On 7 September, the Seddin marshalling yard celebrated its 100th anniversary with an impressive birthday party. Hundreds of railway fans flocked to the site to celebrate, marvel at historic and modern locomotives and have a great day out. The brand new BR 249 001 in particular cast a spell over the technology enthusiasts. For many visitors, it was a unique opportunity to take a look inside the driver's cab of a locomotive or even go for a ride. The driving simulator also delighted young and old alike. Thanks to the commitment of the employees, the day was an unforgettable experience.
A century in the service of rail freight transport
The Seddin marshalling yard quickly developed into one of the most important hubs for freight transport in Germany after it opened in 1924. With its favourable location southwest of Berlin, it was already indispensable for single wagonload transport in the first decades of its existence.
Thomas Klawes, who has worked as a shunting attendant at the station for 41 years, has experienced a large part of this development first-hand - and sees one major point that has changed during this time: "Not much has changed in the processes today," explains Klawes, "but the technology has become more modern." Even though the station has evolved, the core principle of shunting remains the same: Trains are pulled apart, wagons are shunted around to create new trains. Klawes describes this charmingly as "lengthening trains and unhooking them on the mountain". Despite technical innovations, experience and cooperation take centre stage.
Thomas Klawes: 41 years of passion for rail freight transport
Thomas Klawes, whose father already worked as a shunting attendant in Seddin, has been an integral part of the station for over four decades. "I followed in my father's footsteps, but this job has always been my passion," says Klawes. He enjoys passing on his knowledge to younger colleagues, because "you gain job security through experience". Passing on his knowledge to the next generation is particularly important to him, which is why he also brought his grandchildren to the party to get them excited about rail freight transport.
Klawes remembers how the station has changed over the last few decades: "Up to 2,000 wagons used to roll over the hill here, and after reunification there was suddenly only one wagon left. But today we are back in a good position." For him, the 100th anniversary is not just a celebration of the past, but also a look into the future. "Here's to the next 100 years!" he says with a smile.
A festival for all generations
The anniversary celebration was not only a look back at the long history of the railway station, but also a day full of exciting attractions. In addition to the exhibition and the rides, guided tours of the factory and a look at modern railway technology attracted many visitors. For children, there was a lovingly designed garden railway layout and a bouncy castle. With a wide range of culinary delights and a lively exchange between railway enthusiasts, the festival was a complete success.
Thomas Klawes, who knows the station like the back of his hand, enjoyed the anniversary to the full with his family: "It's nice to share this special day with my colleagues, my family and so many enthusiastic visitors." The day ended in a mood full of anticipation for the next 100 years of the Seddin marshalling yard.
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