DC 4818's Test Run

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