Bundaberg Foundry

The Bundaberg Foundry was a significant Queensland-based engineering firm located in Bundaberg. They manufactured both steam and diesel locomotives for the local sugar industry and were heavily involved in the rebuilding and conversion of locomotives from other manufacturers in later years.

History

Bundaberg Foundry has a long history of engineering for the sugar industry. In the transition to diesel, they manufactured locomotives under licence from Jenbacher Werke (Austria), often using the "BJ" classification. In later years (particularly the 1990s and 2000s), the foundry became a major centre for rebuilding and re-engineering older locomotives (such as Walkers GH500s) for mills like Mulgrave, Bingera, and Tully.

Models and Classification

• BJ Series: Built under licence from Jenbacher Werke. The number following "BJ" typically indicates horsepower (e.g., BJ100).
• SDH650: A later diesel-hydraulic model.
• Steam: Built under licence from John Fowler & Co. (Leeds) Ltd.

Known Locomotives

• Booyan: SDH650 (1991). Originally at Fairymead, now at Bingera (rebuilding as of 2024).
• D1: BJ100 (1953). North Eton Mill (Out of service).
• D2: BJ200 (1954). North Eton Mill (Out of service).
• 6: (1952). Millaquin Mill (Out of service).
• 8: (1952). Millaquin Mill (Out of service).
• Riverstone: (1952). Mulgrave Mill (Out of service).
• Bundy: 0-6-2T Steam (1952). Mossman Central Mill (Preserved Port Douglas).
• Elliott: SDH650 (1991). Millaquin Mill.