Monday 29 September 2008

Things Past Part 2: Platform Tickets

Platform ticket machines were introduced in the 19th century, to allow non-travellers access to country train platforms for farewelling and greeting people. In 1993, with the introduction of computerised ticketing they became redundant. This machine is in the rail heritage centre at Central Station.

I remember these ticket machines at Central Station. I am sure my family probably bought them when they farewelled me on the train to Perth when I went to a Girl Guide trip there in 1972. It was, and still is, a 3 day journey across the continent. I remember listening to the Olympic Games from Munich broadcast on the radio, and being very excited as Shane Gould, who is the same age as me, won swimming medals. While we were in Perth the tragedy of the massacre in the Olympic village occurred.

8 comments:

  1. Censored - how original!!! But at least i will be able to sleep now....well maybe not ....the puppy!!!!


    I laughed when I saw your reply because it is obvious we are both on school holidays - I never get a chance to chat on my blog. I post and leave a message maybe 12 hrs later. This has been nice!!!

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  2. Platform ticket machines - Aren't these amazing?
    I'm surprised that they haven't been stolen yet. They will be collectors items worth fortunes one day, don't you think?

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  3. Thanks for your comment about dip pen and ink. I too can remember being on duty for filling the ink wells. Another era!

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  4. Surprising to find still these machines to us they left to oubliettes

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  5. I think it might be pretty safe - it's in the museum at central Station ("Rail heritage Centre".

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  6. Goodness yes, I forgot about platform tickets. They used to cost a penny in England (I think? ) perhaps I'm imagining that!

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