Mr Titter was presented with a community service award in recognition of his work to create a static heritage railway display at the town’s former railway station.
The award was given by the Northern Community Board in conjunction with the Southland District Council in Lumsden on Friday.
Mr Titter said he was surprised at the success of the project.
His initial aim had been to get 10% of the 30,000 cars that passed through Lumsden every year to stop.
Now the display was a tourist attraction drawing in people from throughout New Zealand.
People often told him it was a "world-class" display, he said.
When he moved from Wellington to Lumsden with his wife Karen, he approached the former Lumsden Community Development Area board who were happy for him to lead the project.
Former Venture Southland Community Development team leader Bobbi Brown gave advice, the Lumsden Heritage Trust was formed and the work began.
It took 13 years and more than $500,000 of funding.
Earlier this year, a refurbished 1880s D class locomotive was swung into position at the head of three carriages, completing a pre-1900 heritage train.
Receiving the award was "fantastic" but was recognition for all the team involved, he said.
Southland District Mayor Rob Scott, who presented the award, is also a member of the three-member trust.
Mr Scott said Mr Titter had helped create a legacy that would bring people and benefits to the township and Southland for many decades to come.
