A World War 1 memorial locomotive will steam into Middlemarch this Labour Weekend.
The 100-year-old steam train Passchendaele will carry passengers from Dunedin to Middlemarch on October 24 and 25, arriving between noon and 1pm.
The refurbished Ab608 locomotive was named Passchendaele in 1925 to commemorate the railway employees who served and died in World War 1.
Dunedin Railways operations manager Grant Craig calls it ''one of the most famous locomotives in New Zealand''.
After being withdrawn from service in 1967, the steam engine had been based in Dunedin but was restored to working order by Paekakariki company Steam Incorporated, he said.
The trips are part of WW1 centenary commemorations.
Middlemarch Promotions secretary Dawn Coburn hoped people would come down to the station to have a look at the engine.
''The first day will be a smaller train for train enthusiasts and is run by Steam Incorporated.
''The second day, Dunedin Railways will be bringing a much larger train to Middlemarch, stopping for around two hours,'' Mrs Coburn said.
On Sunday, passengers can enjoy a mini festival including musical entertainment and barbecue-style food.
The Middlemarch Museum will have just opened three new displays that visitors can investigate, Mrs Coburn added.
''One of the displays has an 'at home' theme looking at the impact of WW1 on the people who stayed behind in Middlemarch.''
- Allison Hess
