196603 – Irving – Signalling Associated with Three Track Operation Between Hawthorn and East Camberwell and the Route Setting Control Panel at Camberwell

The Eastern sector of the Melbourne suburban system extends on four branches from Flinders St. to Lilydale 24 miles, Belgrave 26 miles, Alamein 9 miles and Glen Waverley 13 miles (see Diagram 1). A fifth branch 14 miles long from Hawthorn to Kew was closed in 1957.

The suburban development in this area of Melbourne has required continuous improvements in the rail system over the past decade.

Before these improvements commenced the rail system comprised double track from Flinders St. to Box Hill and from Burnley to Heyington with automatic signal ling to Box Hill and Heyington only. The branch lines were single track with crossing facilities at various stations.