From the Archives: World Record breaking train (2001)

In a world of superlatives and record breaking events, it’s easy to become blasé about truly mammoth achievements. But on 21 June 2001, BHP Iron Ore set a world record for the longest and heaviest train. A tribute to BHP technology and progress. The train was km, weighed 99,732.1 tonnes with 82,262.5 wet tonnes of iron ore. It travelled 276 kilometres over 10 hours and 4 minutes. Train details: Total length: kilometres Gross mass: 99,732.1 tonnes Total mass excluding locomotives: 98,164.5 tonnes Net mass iron ore: 82,262.5 wet tonnes Total distance travelled: 276 kilometres Total running time: 10 hours 4 minutes Locomotives Model: General Electric AC6000 CW Average mass: 199.6 tonnes Length over coupler centres: metres Engine power (traction) 4474 kW Starting tractive effort: 890 kN Fuel capacity: 20,820 litres