40 Years of the Eastern Suburbs Railway

The Eastern Suburbs Railway was opened on Saturday 23 June 1979, by the then Premier Neville Wran QC MP. The official opening ribbon was cut at Bondi Junction from the front of C 3001 at the Sydney end of set S55, which was coupled to S54 to make an 8-car set. In 1999, when the internet was still new, SETS, via its webmaster John Clifton, presented a pictorial presentation to commemorate the ESR's opening day. We reproduce this feature again from our archives - now 20 years later. Note some images are fairly low resolution, as remember internet access was by dial-up modem in those days!

We Open The Line in '79
Leaflet issued prior to the opening, in October 1978.

The Story of the Eastern Suburbs Railway
Souvenir booklet issued to the public on the opening day, on 23rd June 1979.

ESR Ticketing System
Brochure issued to explain the operation of the unique ticketing system originally installed on the ESR and also handed out on the opening day.

ESR Memorabillia
Opening Day Souvenir Tickets and other memorabillia.

ESR Pictorial
A selection of photographs taken on the opening day.

Special Train Notice No 453
Special instructions for the Official Opening
of the Eastern Suburbs Railway