Claremont Signal Cabin And Steam Train

Claremont Signal Cabin was first opened on 14th October 1906. It was built to control the busy station, which was the mid-point station between the Port (Fremantle) and the Capital (Perth), especially including goods. Since then, the Royal Agricultural Society of WA had moved from Guildford to the Claremont Showgrounds. The signalman "controlled" trains between his station and those on each side, using signals to the drivers. Trains were signalled by the use of bells. The signalman also operated a set of level crossing gates just west of the station. Automatic signalling was introduced in 1962. In the 1970s, the rostered signalman was removed because of the rise in road traffic and the demise of rail goods traffic. The operation of the Signal Box stopped in 1990 when the lines were electrified and the system was computerised. The preserved signal cabin is the last lever cabin on suburban lines and is staffed by ex-railway Signalmen and volunteers dedicated to portraying the Signalman's working environment. It is open for public viewing from March-December each year. (Reference: The Claremont Signal Cabin: Visitors Guide: Town of Claremont publication).

The Claremont Railway Station, which includes the Signal Cabin, is on the Register of Heritage Places. It is classified by the National Trust, is on the register of the National Estate,is included in the Statewide Railway Heritage Survey and is listed in the Town of Claremont's Municipal Inventory. The place is under special protection through a Conservation Plan and a Heritage Agreement. Responsibility for the Signal Cabin rests with the Town of Claremont who have a lease on the Signal Cabin as per the Licence to Occupy No. L5101, which runs until 2007. Philip Martin worked at Claremont Railway Station as a signal man until he retired in 1913. Other signal men were Mr Smith and Mr Peachy. They worked 3 shifts over twenty four hours 8am-4pm, 4pm-12 midnight, midnight-8amTrack being used by train is no longer there. Only one set of tracks now passes between the two platforms.