Queensland has a fascinating network of sugar cane railways stretching from Bundaberg in the South through to Mossman in the North. 17 sugar mills have railway networks with over 4000km of track across the state. All the mills use 2ft gauge track, except for Pioneer Mill which uses 3ft 6in gauge track.
Locomotives are diesel hydraulic, with ages ranging from 70 years old to brand new (2023 built). Some locomotives have been converted from former Queensland Rail 3ft 6in DH class, or New South Wales Government Railways 4ft 8 1/2in 47 class.
Wagons are unbraked and some trains operate with a remote controlled brake van at the rear of the train to provide additional braking force. Trains can be up to 1km long, consisting of up to 200 wagons with a weight of approximately 1000 tons.
Some trains require two crew members however many locomotives have been converted to driver only operating and can be switched to remote control operation for shunting.
This video contains footage taken in August 2023 of Macknade Mill near Ingham. Macknade Mill is owned by Wilmar Sugar and shares a network with Victoria Mill. A unique feature of both these mills is the operation of 2ft gauge bulk raw sugar trains between the mills and the sugar terminal at Lucinda.
Macknade Mill operates a fleet of older Clyde and Baldwin locomotives.
Train seen in this video are as follows:
1. 'Darwin' (1975 Baldwin locomotive) and brake van arrive at Victoria Mill with an empty bin transfer from Macknade Mill.
2. 'Darwin' detaches from the empty bins in Victoria Mill's Yard. 'Homebush II' (1976 Baldwin locomotive) is also seen in the yard.
3. Darwin and Brake Van depart Victoria Mill with a light engine movement for Macknade Mill.
4. 'Darwin' and brake van are seen near Barbers Siding.
5. 'Darwin' and brake van approach Five Mile Road.
6. Finally, a sunset shot of 'Townsville II' (1976 Baldwin locomotive) and brake van with a rake of full bins from Barbers Siding to Macknade Mill, passing through Braemeadows.
Негізгі бет Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары Queensland's Cane Trains - Macknade Mill Part 3
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