“Unique” Depot Maintenance Solution 

Victoria rail and tram industry specialist, Unique Engineering, is living up to its name, deploying a unique engineering solution to Australian railway depot maintenance. 

Dandenong-based Unique Engineering has successfully specified and concluded the first Australian order for a pair of 10 tonne bogie rotators from Sheffield, UK rail engineering firm, Mechan.  It is to be installed at Downer EDi Rail in Newport, Victoria. 

The rotators, which are the heaviest Mechan has ever produced, will be used by Downer EDi to maintain up to ten different types of locomotive. This broad remit required design modifications to increase lifting capacity and add extra bolt holes to the structures. 

Fabian Borgonha of Unique Rail stated that “Bogie rotators are a common sight in rail depots across the world and it is vital their construction can withstand the rigours of busy maintenance facilities. Mechan’s proven technology, and Unique Engineering’s commitment to work with clients impressed everyone involved in this transaction and I have no doubt word will soon spread about the quality of this service equipment.” 

The rotators comprise two independent structures that work together to hold a bogie frame in place whilst it is rotated through 360 degrees. Typically, they are manufactured to support between six and eight tonnes, however, as freight trains in Australia are larger than the UK equivalent, the capacity was increased for Downer Edi to allow loads of up to 10 tonnes. 

Mechan Managing Director, Richard Carr, said: “We are extremely lucky to have found Unique Engineering with such excellent industry contacts and technical ability. Having supplied a similar order to Asia last year, we were confident the equipment would meet Downer EDi’s needs and make it across the world safely. It was installed successfully by Unique Engineering and is now being used by a very satisfied client.”  

Unique is Mechan’s official representative in Australia and New Zealand. For further information about its wide range of products, telephone +61 3 9702 8833 or visit www.uniqueengineering.com.au