ELDORADO GOLD DREDGE

The large gold dredge at Eldorado in Victoria State, Australia remains as a reminder, when the gold fields were at their peak. It resides in the lake it created during operation.This large machine is now gradually rusting away and although some preservation has been carried out in the past, is still in the same position as when shut down in 1954.During it's lifetime, it ran all 24 hours, 6 days a week with maintenance each Sunday. When operating, it used one third of the whole electrical supply for the State of Victoria and could be heard over 20 kilometers away. The township of Eldorado is 290 kilometers north-east of Melbourne.
The original video was taken approx 15 years ago with a Canon EX1 ....( Hi-8 ) camera.

[@craigkay2322]

Amazing What The Old Timers Did & Built !

[@odinzoltan]

Thanks for the comment.Craig...I think everything was over-engineered in those times, which made sure it did the job....Gordon.

[@randallmidgley7589]

great video, nice piece of history right there,, didn't seemed to have damaged the country side, funny that!

[@odinzoltan]

Many thanks for your comment Randall.....Sorry for the late reply but we have just returned from a short holiday.... I think the area was a lot different when the monster was working 24hrs. with only Sunday off.... The noise it made could be heared for many miles over the whole area including the nearest town.....Now, over the years, I think nature has claimed things back......Regards Gordon

[@TheFoodexplorer]

Yeah noice!

[@odinzoltan]

I'm a bit late in reply...but thanks for the comment Michael.....Gordon

[@duzabear50]

My father was an engine driver ( steam days before electrification) on that dredge,, Ive often wondered if local enthusiasts would build a dam wall, pump out the lake it is in and turn off the drain cocks that the vandals opened to sink it, then refloat it ,, just a thought.. Last time my father < Bill Studham, went there was around 1978 and he was still in love with the Dredge..

[@odinzoltan]

Thanks for the comment Jimbo....`thats fantastic..not only to know someone who actually worked on the dredge but also worked it in it's steam days....I heard that the noise of the buckets could be heard miles away in the nearest town and the two guys that were working on it at the time of the video were both keen enthusiasts with all the info....But it is not as good as talking or knowing someone who actually worked the monster .....The water I would guess at about 3 -4 mts. at the time....Thanks again for the info ....Gordon

[@Getbent97]

Went there a few years ago when visiting Glenrowan and the surrounding area's. Absolutely amazing piece of machinery, so sad that its been allowed to sink into the ground and rust away. Another part of Victoria's history and heritage slowly decaying, but so is the state of things here in Victoria.

[@odinzoltan]

...Hi `Getbent97' ....Thanks for watching and sorry for the late return to you......I know how you feel...Over here in SA, they are about to give our transport system over to `The Privates'...Starting with the trams, .after much public money has been used in modernisation and extending the system...Sad to see us going down the path of others......Regards

[@18624100]

Just whent there 3/ 2019 that sure is some machine i would recomend if your in the area it's a must see .

[@odinzoltan]

Many thanks for your comment Mr. Cactus.....I'm glad you found it a remarkable construction, for the year.....I guess the gold rush certainly encouraged the build....Gordon

[@bodrip1]

A good video showing parts you couldn't see today, but the accompanying music is terrible. More suited to a biblical epic. Thanks.

[@odinzoltan]

My thanks for your comment Beauregard....Sorry for the music...No doubt `Jupiter'....from the `Planet Suite' is not for everyone...Kind regards ...Gordon

[@kirkc4696]

@@odinzoltan The music was used for the hymn, " I Vow to Thee My Country," which was sung at Princess Diana's funeral.

[@waffuls7933]

Thats probably 20-25 years ago, gauging by dikko 97. Also i dont recommend entering, rather treacherous and beware of large wasps.

[@odinzoltan]

Thanks for viewing Chris, we were lucky to be invited to inspect by the two gents restoring the monster for public viewing. From them, we learned much of the local history and the effect it had on the area.....I am grateful to them......At that time, the local lads used to swim out to it. I guess we v/taped the dredge about 18-20 years ago....regards Gordon.