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

DBR 1254 trails the train into the loop

16 October 2024

The train crosses Hawes Street past industrial buildings, before rolling down the loop

16 October 2024

The train is now fully within the loop signals, and rolls to a stop further up the line

16 October 2024

DC 4818 stopped at Waharoa. While here, the crew went to get lunch before making the return journey

16 October 2024

DC 4818 and DBR 1254 stopped in the loop. Before returning to Glenbrook, the train ran around the triangle to ensure DC 4818 led home as well, with DBR 1254 leading the short distance on the triangle towards Tauranga

16 October 2024

On the return journey, DC 4818 now faces north and passes through Walton

16 October 2024

The Kaimai Ranges dominate the landscape as DC 4818 and DBR 1254 head back west, now running as train A070 to Glenbrook

16 October 2024

A small train in a large landscape, as DC 4818 starts its journey back to Glenbrook

16 October 2024

Train A070 heads west towards Hamilton with DC 4818 in charge

16 October 2024

The small train passes back through Walton on its return journey to Glenbrook

16 October 2024

The train passes under the road bridge at Walton on its way towards Hamilton

16 October 2024

DC 4818 and DBR 1254 pass the PGG Wrightson site at Walton on their return journey

16 October 2024

Heading out of Morrinsville, DC 4818 tackles the grade away from the State Highway 26 level crossing, with the start of the grade evident here

16 October 2024

DC 4818 climbs the grade with a decent load from DBR 1254's dynamic brake

16 October 2024

DC 4818 works on tackling the grade out of Morrinsville

16 October 2024

Under sunny skies, DC 4818 heads away from Morrinsville up the grade

16 October 2024

At Ruakura, DC 4818 takes the loop while it waits for train MR3 to enter the container terminal ahead, as well as wait for a very late train 390 to pass

16 October 2024

DC 4818 enters the tree-lined loop at Ruakura, while waiting for traffic ahead

16 October 2024

Gangers have cleared the track in anticipation of DC 4818's arrival, and will wait for train 390 to pass before continuing their work

16 October 2024

At Hamilton, DL 9705 has finally departed with train 390, and heads east to Tauranga with priority over train A070

16 October 2024

DL 9705, still very clean, leads a loaded train 390 out of Hamilton. The train arrives from Palmerston North with EF locomotives in charge, and replaced with a DL on the other end of the train for the run to Tauranga

16 October 2024

DL 9705 passes the ECMT platform at Hamilton, which still sees occasional use by charters and even Te Huia

16 October 2024

DL 9705 heads onto the ECMT towards Tauranga

16 October 2024

While waiting for train A070 to show up, DFB 7335 arrived at Hamilton station with the consist for train 102

16 October 2024