a group of rail enthusiasts who shared an interest in less well known railways of Western Australia.

Following the closing of the Lake View and Star Gold Mine in Kalgoorlie in the mid-1970s, four of the founding members purchased the railway's first locomotive - an LV&S 'Planet' Locomotive (which still operates at the railway - the Atlantic Planet). The Planet was first located at a member's Perth Hills property on 17 September 1976.

In 1977, the group proposed to develop a railway at Whiteman Park. Five submissions were received in total, 3 for a 610 mm (2 ft) railway, one for a 7+1⁄4 in (184 mm) railway, similar to the railway located at Castledare, and finally a submission to re-locate the Australian Railway Historical Society.

From 1977 to 1982, referred to as the negotiation period, the group also submitted proposals for an operational railway to El Caballo Blanco in Wundowie, The Maylands Peninsula Redevelopment, the former Upper Darling Range railway (from Kalamunda to Goosberry Hill), and a Mandurah tourist development.

The closure of the Bristile & Wunderlich Brickworks in Belmont saw the donation of a number of hoppers and other rail items. The railway acquired a locomotive and a number of hoppers from the Maylands Brickworks.

In 1982, development and restoration continued in the Perth Hills, until 16 August, when the WALRPA was advised by Metropolitan Region Planning Authority that their submission for a 610 mm (2 ft) railway at Whiteman Park had been successful. On 18 September 1982, the first equipment was placed at Whiteman Park.

In 1983, two former Whiteman Brick locomotives – "Ridley 2" and "Yellow Rose" – were acquired.

In June, the C passenger wagons (built on the Maylands Brickworks hoppers) and the Maylands locomotive were moved to Whiteman Park, hauling the first work train on 9 July, and the Planet Locomotive followed on 11 August.

Track laying began on 18 January 1984, and reached "Central" Station on 18 November the same year. Also in 1984, the WALRPA purchased the former Claisebrook railway station to be placed at Central Station (The building arrived in March of that year), acquired a 60 ft Turntable from Midland Workshops, and in March they were notified of their success in a tender for two SAR NG15 steam locomotives (#118 & #123).

8 December 1984 was the official opening of the Bennett Brook Railway, and Peter Dowding MLA (The Patron of the Organisation), with some assistance, drove the first passenger train out of Central Station.

Operations

The railway operates passenger services primarily on weekends, public holidays and school holidays, with some midweek services during school terms.

Held biannually, the railway runs a Friends of Ashley Day (formerly known as Friends of Thomas the Tank Engine), which sees most of the railway's volunteers, locomotives and passenger carriages in operation. This is usually held in May and September which sees the start and end of the railway's steam season.

Enthusiast's days are also held occasionally. They are held in winter so there are no restrictions on steam operations. Most operating engines are involved in interesting freight and passenger trains.

Locomotives

September to May is fire season, so diesel engines will operate all services.

May to September is steam season, steam engines may operate weekend services when available and diesel engines will operate all other services.

Dates are approximate and are dependent on park conditions and approval.

Model	Name	Former operator	Condition	Wheel arrangement	Comments	Coupler(s)	Image
SAR NG15 123	Fremantle	South African Railways	Maintenance	2-8-2	Overhaul in progress, returning to steam in 2025	Jones couplers
SAR NG15 118	Elizabeth	South African Railways	Stored	2-8-2	Stored with major work required	Jones couplers
Perry	Betty Thompson	Inkerman Sugar Mill, QLD	Operational	0-4-2T	Privately owned. Current steam mainstay	Jones couplers
Perry		Marian Sugar Mill, QLD	Storage	0-6-2T	Awaiting overhaul	Link and pin
O&K Mallet No. 3		Magnet Tramway, TAS	Maintenance	0-4-4-0T	Restoration in progress	Link and pin
Krauss		Multiple. Previous - Western Machinery, WA	Storage	0-4-0WT	Awaiting restoration	Link and pin

Large diesel locomotives

Model	Name	Former operator	Condition	Wheel arrangement	Comments	Coupler(s)	Image
1938 Planet (Atlantic Engine)	Planet 7	Lake View and Star Gold Mine, WA	Operational	0-4-0		Jones couplers, Link and pin
1938 Planet		Lake View and Star Gold Mine, WA	Maintenance	0-4-0	Sister to number 7, acquired in February 2024 courtesy of the Boulder Loop Line	Link and pin
1968 Planet (Dorman Engine)	Dorman	Lake View and Star Gold Mine, WA	Maintenance	0-4-0	Privately owned, needs axles repaired	Jones couplers, Link and pin
Gemco Funkey PW27	Wyndham	Wyndham Jetty, WA	Maintenance	0-4-0	Awaiting gearbox overhaul return to service unknown	Jones couplers
Fowler #2	Rosalie	Isis Central Sugar Mill, QLD	Operational	0-6-0	New Drive Train, Motor, Transmission and Livery (Garbage Truck donated it's motor to the locomotive)	Jones couplers

Small locomotives

Builder	Model	Name	Former operator	Condition	Wheel arrangement	Comments	Couplers	Fuel	Image
Kless		Ashley	"The Big Orange", WA	Operational	0-4-0D		Link and pin	Diesel
Ruston & Hornsby	LBT		Manjimup Mill, WA	Maintenance	4wdDM		Jones couplers, Link and pin	Diesel
Maylands Brickworks		Maylands	Maylands Brickworks, WA	Operational		Maylands was the first Operational locomotive at the BBR, Powered by a Holden Red 6 Cylinder Engine and an automatic car transmission	Link and pin	Petrol
Planet		Yellow Rose	Whiteman Brickworks, WA	Operational	4wPM		Link and pin	Diesel
Ridley			Whiteman Brick	Maintenance	4wPM		Link and pin
Ridley #2			Whiteman Brick	Storage	2-2w + 2w-2PM		Link and pin

Carriages and wagons

Passenger carriages

Large stock

All fitted with Jones couplers

Class	Number	Original class	Original operator	Description	Comments	Entered service
AQ	4745	QBB	WAGR	Fitted with window glazing. Concertina fitted at both ends	BBR Built on QBB Chassis. Part of Winter Stock.	1986
AQ	1788	QBB	WAGR	Mostly in original construction condition, no glazing of the windows. Rebuilt doors, concertina fitted at both ends	BBR Built on QBB Chassis. Part of Winter Stock.	1986
AQB	2790	QBB	WAGR	Fitted With Guards Compartment	BBR Built on QBB Chassis. Part of Winter Stock	1986
AV	3251	V	WAGR	Party Coach. Fitted with tables and seats, a Bar servery area and a Brake Instrument	BBR Built on V Chassis	1989
AR	1638	R	WAGR	Wheelchair access. Fitted with "Roll Up" windows. Fitted with concertinas at both end. No fixed seating	BBR Built on R Chassis. Part of Winter Stock	1995
R	3644	R	WAGR	Fitted with a Roof wooden seats for passenger seating. Fitted with concertinas at both ends. "Drop" side doors modified for passenger access	Part of Summer Stock	1990
RP	1783	R	WAGR	Fitted with a Roof, wooden seats for passenger seating. Fitted with concertinas at both ends. "Drop" side doors modified for passenger access	Part of Summer Stock	1990
RP	4461	R	WAGR	Fitted with a Roof, wooden seats for passenger seating. "Drop" side doors modified for passenger access	Reputed to be the only remaining example of a WAGR 4 Door R wagon. Part of Summer Stock	1990
Z	63	V	WAGR	Brake Van	Replica Z wagon, built by BBR on an ex WAGR V Wagon (V3263) Chassis. Brake van on Summer Stock.
R	1751	R	WAGR	Grey Open Wagon with No Roof, wooden seats for passenger seating. "Drop" side doors modified for passenger access	Part of Summer Stock	2015
ZB	213	ZB	WAGR	First Class Coach ZB wagon, built by BBR on an ex WAGR ZB First Class Coach (ZB213) Chassis. Green Brake van with First Class Compartment and Baggage Compartment	2021

Small stock

All fitted with link and pin couplers

Designator	Built from/on	Description	Comments	Entered service
ALV4	Maylands Clay Pit chassis	4 Wheelchair Accessible Passenger Carriage Air braked	Currently used for wheelchairs	2021
C3	Maylands Clay Pit chassis	4 Wheel Passenger Carriage	Restored to operational service on a "Citra" chassis for BBR's 21st Birthday celebrations in 2005	1983
BV1	Lake View and Star Goldmine Ore hopper Chassis	4 Wheel Passenger Brake Carriage	Air braked and Fitted with Brake wheel in Guards Compartment. Still operational	1984
ALV11	Lake View and Star Goldmine Ore hopper Chassis	Air braked 4 Wheel Passenger Carriage	Still operational	1985
ALV12	Lake View and Star Goldmine Ore hopper Chassis	air braked 4 Wheel Passenger Carriage	Still operational	1985
ADL101		Toast Rack Style Passenger Carriages	Originally built in Harvey for the Big Orange Railway. Transported to BBR in 2004 and purchased in 2020	2006
ADL102		Toast Rack Style Passenger Carriages	Originally built in Harvey for the Big Orange Railway. Transported to BBR in 2004 and purchased in 2020	2006
ADL103		Toast Rack Style Passenger Carriages	Originally built in Harvey for the Big Orange Railway. Transported to BBR in 2004 and purchased in 2020

Freight/industrial wagons

All Wagons are fitted with Jones couplers, unless said otherwise.

Class	Number	Original operator	Description	Comments
D	33	WAGR	Covered Goods Van	Restored, and reinstalled on LA Chassis (Used on work trains)
QBB	2889	WAGR	Flat Wagon, used to carry heavy and often large loads about the railway	To Carry Coal Bunkers for BT1 Betty Thompson
LA	23778	WAGR	Ballast Hopper	Used on work trains
JOA	12051	WAGR	Distillate Fuel Tanker	Used as a water tanker Needs Maintenance
J	11374	WAGR	Water Tanker	Used as a water gin for NG15 123 Fremantle
V	3326	WAGR	Goods Van	Currently to store equipment in and used on work trains

For more information, please Visit the BBR Pages [1][2]

Buildings

Whiteman Village Junction Station, with the former Subiaco Signal Cabin in the background

At the Bennett Brook Railway, all buildings used on the line (with the exclusion of the yards) are former WAGR/Westrail Station Buildings.

Whiteman Village Junction Station houses the former station buildings from Claisebrook Station (Platform 1/Ticket Office), Subiaco Station (Platform 2/3, Party Room), and Signal cabins from Subiaco and Fremantle (Both are currently not operational). Down at Mussel Pool: The station building is from Nungarin (And was transported to BBR in 1989 with assistance from the Australian Army's 22nd Construction Squadron. There are also two signal Cabins, Collie (No longer operational, now located at parker siding), and Cottesloe, which is fully operational located at the northern end of the Mussel Pool platform.

Signalling and safeworking

The former Mussel Pool Signal Cabin, from Collie, in use

The ex Wagin lever frame, now installed in the Cottesloe Cabin at Mussel Pool

Located at Mussel Pool, the original Cottesloe Cabin (1897 - 1931) is in place on the Station Platform, and is fully operational. In the Cottesloe Cabin, stands the former Wagin Lever frame, with 15 levers, this frame turned out to be the perfect size for the Mussel Pool Station. 13 of the 15 levers in the frame are used, for 3 sets of points & Locks, and 12 Signals. The cabin is used mostly on weekends during run-arounds at Mussel Pool station, however during large events the cabin is used to assist sorting and preparing trains at the start of the event.

BBR uses the Staff and Ticket System for section authority on the Bushland Loop (Red Staff) and electric staff (Yellow) on Mussel Pool Branch. To travel on a section of line, the driver of a locomotive must be in possession of the relevant Staff. Using staff and ticket, in the case of multiple trains needing to use 1 section of track, the Staff unlocks a box located in the signal cabins at each end of the section, which hold the tickets. A ticket would be filled out and given to the driver of the lead consist, who would also be shown the staff. After the average time to complete the section has passed, the second train can depart the station, proceeding with caution in case the train ahead has broken down, holding both the staff (or another ticket) and a notice of train ahead.

In 1997 an Electric Staff system was introduced on the Mussel Pool to Whiteman Village Junction section, with staff instruments located in the signal cabins at both stations. At the same time a wired telephone line was introduced between the two stations, using telegraph poles. With electric staff working, the driver carries a staff withdrawn from the staff machine thereby locking the machines at each end of the line from releasing another staff. When the train reaches the end of the section, the staff is placed in the machine at the terminating end and both machines are unlocked allowing another staff to be removed.

BBR has recently completed installation of electric point motors on all mainline points, electrically operated semaphore signals at the north end and searchlight coloured light signals at the southern end of Whiteman Village Junction. Operation of the points and signals are controlled from cubicles located at ground level. Work has now started on the configuration of the elevated signal cabin (ex Subiaco) to control train movements at Whiteman Village Junction. Once completed, the cabin will be able to be switched in as required disconnecting the ground level cubicles.

Publications of BBR/WALRPA

• Western Rails (1977–1990)

• Rusty Rails (1982–1994)

• Bennett Brook Railway (2003–) electronic resource
• Swan Valley's Bennett Brook Railway members newsletter (1998–2004) and (2007–2010)

• Shed : the newsletter of the Bennett Brook Railway. (undated one edition 2007 or 2006 ?)

• The Bennett Brook railway worker (2004–2006)

• Bennett Brook Railway newsletter (2011– ?)
• The Bennett Brooklet (2012 ? – present )

External links

A & J Inglis Crane of 1855 at Bennett Brook Railway

• Official website