Queensland's Cane Trains - Sth Johnstone Mill Part 1

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 South Johnstone Mill. South Johnstone operates an interesting mix of older Com-Eng, Clyde and Baldwin locomotives. Trains shown are as follows:
1. Permanently paired Com-Eng locos #2 and #3 (built 1955) arrive at the mill with a load of cane from the Number 6 branch.
2. Locos #2 and #3 take a rake of empty bins back onto the Number 6 Branch, seen at the Hall Street level crossing in South Johnstone.
3. 1982 Baldwin #32 'Liverpool' crosses Alice River with a light engine movement from the mill to Mirriwinni.
4. Having changed direction at the sidings beside Goldsworthy Road, 'Liverpool' continues LE towards Merriwinni.
5. Permanently paired Com-Eng locos #5 and #4 (built in 1962 and 1960 respectively) run a light engine movement from Merriwinni to Bartle Frere, seen approaching the Bartle Frere road level crossing.
6. The locos continue their LE movement beside Bartle Frere road, this time seen approaching Deep Creek. A short distance down the line they picked up a short rake of empty bins to return to Merriwinni.
7. 'Liverpool' brings a lengthy rake of loaded bins from Merriwinni and the Russell River area across the gauge crossing at Garradunga.
8. 1977 Baldwin loco #26 crosses the North Johnstone River with a light engine movement.
9. South Johnstone features a short but unique section of track just before the mill where the train travel along the road. This was my first attempt (and fail) at capturing a train here. 'Liverpool' brings it's rake of full bins into the mill yard. As can be seen in the video, traffic is only halted in the road lane which the trains travel along.
10. 1955 Clyde locomotive #12 approaches Camp Creek Road with a short rake of empty bins.
11. After dropping the empty bins in a siding beside Koppen Rd in Germantown, loco #12 departs light engine.
12. Loco #12 runs LE beside Innisfail - Japoon Rd. The loco continued to the end of this branch line where it picked up a rake of loaded bins.

[@FishplateFilms]

Great shots! I love the cane trains,and spent 2 weeks chasing them back in 2014. I need to get back up there and get some more clips...they are so cool and run run some beautiful scenery! Thanks and cheers. Gregg.

[@NR54trailerail]

Thanks Gregg! I spent 10 days covering every mill from Plane Creek to Mossman - they're a very interesting and unique part of the Australian Railway scene. I ended up with about 25 hours of video, so plenty to upload over the next 12 months or so!

[@FishplateFilms]

@@NR54trailerail Great ! I can watch Cane trains all day ...so I look forward to seeing more of your trip! Cheers Gregg.

[@G516R700]

Nice video matey

[@NR54trailerail]

Thanks!