The Gippslander

The Gippslander was an Australian named passenger train operated by the Victorian Railways from Melbourne through the Gippsland region to Bairnsdale. Operating along the Gippsland line daily except Sundays it had buffet car facilities provided.

The Gippslander
Overview
Current operator(s)Victorian Railways
Technical
Track gauge5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm)

The train was established unnamed in December 1952, making a day return, hauled by a B-class diesel electric loco and including airconditioned first- and second-class carriages and a buffet car. It was named in 1954 to celebrate the electrification of the main line as far Warragul, but 66 years after the passenger service had commenced along the line.[1] The train was originally hauled by an L class electric locomotive from Melbourne to Warragul, where an R class steam locomotive took over for the journey to Sale, with the final leg to Bairnsdale hauled by a J class steam locomotive.[2] When electrification was extended to Traralgon, steam traction on the service was replaced by T class diesel locomotives.

After the decommissioning of the overhead system in the 1980s a variety of diesel locomotives could be seen hauling the train. The Gippslander name continues in use today for V/Line intercity services along the line but no special facilities are provided.[3][4][5]

References
  1. Leo J Harrigan (1962). Victorian Railways to '62. Public Relations and Betterment Board. p. 261.
  2. David Barnett (November 2008). "J Class in Profile". Victorian Goldfields Railway Members Newsletter. Victorian Goldfields Railway: 3–6.
  3. "Bairnsdale Reopening". www.hobbiesplus.com.au. Retrieved 20 November 2008.
  4. "Passenger Trains to Return to Bairnsdale on 2 May" (PDF). Media release: Minister for Transport. www.doi.vic.gov.au. 26 April 2004. Retrieved 20 November 2008.
  5. Bairnsdale - Melbourne Archived 29 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine V/Line timetable
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