October 11 marks half a century since the last steam engine graced the train tracks of the Southern Highlands.
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Fifty years ago, on October 11 1969, regular steam hauled passenger trains operated for the last time on the Main Southern Railway line.
The iconic green steam locomotives departed Central Station in Sydney on October 10 and returned the following morning.
The Southern Highlands Express made its final trip through the region to Goulburn and back.
With streamers flying out of carriage windows, onlookers cheering and photographers ready to capture the historic occasion Locomotive No. 3801 returned to Central Station with the No. 20 Southern Highlands Express close behind.
This brought to an end the era of steam that had served the railway since the first passenger train operated in New South Wales from Sydney to Parramatta on September 26 in 1855.
The iron horse had been the backbone of the region for 114 years before it was replaced by modern diesel trains.
Tahmoor resident and train enthusiast James Whitfield was present with his trusty camera to capture the moment.
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