It’s “the baby” on the Blue Mountains Line in terms of age but Lapstone Railway Station’s upcoming 50th anniversary will be proudly celebrated — and NSW Trains is encouraging local commuters to come to the party with stories, memories and old photos.
NSW Trains chief executive Rob Mason said the milestone will be marked by NSW TrainLink at Lapstone station from 6.30am on Monday, February 24.
“Customers can drop in for a barbeque, chat with the local station staff (customer service attendant Michaella Tanner) and meet the local NSW TrainLink management team,” Mr Mason said.
“We’re asking local customers to come along and share their memories of the station or any memorabilia to help commemorate the event.”
While the station’s history is short compared to its closest stops — Glenbrook (1867 and 1913 in its current location) and Emu Plains (1868) — it played a major role helping the new residential area to Glenbrook’s east forge its own identity.
Located on a section of line and tunnel built in 1913, Lapstone station only opened on February 24, 1964. It was built for the Railways Department by a private contractor — making it only the second Blue Mountains station (the other one was Warrimoo) built by the private sector.
The Nepean Times revealed plans for the station for the first time in its March 17, 1960 edition when it reported that the “contractor is Mr Arthur Hand, a Blue Mountains City Council alderman”.
“Mr Hand said last week,” it reported, “he had just completed an 80 feet (sic) high road embankment in his development project near the station site. This embankment provides an alternative road to Glenbrook, turning left from the Great Western Highway about a mile past the Mitchell Pass junction when travelling from Penrith.”
For more information about the 50th anniversary celebration, phone Lapstone railway station on 4780 3813.
