These pamphlets provide a written explanation and overview of the history of the opening day of the Sydney Railway in 1855. They were produced to promote the celebrations associated with the 150th Anniversary of Rail in New South Wales in 2005, particularly the official weekend (September 24-26), which involved a re-enactment of the first rail journey between Central Station and Parramatta.

In 1855 the first steam train hauled by Locomotive No 1, operated from Sydney to Parramatta. At this time, the New South Wales rail system was a modest 22km, but today it has grown to a complex, state-wide network covering more than 11,000km. Since the end of the era of steam hauled railways in the 1960s and 70s, diesel-electric locomotives have become the standard means of rail power (except for tourist trips along scenic routes) with the use of suburban electric trains in Sydney. The extent of the standard gauge New South Wales rail system truly emerged with teh extension of standard gauge lines to other state capitals (such as Brisbane in 1930 and Melbourne in 1962).

These pamphlets are also an example of the promotional material produced to advertise the associated events held by the Powerhouse Museum during the official weekend, including model making, railway films, activities for kids and the permanent transport display. The opening day commemorative pamphlet also promotes the publication "No 1: the first locomotive in NSW" that was produced by the Museum in 2005.

These pamphlets were printed in Sydney, Australia in 2005.

These pamphlets were produced for visitors attending the various events held in association with the 150th Anniversary of Rail in New South Wales celebrations in 2005. To celebrate the event, RailCorp arranged to have various memorabilia and promotional material produced to coincide with a series of year long events, many of which were organised in partnership with the Powerhouse Museum. The grand celebration weekend (Saturday 24th September - Monday 26th September, 2005) involved a re-enactment of the first official rail journey between Sydney and Parramatta; an exhibition of heritage rolling stock, models and artefacts at Central Station and various steam train rides.

Pamphlets (2), commemorative guide and open day memento, 150th Anniversary of Rail, paper, printed for Railcorp, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2005

Two commemorative pamphlets made of paper including (1) souvenir commemorative guide and (1) souvenir memento for the opening day of the Sydney Railway in 1855. Also accompanying this material is an expired membership card bearing an image of Locomotive No 1.

Made: 2005

The front of the commemorative guide reads 'Celebrating 150 years / of rail in NSW / 24 September - 1 October 2005 / See the trains of / yesteryear come alive! / 150 years / NSW Railways / 1855-2005 / Your souvenir / commemorative guide / CountryLink CityRail RailCorp'. Also on the front is a replica train ticket which says 'Sydney Railway. / SYDNEY TO PARRAMATTA. / FIRST CLASS'. The front of the open day memento also features the replica train ticket and 'The opening day of the / Sydney Railway / 26 September 1855 / 150 years / NSW Railways / 1855-2005 / A special souvenir memento for the re-enactment / of the first official rail journey, 26 September 2005.'.

2007/179/5

2005