Our Mossman loco now working in Woodford Railway
Mossman Mill History
Former 40-year veteran Mossman Sugar Mill worker Warren McCoist has shared his delight, and a bit of disappointment, in tracking down the Mossman locomotive over the Christmas break.
It is safe and sound, and has had an overhaul, at The Woodford Railway, a part of the Australian Narrow Gauge Railway Museum Society, having been purchased for a suggested $25,000 from MSF Sugar which moved them out of Mossman in December 24 after buying all the local locos at auction.
Warren, 71, who worked at Mossman Mill for 40 years, retiring at age 65, reckons the railway museum “got out Mossman loco for a steal”.
“I found it on the internet and have read up a bit about it,’’ he said.
“I would have felt a lot better if it was held here because we will never get the locos back, but at least it is being used.’’
Warren said the locos were known by everyone in the district and it was a sad time when they were sold off and shipped out of Mossman.
The Mossman Mill locomotives sold to MSF Sugar through a Grays Auction and were transported to South Johnstone via Mareeba in December of 2024.
Mossman has been overhauled and regular maintenance checks and testing, along with a fresh paint job to reflect its original operating livery, since its arrival at Woodford Railway. It is likely to go into service on the tourist railway in February.
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