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.
Locomotive 3801 - The iconic streamlined engine was built by Clyde Engineering in Granville, entering service in January 1943 and leading a distinguished career as a crack express locomotive with the New South Wales Government Railways (NSWGR). It was withdrawn from regular service in October 1965. One of its most famous achievements was setting a record (2:01:51) for non-stop running between Sydney and Newcastle on 28 June 1964 which stood for a quarter of a century.
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
Train driver Fred Rochow and driver David Brown, along with 3 grandchildren on the restored Locomotive 3801 during one of its visits to Albury.
Inscriptions & markings
On the side of the locomotive, the insignia of Clyde Engineering above the number 3801
References
- Transport Heritage NSW - 3801 A Legend of Steam A short history of the 3801 and efforts to preserve it as the only streamlined steam locomotive to survive in New South Wales.
- The Border Mail April 3 2021 This article gives a brief history of the restored steam locomotive 3801 which began its life on the line to Albury 77 years ago. It describes the enthusiastic public response to its return visit in April 2021
- 3801 Australia's most famous locomotive A detailed history of the 3801 Locomotive and its preservation
