IRON BOGONG
Model Maker
John Darge
Date1970s
Object number00018372
NameModel
MediumWood, paint, wire, glass, silver plate
DimensionsOverall: 352 x 1310 x 282 mm, 25.3 kg
ClassificationsModels
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Della Elliott
DescriptionThis model shows the BHP bulk carrier IRON BOGONG, a Darling River class carrier with a bulbous bow and flat bottom.HistoryOriginally called BOGONG, the IRON BOGONG was built in 1967 and had a capacity for 33,261 gross tonnes. It was powered by two GE steam turbines geared to a single shaft. It had a single six-bladed propeller in front of the rudder. It was the second of four Darling River Class bulk carriers designed and built by BHP at its Whyalla yards for Bulkships Limited, Melbourne. BOGONG had nine cargo holds that were fitted with Gotaverken hydrotorque hinged steel covers. In 1977 BHP chartered the ship as part of their fleet until 1982 when they purchased it and then sold it to Chinese ship breakers one year later.
An attached plaque reads to 'Eliot V Elliott best wishes for a happy retirement'. The model was made by a seaman on the ship John Darge and presented by the Port Kembla Branch of the Seaman's Union of Australia to the Federal Secretary Elliott when he retired in November 1979. Elliot was the association’s organiser for 42 years.
SignificanceThis model is representative of the IRON BOGONG's service under BHP and the careers of its crew. BHP and the bulk ore and coal trade played a prominent role in the developing Australian maritime commerce.
