Planet #2

Planet #2

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The Great Boulder Mine of Fimiston, Kalgoorlie - the first mine on the Golden Mile, had only 48 acres of Mining Lease, but it was located on some of the best ground right in the centre of the Golden Mile.

In 1962, Great Boulder Mines ordered a 4 wheel internal combustion locomotive from F.C. Hibberd & Co. Ltd, for use on their 2ft gauge tramway operation.

This modern version of the Planet locomotive was vastly different to the two pre-war units that were already serving the nearby Lake View and Star mining company. It had larger overall dimensions and was fitted with a 6 cylinder "Dorman" diesel engine with a chain drive to the axles.

This unit - builders number 3996, is 15ft 6in length, weighing 13.5 ton, 80bhp and entered service in 1962, serving the Great Boulder mines operation until the early 1970's, when the company was taken over by the Lake View and Star Mining Co. and it was absorbed into that company's tramway operation.

Purchased privately for use on BBR by S. Mead and J. Wallis arrived in early May 1998. Under restoration and refitting for use. Jones Drawgear fitted Feb 2013

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