"The carriages were part of the train that took the Commissioner of Railways on tours of inspection of the railway network," said Dr Andrew Refshauge, Minister of Planning, as he announced the listing from the station platform.

"These high quality vehicles demonstrate the status of the NSW Government Railways in the days when rail transport was king. They reveal how important the rail industry was to the development of the State in the 19th century."

This lavish Commissioner's Car was built in 1919 for the sole use of the Commissioner of Railways on his tours of the railway network. Photograph courtesy of State Rail Archives

The collection listed on the register consists of five rail cars specially fitted out for conveying the Commissioner for Railways and his executive officers on tours of inspection of the railway system. It includes an Attendants Car, built in 1917 as a first class saloon and converted to kitchen service in 1934; an Officers' Inspection Car built at Eveleigh in 1913 as a first class saloon; the replacement Commissioner's carriage built in 1972; a carriage built in 1919 for the State Premier; and the Old Commissioner's Car, built in 1919 for the sole use of the Commissioner.

These early 20th century public servants travelled in style. Passengers on the Inspection Train rode the rails in comfort and elegance. Exemplary craftsmanship and materials were used in all the carriages, which feature beautifully polished and finished wooden panel joinery and intricately etched glass windows.

Today the Commissioner's Car remains largely intact with furnishings and fittings of a high standard suitable for the senior executive of the largest government authority at the time. The carriage, with both private space and an entertaining area, was always the last on the train, to ensure that the Commissioner could enjoy his privacy.

Its successor, the austere 1972 Commissioner's Car was notorious for its troubled construction. Even when completed, it was so disliked by the then Commissioner, he reverted to the more distinguished and comfortable wooden 1919 carriage.

The State Rail Authority is the owner of one of the largest collections of heritage assets of any State government agency. It manages rolling stock and track vehicles, machinery and equipment, antique furniture, clocks and historic records.

At present the State Rail Authority is assessing all their items of heritage for conservation, as part of its Heritage Management Strategy, in consultation with the Heritage Office. These cars have been singled out amongst many vehicles used on the railway systems as being of State heritage significance.

It is expected that after the conservation of the carriages, they will be retained by the State Rail Authority and kept on public display. And they may even be used by the public on very select occasions.