August 24, 2015
Nanango’s famous “Big Bucket” is sporting a new $5000 paint job, thanks to ESCO Corporation and Terry Mackrell from the Nanango Tourism and Development Association and South Burnett Gas Guzzlers.
Wade Frahm, from ESCO in Kingaroy, said the ESCO 792 Mark V dragline bucket was originally delivered to Tarong Coal’s Meandu Mine in July 1997.
At the end of its working life it was donated to Nanango Shire Council and relocated on the D’Aguilar Highway at the entrance to Nanango.
It has become a popular photo stop for tourists and a landmark for local businesses.
In 2011, the Bucket underwent a restoration but over recent years its paintwork had begun to look a bit sad and sorry.
Wade said ESCO were keen to make the Big Bucket look attractive again.
They donated the paint and manpower for the makeover, while Terry provided some logistical assistance.
Kev Pomerenke, from Kev’s Mobile Sandblasting, prepared the surface for the new coat of paint.
The Big Bucket was re-painted in the same color, waratah red, but this time a higher grade two-pack style paint was used.
“It should stay nice and shiny for years to come,” Wade said.
It has been estimated that the Big Bucket – which is believed to be the first on the Meandu dragline nicknamed “Hannibal” – moved enough material to fill 800,000 backyard swimming pools over its 10-year working life.
Top job, congratulations to all involved