Many residents noticed an unusual train (pictured above) travel along the Dimboola to Rainbow branch line on Sunday morning.

Unfortunately, this was not the return of passenger rail services but the annual visit by what is known as the AK test train which is operated by the Australian Rail Track Corporation. The three coaches that make up this train contain testing equipment which is used to inspect and test the tracks.

This train regularly travels all over the Australian standard gauge rail network which links all mainland state capital cities and branch lines.

It also travelled the Murtoa to Hopetoun line on Saturday and continued on towards Adelaide on Monday morning and should make it to Western Australia by the weekend.