This locomotive was built in 1930 by the Avonside Engine Company at Bristol for Pioneer Mill, Brandon.
Whilst most Queensland cane haulage railways were built to 2ft gauge, the Pioneer Mill railway system was one of a few built to 3ft 6in gauge in line with the gauge of the Queensland Government Railways.
In 1883 a partnership was formed aimed at establishing the Pioneer Sugar Mill. By the following year five plantations had been opened and the mill established but due to less rainfall than expected and lower prices for sugar the prospects did not appear to be bright. In addition, the transportation of sugar to the nearest port at Bowen or Townsville was difficult.
The partners realised that the main obstacle to development was lack of rain but this was overcome by utilising the water resources which were available in lagoons. In 1886 vast underground aquifers were discovered and an economic method of tapping them was installed.
In 1911 the Ayr to Townsville tramway was completed.
The locomotive was converted to oil burning around 1965 which was about three years before it was taken out of service.
It started its life in preservation in a park in Brandon where it had been placed by the Ayr Lions Club in 1973. In 1992 it was removed due to the level of rusting and concerns about the asbestos boiler lagging.
Preserved British Steam Locomotives 