HAD and SIMPLE PAST TENSE

[supshalu]

Guys i am confused with usage of Past Perfect tense.

Look at this sentence.
The train had departed by the time we arrived at the station
This sentence clearly shows that HAD + Past Participle = Past Perfect and ARRIVED = Simple Past.

However, look at this sentence...

Before her sixth birthday, Jane had never been to the zoo.

Here I fail to recognize such a pattern ?

Is it because of the word "BEFORE" that quietly signifies SIMPLE PAST...

Pls explain any1 pls

[esledge]

Is it because of the word "BEFORE" that quietly signifies SIMPLE PAST...

Yes, I think so. You might interpret the sentence this way:

Before her sixth birthday (occurred), Jane had never been to the zoo.