Ravensthorpe Railway Station

Statement of Significance

Facilities included the 7()'x35' half shed removed from Hopetoun for locomotives, a 5O'x2O goods shed and a loading bank with a five ton crane. A turntable was provided at the outset but removed in 1921 thus compelling all engines to run tender first one way. Overhead tanks were connected to the public dams but at 7/6d (75c) per 1000 gallons, it was regarded as too dear a luxury in the lean years of the line from 1920 and taken out of regular use. Thereafter a travelling tank had to be hauled on all trains stabling at Ravensthorpe but a return trip from Hopetoun could be made without it. The station was attended by a caretaker at first but with travelling station master from Hopetoun on mixed trains. This arrangement did no) last long and Ravensthorpe became the headquarters of the line from 1" January 1910 with the District Station master, as the officer-in-charge was titled, located there as were sundry staff and maintenance personnel. Following the mining collapse, all staff were withdrawn and control reverted to the station master at Hopetoun- During World War I a train crew was again stationed at Ravensthorpe. The five ton crane and loading bank are still in use. The turntable site and inspection pits are still visible under the long grass and bushes.

Physical Description

The yard here was even smaller than that at Hopetoun. Station buildings were almost identical and like Hopetoun a passenger platform was omitted for reasons of economy. Sheep and cattle races were the only refinements not possessed by other places on this line.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: The 5 ton crane and loading bank are still in use. Turntable sile, inspection pits etc are still visible under the long grass and bushes.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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