Locomotive Expertise

Project Overview

With a rich history dating back to the late 1800s, Bundaberg Walkers has a notable legacy of manufacturing locomotives for cane sugar transport. Remarkably, several of these locomotives remain in operational use to this day, a testament to their enduring quality and craftsmanship.

Beyond locomotive production, Bundaberg Walkers has extended its expertise to serve Queensland and national rail carriers. We offer a wide range of services, including fleet maintenance, retrofits and the reliable supply of essential parts, solidifying our position as a trusted partner in the rail industry.

Project Detail

Locomotive: Chassis manufacture

Client:

Bundaberg Sugar

Challenge

A short delivery period was required due to the reduced maintenance period. The project involved reverse engineering of the chassis from old drawings and field dimensions. Precise machining and tolerances are required to mount the running gear on the chassis.

The urgency of the project was driven by a shortened maintenance window, necessitating a swift turnaround. To accomplish this, the project entailed a meticulous process of reverse engineering, referencing old drawings and on-site measurements to recreate the chassis accurately. Achieving precision in machining and adhering to strict tolerances was paramount, particularly in the assembly of the running gear onto the chassis, ensuring a seamless fit that met the project’s stringent standards for quality and reliability.

Solution

Our diverse capabilities enabled us to retain every step of the process in-house From initial design detailing to final assembly, lead times were kept to a minimum. Our streamlined workflow enables the seamless transition from steelwork fabrication directly to the heat treatment furnace. Subsequently, our large format CNC mills are employed to precision machine all mounting surfaces, ensuring they meet exacting squareness and tight tolerances.

Additionally, Bundaberg Walkers Engineering Limited (BWEL) extends its commitment to thorough service by providing non-destructive testing (NDT) and thorough surface preparation of the substantial frame. This meticulous approach guarantees the timely delivery of a meticulously prepared chassis, ready for assembly and immediate service. Our end-to-end capabilities exemplify our dedication to efficiency and excellence.

+40 Tons

Locomotive weight

6.4 weeks

To delivery

0.15mm

Achieved tolerance across 6000mmm machining

Shift works

More Recent Projects

Energy

H₂O Condenser

BWEL was hired to fabricate three 254 SMO seawater condensers for a refinery community to alleviate plant odours seeping into the town.

Mineral Processing

Nickel Refinery

BWEL were commissioned to supply processing equipment for a Queensland Nickel Refinery Expansion. Our role involved the fabrication of the jacketed rotary cooler and other pressure vessels.

Decades of diverse project excellence define Bundaberg Walkers Engineering. Explore our impressive portfolio, showcasing unwavering innovation and commitment to excellence across various sectors.

Get in touch

Have a project in need of expertise? Rely on Bundaberg Walkers Engineering for metropolitan-quality outcomes with a community-oriented approach.

Discover the Power of Bundaberg Walkers: Premier Engineering with a Massive Foundry to Build Big Things.