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J.R. Torpey's Siding

Origin of name: Local landholder J.R. Torpey

Siding opened: 23-5-1923

Siding removed: 19-10-1964

Distance from Melbourne (via Castlemaine): 258 miles 45 chains; 423 km approx.

Height above Sea Level: 253 feet

Torpey's siding, located between Gama and Turriff, was opened for inwards and outwards traffic in 1923 and was unusual in that it was a private goods siding located between two established stations. The Victorian Railways Annual Report recorded the traffic returns from the siding which indicates that the revenue was not attributed to Turriff, only two miles away. Torpey's Siding was supervised by the Stationmaster at Lascelles.

The siding consisted of a simple loop on the down side of the main line protected by staff locks and rodded connections.

Grain and mallee roots were outwards loading and superphosphate the main inwards loading. Former Lascelles Stationmaster Mr. J. Robinson, in his book "Along the Track" noted that the siding was used for "the occasional truck of sheep".

Improved road transport and grain handling facilities most likely made the siding uneconomical to maintain and it was removed on 19-10-1964.

Circular issued by the Chief Traffic Manager advising of the dismantling of Torpey's Siding on 19-10-1964. Source: Victorian Railways, R.K. Whitehead Collection