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The Somerton Signal Box was originally on the extension of the Coburg line from Fawkner to Somerton initiated at the end of the 1880's to promote more suburban development during the then land boom with supposed advantage of direct connection to country and Sydney trains. However It was not a success - opening in 1880 and closing to passenger traffic in 1904.
The first Somerton Signal Box was constructed In 1889 and closed In 1904. An auxiliary box was built In 1902, possibly to serve as a goods only box and for Somerton Station. Use of the section of line between Fawkner and Somerton was discontinued In the 1910's but in the 1930's a rail-motor was used to provide a shuttle service to stations at Fawkner, Campbellfield (now closed) and North Campbellfield (now Upfield). In 1959 the line was upgraded, with electrification to the new Upfield station. Also, in 1959, the old Somerton Auxiliary Box was closed and Somerton Signal Box was reopened.
The Somerton Signal Box existed prior to 1962 when Centralised Train Control (CTC) was Introduced and had front windows until vandals had repeatedly smashed them with ballast. The side windows were also replaced with perspex. It was In use (part time at the end) until at least June 2007 when CTC came Into full time use. The Department of Transport decided the best place for the box following Its removal from Somerton was with the Mornington Railway. In mid 2007 the Emerald Tourist Railway Board (Puffing Billy) was granted the contract to relocate it to Moorooduc. The box was internally stripped of mechanical and electrical Interlocking apparatus and a removalist firm was engaged to transport the box to Moorooduc. After arrival, the lower level, staircase and weatherboards were replaced. The upper level, roof framing and its floor are original although the box required a new metal roof. In early 2008 the mechanical apparatus was re installed with the former interlocking mechanism remaining In storage In the lower level.
Mornington Railway uses the upper level as a Safeworking Room for current operations and to house The Staff, The Staff and Ticket Box, portable brake apparatus and guard's kit
It Is Intended to connect the existing Up Home Signal for Moorooduc to the box and When required to control the Up end of Moorooduc including the Level Crossing at Moorooduc Highway.
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