All aboard for 150 years of the Seymour rail service

“They said at one stage a third of the population of Seymour worked on the railways.”

The railway was built in 1872 and first opened in 1873.

Seymour became the home depot for four locomotives in 1937 called the Spirit of Progress.

It was the first air-conditioned and all-steel train in the southern hemisphere.

“The trains were named after historical characters from Victoria’s history,” Mr Watson said.

“Seymour High School at the time, they named their houses after the locomotives, and the school was in Loco St.”

On Saturday, October 14, the north-east line, connecting through Seymour, celebrated 150 years of operation.

Guests of all ages gathered at Seymour station’s platform to witness and board a heritage train in service.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens, State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland and the V/Line staff helped open the day of celebration with a ceremony.

Guests enjoyed complimentary sausages, goodie bags and an exhibit of the railway’s history.

Mr Watson worked as a railway employee for more than 30 years, and said celebrating a century and a half was a privilege.

“Personally, it is a thrill... railways are also my hobby, and they’ve always held appeal to me,” he said.

“I’m so pleased to have been able to be a part of it.”