An array of specialised track equipment has arrived at the Carmichael coal project site, where Martinus is building the miner’s rail network.
The fleet includes two completely rebuilt locomotives, DC 4571 and DC 4444, which arrived last week to build the track.
Two continuous track lifters, one track-laying machine, flash butt welding units, a high-production sleeper-laying machine, tamper and a number of ballast wagons are also involved.
The 200km narrow-gauge rail project will connect the Bravus Mining and Resources Carmichael mine to Abbot Point Terminal via existing rail infrastructure and will be one of the largest privately funded railways in the country.
Martinus chief executive officer Treaven Martinus said the company had invested more than $40 million in specialised rail construction plant and equipment.
“We now have one of the largest fleets of specialised track construction in the industry,” he said.
“Our fleet of specialised track equipment brings a new level of construction efficiency for our clients.”
The SMD-80G track-laying machine at the Carmichael site has undergone a complete hydraulic, electrical and PLC upgrade.
Martinus said the machine was completely overhauled by its in-house plant department and was now the most technologically advanced high-production track construction machine in Australia.
The company also has two brand-new continuous track lifters (CTLs), which were manufactured in Brisbane.
“As an Australian-owned company, we are committed to investing in Australian manufacturing” Mr Martinus said.
“Our ongoing commitment to the local market has also seen the establishment of workshop facilities in Brisbane, along with employing apprentices to work at the site.
“This enables us to overhaul machinery from one project to next, ensuring skills, investment, and knowledge remain in Australia.”
The DC locomotives are re-builds of former DA locomotives and have 12-cylinder V-type two-cycle 1190 kW diesel engines supercharged by two roots blowers mechanically driven from the engine gearbox.
Martinus’ first completely rebuilt gauge convertible tamper (pictured below) was placed on tracks about three weeks ago for work on the Carmichael Rail Network.
