Archives In Brief 54 - An introduction to State Rail Records
The bulk of the State Rail Authority's archival collection was transferred to State Records in 2000. This Archives in Brief provides a brief introduction to the collection, and how to access the records.
- Finding State Rail Authority records
- Popular record series
- Access to Rolled Plans R199, R300 and R301
- State Rail 'R' number
Other records may be identified in Archives Investigator, and the interim lists of records transferred from State Rail, available in the reading rooms.
Researchers should consult the Register of Access Directions to confirm the public availability of records. State Records' staff can advise you on the availability of records if they are not listed on the register.
Finding State Rail Authority records
1. Check Archives Investigator
Part of the State Rail Authority's archival collection has been described and listed on the State Records' online archives information and access system, Archives Investigator. We are regularly updating Archives Investigator with series and item level information about the State Rail records. This is a lengthy process however, and it will take time to add all the information.
2. Check the interim lists available in the reading rooms
Until the full collection is listed in Archives Investigator, interim descriptions and item lists for those records not yet in Archives Investigator are available in our reading rooms.
3. Visit the Western Sydney Records Centre
The records themselves are housed at the Western Sydney Records Centre and researchers will need to visit the Western Sydney reading room to access them.
Popular record series
This is only a small selection of records. Further information about State Rail records can be accessed via Archives Investigator and the lists in our reading rooms.
NRS 12922 Personal History Cards - Employees born before 1900
These cards cover employees born before 1900, who were employed as at 1910 and onwards and who subscribed to the superannuation fund. The cards give details relating to the name of the person, date of birth, educational qualifications, and details of service.
There is a online copy service for this series.
Railway employees born after 1900
The State Rail Authority holds a series of personal history cards for railway employees born after 1900. These cards were maintained by the Finance Branch for payroll purposes. For access to items in this record series please write to the following address. An application fee is payable.
RailCorp
Freedom of Information Officer
PO Box K349 HAYMARKET NSW 1238
Phone: (02) 8202 2323
State Records holds cards for some employees born after 1900. Further information about these cards is available in the interim lists of records in the reading rooms.
Other records
Aperture card copies of plans and drawings [R560]
This series contains drawings and plans of Diesel and Electric Locomotives, Carriage diagrams and drawings, Tramway drawings, and Station and Depot drawings.
NRS 17420, State Rail Photographic Reference Print Collection
This collection consists of reference prints drawn from a variety of sources within State Rail and predecessor organizations. The prints are mounted on a large card with a number and caption. There is a subject index to the prints available at the Western Sydney Reading Room.
A sample of images highlighting a variety of subjects is available in Photo Investigator.
NRS 15243, Survey Field Books
These are the permanent and trial surveys conducted prior to deciding the route for a rail line and for maintenance purposes. The books record details of the land surveyed. The contents vary from rough pencil sketches to fine detailed ink diagrams.
NRS 16401 Historical Notes and References
This includes material about the construction of railway lines, associated facilities and information about events in NSW railway history.
Permanent Way Plans and Drawings of railway infrastructure, 1852-1970 [R301]
These are plans and drawings of various structures including station buildings, residences, station arrangement diagrams, level crossings, bridges, culverts, and Transport House. The range of formats includes original hand coloured drawings, blueprints, linen and tracing paper drawings.
Access to Rolled Plans R199, R300 and R301
Most of the Rolled Plans are subject to some damage because they have been rolled for many years. Our Conservators need to assess rolled plans before they are issued in the reading room. If you are interested in viewing rolled plans please contact reading room staff five (5) working days (not including Saturdays) ahead of your visit. You will need to provide a list of all the plans you wish to access on the day.
State Rail 'R' number
Some of the record series are still identified by the State Rail 'R' number. This number will be replaced by a NRS (New South Wales Record Series) number in due course. Record series that are identified with a 'NUA' number have not yet been formally registered by State Records.
© State of New South Wales through the State Records Authority, 2003.
This work may be freely reproduced and distributed for most purposes, however some restrictions apply. See our copyright notice or contact us.
