BHP has traditionally been a big user of English Electric locomotives, having purchased many new units of varying power outputs from this builder as well as sourcing several second hand units from Goldsworthy Mining after English Electric ceased production.
While searching for additional motive power, discussions with Austrac Ready Power resulted in BHP leasing three ex-Freight Rail locomotives, these being Alco Locomotives 44229, 44233 and 4537 which, after extensive modifications, became BHP’s 101, 102 & 103 respectively on 15th June 1995. These modifications include removal of dynamic braking, fitting of exhaust silencers, installation of air-conditioning, interlocking of marker light colours with operation of the reverser handle, installation of additional blue marker lights on the locomotive ends together with flashing orange side lights and the addition of strobe lighting which operated for a short period whenever the locomotive horn was sounded. 4537 additionally received a lowered No.1 end hood, requiring relocation of batteries, handbrake, horns headlight and number boards.
On each locomotive, the exhaust silencer was mounted above the main generator. On 101 and 102, the plumbing from the turbocharger passed over the engine within the car body. On 103, this plumbing passed externally above the car body and in later times was covered with a rectangular shaped shroud. All three locomotives were painted in an attractive colour scheme featuring blue, burgundy, black, white and silver, with the ends below car body level in iridescent orange. Considering the harsh environment in which they operated and Alco locomotives’ reputation for spitting oil and smoke, BHP kept them in fine appearance. BHP operating crews held the old Alco’s in high regard.
Initially restricted to the Wongawilli Line after their introduction, the post 1997 Addendum shows operation on the Kemira Valley Line. This addendum, which adds scene commentary, also includes the 9 month trial of 2 Freight Corp 80 class, 8015 and 8039.
Sadly all Alco’s left BHP tracks by late 1999.
