The Sunshine Coast’s decades-old association with sugar mill locomotives has been encapsulated in a special book.
History buffs and cane train enthusiasts flocked to the Nambour Museum last Saturday to celebrate the launch of the second edition of Locomotives of the Moreton Central Sugar Mill by Clive Plater.
Originally written in 2013 to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the sugar mill’s closure, the updated book contains interesting new facts, including the history of the Maroochy River lift span tramway bridge that was destroyed by floods in 2022.
Mr Plater said his love of locos was spurred by his father, Edgar Plater, who worked at the Moreton Sugar Mill for 51 years as an engine driver, traffic officer, tramway and bridge supervisor, and assistant chief cane inspector.
“Dad kept meticulous diaries relating to the tramlines and bridges from 1960 until 1981, and these helped me enormously with my research and were still being used for reference by mill staff 20 years after he retired,” he said.
The expanded edition of Locomotives of the Moreton Central Sugar Mill contains updates on the location and condition of the locos purchased by the mill between 1904 and 1976, along with those used during its subsequent ownership by Howard Smith Industries.
Many of the retired locos can be viewed at the Nambour Museum, including Eudlo, Shay, Valdora, Bli Bli, Flyer, Sandy and Joe, which is the only operational engine on display.
Most carry interesting backstories, such as Sandy, one of four small V8 petrol engine “rail tractors” built during World War II.
The loco was the star of the 1967 children’s book Sandy the Cane Train, written by Jean Chapman, and was named after Clive Plater’s uncle Les ‘Sandy’ Plater, a Rat of Tobruk who lost his life fighting in the Middle East.
The book was officially launched by mayoral candidate Rosanna Natoli, following an introduction from Member for Nicklin and museum patron Rob Skelton.
During the launch Mr Plater presented a copy of his book to young train enthusiast and regular museum visitor Teddy Witherspoon, and paid tribute to Susie Blue for her help in putting both editions together.
Copies of Locomotives of the Moreton Central Sugar Mill are available from the Nambour Museum at 18 Mitchell Street, and cost $15. Opening hours are 1-4pm Wednesday to Friday and 10am-3pm Saturdays.
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