VPRS 12859 Subject Files, Overhead Design Group

Full description

This series consists of subject files relating to the design, maintenance and installation of overhead electrical wiring for permanent way train services, and the transmission of electric energy. This series was created by the Permanent Way Overhead Design Division of Victorian Railways (Electrical Engineering Branch). The Division was also known as the Overhead Superintendent's Office, Overhead and Electrolysis Design Division and Overhead Technical Division.

From 1983 to 1989, following the abolition of Victorian Railways (VA 2876), the Overhead Design Division of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) inherited and continued to use this series. With the formation of the Public Transport Corporation (VA 2984) in 1989, the overhead design function was inherited by the Design Services Group of the Infrastructure Division. It is probable that this series constituted the personal filing system of the general manager of these various divisions.

For the purposes of annual financial reporting the Electrical Engineering Branch was also known as Division 'G'. This identification system continued until 1964 when letter prefixes used for identifying branches ceased.

The series includes:
- Overhead policy statements and policy files,
- Melbourne Underground Rail Loop (MURL) reports and tests,
- Electrification Structure Plans. Plans recorded also the location of the structure, its construction type (including mast and arms type) and dimensions,
- Project files, estimates, specifications, photographs of works, and schedules including plans and circuit drawings for overhead lines,
- Photographs, technical notes, reports and articles accumulated from overseas research trips,
- Correspondence and
- Technical reports and manuals.