Historical information

These two photos relate to the very early days of the Bairnsdale-Orbost railway, constructed 2012-2016. One photograph (2696.1) shows a train and construction gang at a ballast quarry, possibly at Newmerella), dated c.1915. The other photograph (2696.2) is of one of the first trains ever to come to Orbost. This happened in early 1916.
The construction and opening of the Orbost railway was a major event in the development of Orbost and East Gippsland, resulting in huge development of farming and timber industries. This railway functioned between 1916 until 1987.

Significance

These photographs are significant because they relate to the construction of the Orbost Railway.

Physical description

Two b/w postcards. Both photos have been pasted onto a rough cardboard background.
2696.1 is a rectangular photograph showing a steam train and wagons in a cutting, and a number of workmen in the foreground, along with a railway line.
2696.2 is an oval shaped photograph of a steam engine in a turned around position and attached to several passenger carriages. The words The First Special to Orbost is written in white ink on the bottom of the photo.

Inscriptions & markings

2696.2 The First Special to Orbost