New signage has been unveiled, detailing the history of an iconic Seymour hotspot.

J.W. Elliot Reserve on Anzac Ave is host to a range of tourists and journeyers, who may have made an intermittent stop in town during their train travels.

In the centre of the reserve, beside the playground, is the historic Black Train, a preserved D3684 steam locomotive built in 1913.

Following a half-century of travel, during which it transported young men and women to serve overseas in World War I and II, the Black Train was purchased by the Seymour and District Historical Society in 1967.

The signage has been installed over the past few weeks, and was officially launched on Tuesday, April 1.

The project was made possible with the support of funding from Inland Rail.

President of the Seymour and District Historical Society Geoff Halpin said the initiative will allow passersby to take a piece of the town’s rich history away with them.

“They can go away with a little more knowledge than what they came with,” Mr Halpin said.

“I think it’s really good for the town, it’s a good tourist attraction, a lot of people stop there.

“The whole area has a lot of history.”

Also featured on the playground-side of the display is a colourful sign, aimed at increasing kids’ knowledge of the rich history of locomotive travel.

Mr Halpin wished to thank members of the Seymour and District Historical Society and Inland Rail for making the project happen, with a special thanks to Rob Napier who wrote the text on the sign.

For more information on the Black Train, head to J.W. Elliot Reserve to read the informative signage, or visit https://tinyurl.com/3vn5dw96

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Tuesday, 29th April 2025

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