Beaconsfield residents were treated to the legend of old steam this weekend, as they choo-choo-ed their way through Cardinia.
As a thank you to residents after the removal of the Station Street level crossing, the state government organised Steamrail Victoria to provide a special free service between Beaconsfield Station and East Pakenham Station.
The A2 class 986 pulled the vintage Tait ‘Red Rattler’ train, which each used to be a common sight across Victoria until the 1960s and 70s, respectively.
The train made the trip from Flinders Street to Beaconsfield in the morning, where it made multiple journeys to East Pakenham and back through the day.
As the level crossing has been removed with the construction of the McKenna Drive road bridge, the day was a thank you to residents for their patience during the construction.
Last week saw major works completed with the old boom gates taken down.
This year, the Pakenham Line will be free of level crossings as the Metro Tunnel is set to open later this year, which will enable more frequent services.
