This locomotive was built by the Hunslet Engine Company in Leeds in 1896 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 privately preserved at Ayr for several decades but around 2017 it was acquired by the Burdekin Machine Preservationists group.
The new owners have been restoring the locomotive for static display in the museum at the Brandon Heritage Precinct.
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Preserved British Steam Locomotives 