SSM No 7 Steam Locomotive, Pemberton Timber Mill

Statement of Significance

Historic, Representativeness and Scientific

Physical Description

• Located in a park close to Brockman Street;
• Close to other important heritage buildings;
• Pemberton to Northcliffe railway/tramway line runs close by,
and;
• Fine example of a steam engine used c1915-1930.

History

Built in 1895, being new to WAGR 22 August 1895. Sold to State Saw
Mills in November 1946 and was renumbered to SSM No. 7. Was at
Shannon River in Nove,ber 1953, and at Pemberton in November 1960.
Last used as a shunter at Pemberton, c. 1970.
A sign on the engine indicates that this steam engine was in service for
the State Sawmill No 7. It is representative of the steam engines that
would have serviced the Pemberton to Northcliffe Railway line which
was constructed between 1929 and 1933. The Pemberton-Northcliffe
Railway comprises a standard plan timber and iron railway station, and a
3ft 6ins gauge railway line, 36 km in length between Pemberton and
Northcliffe, which include seven railway bridges. The station was built in
1926 and the railway line and bridges were constructed in 1929-33. Many
of the bridges contain repair material, including concrete piers to replace
trestles and steel beams to replace timber. At the Northcliffe end of the
line, there is the remains of a station platform formation and a two ton
crane.
A railway line had existed between Jarnadup (now Jardee) and Big Brook
(Pemberton) since c1912. Pemberton townsite was first settled in 1912
after the establishment of the State Saw Mill No 3. It was only officially
named Pemberton in October 1925. The sawmills were to supply the
sleepers for the Trans-Australian Railway. The timber industry which
grew up provided extensive employment and accommodation was built
for the workers and their families in Pemberton in the years that
followed.
The line between Jarnadup and Big Brook continued in operation, the
primary purpose being to transport timber for the mills. Big Brook
became a thriving mill town, with a hall, store, staff accommodation, mill
workers’ cottages and single men’s huts and two boarding houses. The
1920s was a period of growth in Pemberton (Big Brook).
For 50 years the line provided an important transportation link which
allowed the development of the region, bringing to it the necessary farm
materials, including superphosphate, and carrying away the timber and
agricultural produce of the area, as well as providing transport for people.
In December 1986 the Pemberton to Northcliffe Railway was closed to
traffic. In 1987 it was leased to Mr R Pearson, trading as Pemberton
Tramway Co to be developed as a tourist venture, operating as a light
railway. That same year the tourist tramway was officially opened,
utilizing three light-weight rail cars, custom made by Willis Light
Engineering of Rivervale. The condition of the track, and the density of
the terrain made the Pemberton-Northcliffe trip a day long excursion.
The tramway and daily tram rides are a popular activity for visitors to the
area.
The tram line crosses Brockman Street, the main street of Pemberton
close to where this steam engine is located in a park.
For a more detailed history of the Pemberton to Northcliffe Railway refer
to the documentation for that place.
Refer to 16.6 for more historical notes

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Good
Authenticity: Good

Condition

Fair

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

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