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

Drivers Len Gregson and David Naldrett standing in the railyards. This photo was taken on Len's last trip at Albury on 29 October 1988.

Inscriptions & markings

Back Row: Peter Raschke, IanChristensen, Jimmy Taylor, Neith (Ned) Ziebell, Martin McGrath, Peter Murnane, Simon Rigbey, Ron Birthisel, Mick Matthews, Colin Symes, John Landman.
Front Row: Kevin Hammond, Rex McDonnell, Robin Heathcote, Mick Bergen, David Brown.