Over two decades ago BHP Iron Ore smashed a new a Guinness World Record for operating the world's longest and heaviest train. The impressive train journeyed from the company's Newman and Yandi mines to Port Hedland within Western Australia’s vast Pilbara region on June 21, 2001. The train , which was 4.
5 miles long, included 682 wagons, hauled by eight mighty General Electric AC6000CW diesel locomotives. In total, the rolling leviathan weighed in at an earth-shaking 99,734 metric tons. To put that into context it's the equivalent to around 402 Statue of Liberty statues.
Reflecting on the monumental feat, BHP Iron Ore's Vice-President Mike Darby remarked: "It was an opportunity to push the technology to the maximum." And they certainly achieved that. READ MORE: Eurostar offers half price tickets for spontaneous travellers — but there are catches Covering 171 miles (275 km) on the Mount Newman line, the Herculean journey was overseen by just one driver.
Locomotive positioning was meticulously planned with pairs and single units scattered across the train’s length, governed by sophisticated Locotrol radio communication for optimal traction and braking. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing; one of the wagon-connecting devices failed, causing a staggering 4-hour and 40-minute halt while essential repairs were executed. Ultimately, the entire cross-country odyssey was completed in 10 hours and 4 minutes, reports the Express .
Celebrating the achievement, BHP's Western Australia.