Historical information
The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990.
It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers.
Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.
Significance
This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.
Physical description
The "Flying Scotsman's" first run in Victoria. This photo was taken at the crew changeover in Longwood after the run from Albury.
The Flying Scotsman Pacific 4-6-2, perhaps one of the most iconic steam locomotives in the world, visited Australia in 1988-89 for a series of events associated with the country’s Bicentennial Celebrations. This included the AusSteam 88 Steam Locomotive exhibition in Melbourne.
Inscriptions & markings
At the top edge of the locomotive "SCOTSMAN" and on the lower edge of the locomotive "4472"