(IGA)

806

This 1940's layout of Inchanga was very simplified compared to its original. With the New Main Line being open at the time, as well as the World War, money was tight. With the downgrading of Inchanga station, it was decided to create a simplified signalling installation replacing the previous type with standard S.A.R. Signalling. The station was installed with Detector Locking, hand tumblers all round and with a single Home Signal each end of the station, capable of being operated for the Main Line or the Loop. This was one of only 4 stations with this type of set up, the others being Strand, Bethesda Road & Avoca. From the mid 1940's Van Schoor was in operation to Botha's Hill (newly re-opened in 1943) & to Cato Ridge. This layout of the station & signalling lasted for the next 50 years. As the local suburban passenger services got canned in late 1988, and wayside goods trains were depleting, it was decided to close Inchanga in May 1990, Inchanga then became an temporary Interloop. Both Home signals were "X" out, and the Van Schoor machines removed. The lever frame & diagram were moved to Durban Station concourse as a Museum exhibit. By October 1992, the "X"d out Signals and their posts were removed from Inchanga, along with all other signalling from Pinetown - Cato Ridge.