ADLs Head South

Pulling into Mercer, DBR 1254 and DC 4818 lead all ten ADL units onto the loop, crossing Kellyville Road in the process

1 August 2025

DBR 1254 and DC 4818 arrive at Merver with train VM29, conveying all ten ADL units ultimately to the South Island

1 August 2025

The ten ADLs stretch out across Kellyville Road as the train approaches Mercer

1 August 2025

In the consist, around half of the units have been wrapped. Identifiable in this shot are dead ADL 804, with brakes cut out, and operational ADL 806

1 August 2025

ADL 810, the leading unit in the consist, coupled to ADL 804, with the brakes cut out on the latter. A long brake hose connects ADL 810 directly to the third unit in the consist, ADL 806

1 August 2025

Now well out of their home turf, ADL 804 and ADL 806 roll into Mercer loop as part of the relocation consist

1 August 2025

ADL 806 catches the sun as it and an unidentified covered unit roll into Mercer

1 August 2025

Three covered units in a row in the consist of train VM29, as the train pulls into Mercer

1 August 2025

ADL 801 sandwiched between two blank canvases of covered units

1 August 2025

The second dead unit, ADL 803, also has a temporary brake hose running through it, and is sandwiched between two operational ones

1 August 2025

A covered unit brings up the rear of train VM29, with the GVR tail lights in place

1 August 2025

At Mercer, train VM29 was looped to allow two trains to overtake. Here, DL 9792 leads empty coal train 141 through Mercer, finally being able to overtake after catching up to train VM29 at every signal south of Pukekohe

1 August 2025

DL 9792 powers up with train 141, now able to stretch its legs on the run south

1 August 2025

DL 9792 skirts alongside the Waikato Expressway as it heads south out of Mercer

1 August 2025

Following closely behind, DL 9354 passes through with train 229

1 August 2025

DL 9354 meets DBR 1254 and DC 4818 as the former passes through Mercer with train 229

1 August 2025

Having been further behind than train 141, train 229 did not catch up to train VM29 and kept pace for its entire run. Train 229 is seen here passing through Mercer at speed

1 August 2025

DL 9354 exits Mercer station limits with train 229

1 August 2025

With both trains now out of the way, DBR 1254 and DC 4818 power up to depart Mercer

1 August 2025

DBR 1254 and DC 4818 bring train VM29 out of the loop at Mercer, heading south to National Park for the night

1 August 2025

DBR 1254 and DC 4818 depart Mercer with train VM29 and all ten ADLs in tow

1 August 2025

The train again catches the sun as it departs Mercer for National Park for the night

1 August 2025

DC 4818 and ADC 860 coupled together, both ex-Auckland metro. DC 4818 spent time on SA service in Auckland, as DCP 4818

1 August 2025

The long train of ADLs stretches through the Mercer loop

1 August 2025

The tail end of the train passes over the new turnout for the eventual Mainline Steam depot

1 August 2025

ADL 801 could almost be leading what appears to be an 8-car set

1 August 2025

The final vehicle on the train exits the loop at Mercer

1 August 2025