Baguley

Baguley

E.E. Baguley Ltd (later Baguley-Drewry) was a British engineering company based in Burton-on-Trent. They were a significant supplier of smaller diesel locomotives to the Queensland sugar industry in the post-war period, often working in conjunction with the Drewry Car Company.

History

The company was founded in 1911. For many years, Baguley acted as a manufacturing subcontractor for the Drewry Car Company. Locomotives sold under the "Drewry" name were often built by Baguley but carried Drewry works plates and numbers (typically in the 2xxx series). Locomotives sold directly by Baguley carried Baguley numbers (in the 3xxx series).

In 1964, Baguley acquired the Drewry Car Company to form Baguley-Drewry Ltd.

Models in Queensland

The Baguley locomotives supplied to Queensland were primarily 0-6-0 diesel-mechanical or diesel-hydraulic units. They were robust machines well-suited to the lighter track standards of the 1950s.

Engines

• Gardner 6LW: Fitted to the BG6 type (approx 110 hp).
• Gardner 8LW: Fitted to the BG8 type (approx 150 hp).

Nominal Horsepower Most units supplied to Queensland were rated at either 135 hp or 150 hp nominal.

Classification

• Baguley / Drewry: These units carried Drewry builder's numbers in the 2xxx series.
• Baguley / RMP: Some locomotives were supplied through Railway Mine & Plantation Equipment (RMP) as agents.
• Type BG6 / BG8: Designated the engine type (Gardner 6LW or 8LW).

Notable Examples

• Mulgrave Mill: Operated Baguley locomotives such as the "Jen" (later preserved).
• Mossman Mill: The locomotive "Mowbray" was a Baguley 0-6-0 DM built in 1954 and was the first diesel at the mill.
• Victoria Mill: Operated several Baguley/Drewry units including "Seymour" and "Herbert".

Sources

• Zelmer, L. (2011). Baguley and Baguley-Drewry 2 ft gauge diesels supplied to sugar mills in Queensland and Fiji.
• Wikipedia (Baguley Cars Ltd).
• Douglas Shire Historical Society (Bally Hooley History).