Archive Services
Over the past 35 years the museum has been able to save a huge quantity of railway
records that relate to South Australia. Items include public and railway working time
tables, Weekly Notices, drawings of locomotives, railcars and other rollingstock,
gradient and curve diagrams and other structures such as station buildings and bridges.
Other documents include Commissioners' Annual Reports, railway departmental
photographic albums, official railway publications, tickets, newspaper cuttings, and
numerous magazines and books on SA railway topics. Station name boards, uniforms, clocks,
special train headboards, and a ticket-printing machine create a fascinating
ambience. Even a two-wheeled hearse, once used at Adelaide Railway Station is on
display. Also included in archives are a large number of photographs, colour slides,
negatives, video and cine film.
In the hardware line, the collection includes locomotive number, name and builders
plates, a large number of various signal lamps and other specific technical objects.
Many "one off" hand made models of various locomotives and carriages are an added
feature within the pavilion. Several plaques struck for special events, such as the
official opening of new lines, also boost the unique collection. Major interpretive
displays include our "Signalling and Operations" display, and our acclaimed social
history display "Women and Railways - The Long Journey".
Apart from the various railway authorities, much of the archival material is derived
from a large number of private donors, who wish to see their railway memorabilia
preserved. Any further donations to our collection would also be greatly appreciated,
and we would gladly discuss this with you.
Our archival material is precious and access is by appointment or by completing and posting a Research and Photographic Request Form. The Museums archive service is charged in accordance with the Charges and Conditions detailed in the following documents:
For further information on our Archival services, please feel free to contact us at archives@natrailmuseum.org.au.
