[Vella Gonzaga]

Travelling on a train in the 1950s​

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Credits: Facebook/Australia Looking At Times Past.

Who remembers travelling on a train in the 1950s? Those were the days when every journey seemed like an elegant adventure. Back in the day, train compartments were adorned with rich wood panelling, and if you ever found yourself parched during the ride, you could reach for those cardboard cups filled with refreshingly ice-cold water. Do you have fond memories of riding the train in the 1950s? Tell us in the comments below.

And while we're on this trip down memory lane, here's a video from the '50s: 'Richard Takes A Train Ride.' This film, created by The National Film Board in 1952 and directed by Joan Boundy, was part of a junior school series, offering a glimpse into the ticketing system and the scenic train journey from Murray Bridge to Adelaide. Enjoy this charming piece of the past!

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[Gsr]

Even when I travelled on old red rattler trains in the country, in the 70s they had paper cups with drinking water and most had a toilet on board as well. The seats were hard, the windows opened, they made clickety clack sounds all the way, blew their whistle at every stop, guards were still on most trains to help people get on and off if needed and to make sure the train didn’t leave with someone half on or off as no electric doors back then. My train went through a long tunnel and it was pitch black for the duration as no lights on the trains. Some of the boys enjoyed grabbing the girls and scaring them, there were lots of loud screams until we exited the tunnel. It was a fun time.

 

[Catlady]

I remember the steam trains (which is all we had). The seats were in compartments (similar to what you saw in the movie "The lady vanishes") and yes, there were toilets and a place to get water to drink. Where I lived, there were 2 gates blocking the rail from the road. You walked across the railway line to get to the station, and we children used to earn some pocket money opening and closing the railway gates to let the cars cross over the railway track.