In the quiet fields of Schipkau, Germany, the imposing Bagger 1473, affectionately called “The Blue Wonder,” stands as both a testament to human engineering and a symbol of industrial decline. This Type SRs 1500-series bucket-wheel excavator, now abandoned, once played a vital role in the Tagebau Meuro mine from 1965 to 2002. With a staggering length of 171.5 meters and a height of 50 meters, the 3850-ton machine was a marvel of its time, capable of mining up to 5130 cubic meters of lignite per hour using its 12.5-meter-diameter bucket wheel. Its power, delivered through a 6 kV cable, drove a 5555 kW system, enabling precise excavation at impressive speeds. After its retirement, local municipalities worked to preserve this industrial giant, moving it 8.5 kilometers in 2003 to a location near the EuroSpeedway Lausitz. The journey, conducted over industrial roads and railways, turned Bagger 1473 into a monument to the region’s mining heritage. However, the years that followed were unkind. Vandalism, theft, and weather took their toll, leaving the structure unsafe and financially unfeasible to maintain. A plan to scrap the excavator in 2019 was halted when it was officially recognized as a protected historical monument, but its fate remains uncertain. Today, Bagger 1473 stands as a poignant reminder of the area’s mining history and the challenges of preserving such massive relics. Discussions about its future continue, as communities grapple with the balance between honoring their heritage and the financial burden of restoration. For now, “The Blue Wonder” endures, a silent colossus rooted in the past, awaiting its next chapter.
Such a shame to see it falling into disrepair. Either restoration as a tourist attraction or recycle the steel.
Germany already have made exceptional use of old industrial and mining sites, converting them to heritage sites and public parks. Preserved correctly this machine could be a centre piece of an educational and exploratory space that people could use.
Made with no Cad. Imagine the drawings.
''recognized as a protected historical monument'' Have you got any idea what you are saying and what is meant by ''protected'' but the machine looks like this. In actual fact, no one can make up their minds by what to do with this machine. You cant protect it because by the looks of it you have done a really great job. Scrap the damn thing and get it over and done with. Stop wasting time because in another 3 years it will look even worse.
That is insane!
Bagger 1473 is such an incredible piece of history. It's amazing to think about the engineering that went into creating this machine. Preserving it would be a wonderful way to honor the past. Great post Awesome Earthmovers!
Keep the excavating wheel, dismantle the rest. Put an informational sign there instead. Keeping the wheel will give visitors an idea of how big this machine was. It’s a dangerous monstrosity now; don’t wait until some kid seriously hurts themself (or worse).
It should be towed to Berlin as a symbol of Germany’s economic mismanagement since the turn of the Millenium.
Flooring Removal Contractor
5dPrestart checks?