Owner Rodney Clarke said Wimmera Container Line bought the second-hand 1000-horsepower train from Queensland Rail, the Wimmera's new container rail freight provider.

Wimmera Container Line will use the train to help shunt wagons from Queensland Rail trains to the company's work yard.

Mr Clarke said that in peak times the locomotive would increase rail freight capacity.

"A train will be able to bring up empty container wagons and immediately turn around and take away a full load," he said.

"We're a little bit further down the line in how we're improving the rail service.

"Ultimately it will be of benefit to everyone in the region."

A training company will qualify Wimmera Container Line staff to use the locomotive at a session in September.