By Corey Everitt
The juxtaposition of new and old was on display over the weekend with the original “Gippslander” train passing through Pakenham.
The Age of Steam stopped at Pakenham Station on Sunday 24 August as it made a special tour to Bairnsdale.
Provided by Steamrail Victoria, the Gippslander retraced the steps of the regular service it once provided decades ago, only with a few new stations and bridges.
Original Club Car ‘Moorabool’, once a regular feature on The Gippslander, was also enjoyed by passengers.
The train was hauled by steam locomotive A2 986 and the 1985 re-built diesel locomotive A66.
Residents gathered to see the train stop at Pakenham Station in the morning and evening, as it passed over the modern rail bridge and new station.
