Sandstone Branch Railway

Sandstone Branch Railway (also known as the Black Range railway) was a branch railway line between Mount Magnet and Sandstone in the Mid West region of Western Australia.

History
It was built in 1910, and closed in 1949; it was lifted in 1950.

Route
It was connected to the Mullewa – Meekatharra railway at Mount Magnet.



Locations on line

 * Mount Magnet – 481 mi (from Perth)
 * Warrambu – 504 mi
 * Mount Ford – 510 mi
 * Paynesville 525 mi
 * Intersection with No 1 Rabbit Proof Fence at 543 mi
 * Anketell – 547 mi
 * Jundoo – 550 mi
 * Sandstone – 575 mi

An interactive map of the Sandstone line is available at OpenStreetMap.

Proposed link to Leonora
Prior to and after construction, there were suggestions of connecting to the railway line at Leonora, approximately 100 mi south east of Sandstone. Such a connection would have created a loop line linking the Northern Railway with the Eastern Goldfields Railway. The proposal was not successful.

Reputation of branch line
The railway was considered by the railway commissioner of the time in the mid-1930s to be the worst railway in Western Australia. Post-Second World War austerity issues were given as part of reason for closing in 1948 due to shortage of 45 lb rails for the required repairs to remain open.

Goods shed
The Sandstone railway goods shed built in 1910 was considered to be of heritage significance, having survived long after closing of the line.