The world’s longest and heaviest train was an incredible 4.5 miles long and took eight engines to run set a Guinness World Record in 2001 – stretching an immense 4.5 miles (7.3 kilometres) and bearing a hefty load of 82,000 metric tons of iron ore
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.
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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 Iron Ore President back then, Graeme Hunt, proclaimed: “This was a world-class achievement that demonstrated BHP’s commitment to innovation and excellence.”
The record has outdone BHP’s previous heaviest train record set back in 1996. The train, still in operation today, regularly transports iron ore from BHP’s mines to Port Hedland, albeit not on the same scale.
BHP is known for moving iron ore with trains that are a whopping 1.5 miles (2.4km) long and consist of 264 wagons.
How are Guinness World Records measured?
All titles have a unique set of rules that are specific to that activity but there are some general requirements that all record evidence must include:
Independent verification
All record attempts require the presence of completely independent witnesses who are our eyes on the ground to witness and confirm that all of our rules have been followed.
Certain records require the presence of expert independent witnesses who have a specialism in a certain field relevant to the record. These can include: veterinarians, medical professionals, surveyors, hygiene inspectors, dance professionals, sports governing bodies and many more.
Proof of measurement
Each record is based on a measurement, whether it be length, weight, number of items or people, area, temperature etc. The accuracy of this measurement is paramount. Many records require the measurement to be conducted by a suitably qualified professional in the field.
Other common requirements include:
- Log books to detail attempts that last a long time such as journeys and marathons
- Stewards for mass participation attempts to break down the witnessing of the crowd
- Expert timekeepers to review attempts based on time.