Manchester Sheffield Wath Electrification Papers

Manchester Sheffield Wath Electrification Papers. Manuals, brochures, ephemera (1970); Drawings, Track diagrams, track layout boards, layout of projects, plans for substations index/ reference cards recording drawings of steelwork, cables and fittings, structural drawing index relates to drawings British Insulated calendars cables, 12 electrification diagrams for the Woodhead route, including Wombwell, Penistone, Wadsley bridge, Darnall; Project Administration Files, correspondence dealing with electrification, wagon maintenance files, working arrangements, Telecommunications, incident reports, accident reports, reports on works completed (1950-1980); staff restructuring of staff grades, staff Training, Post training logbook

(1970-1980); technical control room logs, electrical control logs (1970-1980)

The project to electrify the former Great Central Railway mainline from Manchester to Sheffield was started by the London and North Eastern Railway prior to the Second World War but was paused due to the conflict. The project was finished in 1954. The route is best known as the Woodhead Line but the project to electrify the route was officially called the Manchester, Sheffield, Wath Electrification because the project included the diverging route to Doncaster, although only as far as Wath Central station. Electrification also included the branch to Glossop and also to Reddish and Darnall where there were motive power depots. In 1965 electrification was extended to Tinsley marshalling yard.

Partial closure of the route began in 1970 with the central section being closed to passengers that year, with the majority of the line closing to freight in 1981. The last section of 1500DC overhead electrification in the Manchester area was turned off and converted to 25kV AC in 1984.