AM class introduction

Auckland Transport's first new electric multiple unit, AM 103, slowly pulls into Puhinui station on a test run under its own power

4 October 2013

The future is here: Power car without pantograph AMA 103 sits on the future third main at Puhinui

4 October 2013

A current suburban train led by SD 6182 passes the new suburban train led by AMA 103

4 October 2013

DC 4260 meets power car with pantograph AMP 103

4 October 2013

AMP 103 awaits departure from Puhinui back to the Wiri depot

4 October 2013

Now heading back towards Wiri, the 2013-built EMU easily overtakes the 1968-built ADK class DMU

4 October 2013

AM 103 arrives at Puhinui on one of its many test runs

12 October 2013

AM 103 departs Puhinui on the first of its test runs for the night

12 October 2013

On the second of its test runs for the night, AMA 103 leads the three-car EMU out of Papatoetoe towards Otahuhu

12 October 2013

Returning from Otahuhu, AMP 103 leads the consist this time as the train returns to Puhinui. The EMU's test run consists of shuttles between Puhinui and Otahuhu on the Up Main only, with freights using the Down Main in both directions and suburban trains replaced with buses for the night

12 October 2013

Now heading back towards Otahuhu on the third run of the night, AM 103 passes the Papatoetoe bank, with the pantograph lights on AMP 103 visible

12 October 2013

While waiting for AM 103 to return, a second-generation DL passes through Puhinui

12 October 2013

Back at Puhinui, AMP 103 trails the unit again as it prepares for its fourth test run

12 October 2013

AMA 103 leads the unit shortly before its fourth test run

12 October 2013

At Wiri depot, the little yellow shunter moves a full-size EMU around the depot

9 February 2014

The old: ADC 857 passes Wiri depot

9 February 2014

SX set locomotives DBR 1254 and DBR 1199 arrive at Glen Innes station with EMU units AM 116 and AM 131 in tow. The EMUs were undergoing clearance tests on the Eastern Line and the Strand, with the two DBRs hauling as the power was not yet on

9 February 2014

DBR 1254 gingerly leads the train into the platform. The test train was limited to 10km/h past platforms from Sylvia Park onwards

9 February 2014

Markers were laid out by Auckland Transport staff along the edge of the platform

9 February 2014

DBR 1254 awaits permission to move the units onto the platform at Glen Innes

9 February 2014

DBR 1254 and DBR 1199 creep forward with the two EMUs

9 February 2014

DBR 1199 and AM 116 face off at Glen Innes

9 February 2014

Auckland Transport staff inspect the units while other photographers look on

9 February 2014

AM 116 and AM 131 became the first 6-car EMU out on the mainline with this test. It also marks the first EMU on the Eastern Line and the first diesel-hauled EMU on the mainline

9 February 2014

DBR 1254 and DBR 1199, rarely seen hauling anything but the SX set let alone back-to-back, idle at Glen Innes while clearance checks are done

9 February 2014

Auckland Transport staff continue inspecting the units

9 February 2014

The adapter between AM 116's Scharfenberg coupler and DBR 1199's standard "chopper" coupler

9 February 2014

The two DBRs stand before the signal at Glen Innes

9 February 2014

DBR 1254 lights up the track ahead while tests on the EMUs are done

9 February 2014

The two DBRs wait patiently

9 February 2014

After the train moves forward, AM 131 stands on the platform without staff

9 February 2014

Doors were opened and closed on the EMUs to ensure they didn't hit the platform. Prongs attached to the bottom of the unit stuck out in place of steps, and staff discovered that the steps would hit the platform

9 February 2014

AM 131 stands at Glen Innes with the doors open

9 February 2014

After checks were done, the train departs Glen Innes and moves on to Meadowbank, Orakei and the Strand

9 February 2014

Premier unit AM 103 passes through Papatoetoe at speed, on a driver training run between Newmarket, Puhinui and Onehunga

27 February 2014

After waiting for freight trains, AM 103 stops at Penrose briefly

27 February 2014

AM 103 stops underneath the Penrose station building

27 February 2014

AM 103 departs Penrose for Newmarket

27 February 2014

AM 103 at Remuera, being overtaken by two DHs on a port shunt

27 February 2014

AM 103 departs Remuera as the rear portion of the port shunt passes the platform

27 February 2014

AM 103 stands at Penrose Platform 3 during a run to Onehunga

27 February 2014

AM 103 crosses O'rorke Road on its way to Onehunga

27 February 2014

The trailer unit, AMT 103, blocks the road

27 February 2014

Returning from Onehunga, AM 103 approaches Te Papapa

27 February 2014

AM 103 arrives at Te Papapa

27 February 2014

AM 103 stands at Te Papapa station

27 February 2014

The front of the unit at Te Papapa

27 February 2014

AM 103 lights up the platform edge

27 February 2014