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Bundaberg Foundry

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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.

Rollingstock

Name Builder Model Serial Year Purchasing Mill Current Mill Notes
Elliott Bundaberg Foundry SDH650 002 1991 Millaquin Mill Millaquin Mill
Booyan Bundaberg Foundry SDH650 001 1991 Fairymead Mill Bingera Mill Being rebuilt as of 2024
6 Bundaberg Foundry 6 1952 MIllaquin Mill Out of service Unknown location
8 Bundaberg Foundry 3 1952 Millaquin Mill Out of service Unknown location
Riverstone Bundaberg Foundry 1 1952 Mulgrave Mill Out of service Was Qunaba Jumbo