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This
interesting locomotive is one of only fifty or so steam engines constructed
by Dick, Kerr & Co, of Kilmarnock, Scotland.
Today it is one of four known surviving Dick, Kerr & Co steam
locomotives, making it a rather rare and notable machine.
Its working life in Australia was spent at Marian Mill, near Mackay in
northern Queensland, where it was No.3 in the loco fleet.
Apparently it was also known by the name ‘Gresham’.
Following retirement, Marian
Mill No.3 was plinthed in Pioneer Shire Council
Park, Seaforth in 1964.
Deterioration in the tropical north Queensland environment was a particular
issue for the many plinthed sugar industry locos, and Marian Mill No.3
presumably also became a maintenance burden, leading to it becoming
available for removal.
At some stage Marian Mill No.3
was obtained by a private owner, joining his interesting collection of
steam machinery on a rural site near Echuca, Victoria. (Fortunately the
climate at Echuca is much kinder to vintage equipment.) The owner kindly permitted me to view his
collection on 23 March 2005 and the photos of Marian Mill No.3 on this page
date from that visit. At that time
the loco was completely dismantled and stripped for overhaul, with the
frames and other major components being prepared for cleaning. The boiler,
wheels etc. were stored nearby, and the owner advised that the boiler was
restorable. The various loco components evidenced a faded livery of apple
green with red running boards.
I
would appreciate any updates on progress with this locomotive &/or
photographs showing how it looked prior to dismantling.
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