MacMillan & Bloedel No. 1044 was one of the last operating steam locomotives in BC. Weighing in at 67 tons, it was built in 1924 by H. K. Porter for forestry operations on Vancouver Island and was a sidetank locomotive. Locomotives with this wheel arrangement were known as Prairies. This locomotive started its life with the Timberland Development company as #4. It then went to the Victoria Lumber and Manufacturing company still as #4. Then, as #4 with the Victoria Lumber company, it was renumbered to #1044. MacMillan Bloedel acquired it and it kept the number #1044. In 1970, it was put on static display in Chemainus and has been there ever since.

To see more images of this months Iron & Steel Challenge click here: Iron & Steel - June 2009