DC 4818's Test Run

DC 4818 leads train D069 through Pokeno, with AG 49 and DBR 1254 in tow. The train is heading to Waharoa on a test run for the DC, its first since restoration

16 October 2024

DC 4818 gleams in the sun with its fresh paint, as it heads south through Pokeno

16 October 2024

After a brief stop at Mercer, DC 4818 continues south underneath the southbound lanes of State Highway 1 and crosses Oram Road

16 October 2024

DC 4818 crosses Oram Road on its run south as train D069. The locomotive has been reclassified back to DC from DCP, originally gaining the DCP classification in 2001 as part of the sale of Tranz Scenic, before being changed back by GVR

16 October 2024

With a light, but variable, load, DC 4818 makes quick work of the run south. DBR 1254 provides a test load for the run with its dynamic brake

16 October 2024

DC 4818 rolls further south, leading train D069 through Ohinewai

16 October 2024

DC 4818 passes through Ohinewai, with AG 49 behind to provide crew support

16 October 2024

DBR 1254 brings up the rear of the train, using its uncommonly used nose tail lights

16 October 2024

At Huntly, train D069 waited for train GC3 to exit the Rotowaro Branch and head south. Here, train GC3 is seen crossing the Waikato River at Ngāruwāhia with DL 9659 at the head

16 October 2024

DL 9659 leads train GC3 across the Waikato River at Ngāruawāhia, with a consist of empty CET coal wagons. The train carries imported Indonesian coal from the Port of Tauranga to the Huntly power station

16 October 2024

Following closely behind, DC 4818 passes over the Waikato River, with DBR 1254 bringing up the rear

16 October 2024

The entire train fits on the bridge, as DC 4818 approaches the Ngāruawāhia level crossings

16 October 2024

DC 4818 warns of its approach for the level crossings as it exits the bridge

16 October 2024

At Eureka, we catch up with train GC3 again, with DL 9659 still leading the empty train back towards Mt Maunganui

16 October 2024

DL 9659 catches the sun as it heads east towards Mt Maunganui with train GC3

16 October 2024

DL 9659 warns of its presence for the level crossing at Eureka

16 October 2024

Still following closely behind, DC 4818 also turns east, heading towards Waharoa

16 October 2024

DC 4818 approaches the level crossing at Eureka, on a speedy run to Waharoa

16 October 2024

DC 4818 makes a fast run east towards Waharoa

16 October 2024

At Waharoa, DC 4818 leads the train into station limits on the southern part of the triangle

16 October 2024

DC 4818 approaches the loop at Waharoa

16 October 2024

A slow runby allows multiple photo opportunities, as DC 4818 arrives at Waharoa

16 October 2024

DC 4818 passes over the triangle turnout at Waharoa

16 October 2024

DC 4818 takes the loop at Waharoa and crosses Hawes Street

16 October 2024