THIRTY years ago, on Boxing Day 1983, the sound of a steam locomotive whistle was heard once again in the Kensey Valley.

This was the first day of operation of the Launceston Steam Railway. With just one locomotive — 'Lilian' — and one carriage built on site, passengers were taken on a short ride along the first section of relaid track.

For the full report, and a round up of the news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.

As with many heritage railways, the beginnings were humble. The present café was still a bungalow in the south of the country, and early refreshments were taken in the ground floor of the museum. The shop had yet to be built, there was no platform canopy, and the present main running shed and workshop was still in industrial use and not rail connected.