DL Passenger

DL 9757, now reclassified DLP, leads train 1302 through Pōkeno in the early morning. Five DL locomotives have been modified for passenger use with the addition of door controls and ETCS, are authorised to run at 100km/h, and reclassified DLP

13 August 2026

DLP 9757 leads train 1302 up the grade through Pōkeno. The SRVs are not able to lead with DLP locomotives as they are not fitted with ETCS

13 August 2026

Bringing up the rear of the train is SRC 5994, now fitted with anti-climb equipment in case of a collision from the rear

13 August 2026

On the return journey, DLP 9757 emerges from underneath the Waikato Expressway bridge at Mercer, heading south with train 1303

13 August 2026

DLP 9757 crosses the Whangamarino River as it passes underneath the Waikato Expressway, heading south with train 1303. For this run, the locomotive did not run around, and the set headed south the opposite way to usual

13 August 2026

On the afternoon services, DLP 9757 again heads north, this time with train 1304 in tow

13 August 2026

DLP 9757 starts heading up the Whangarata bank, with a much lighter load than the DLs usually handle

13 August 2026

SRV 5859 trails train 1304 as it follows behind DLP 9757 out of Pōkeno

13 August 2026

The following day, it was the turn of DLP 9792 to take up passenger duties, this time with train 200, the Northern Explorer. The train is seen here climbing the Whangarata bank out of Pōkeno in last light

14 August 2026

Still with its second cafe car in place of the AKF kitchen car, train 200 heads up the grade with DLP 9792 in charge

14 August 2026

DLP 9792 heads across Kellyville Road with train 201, the Northern Explorer. The introduction of the requirement for all trains to be fitted with ETCS means the Northern Explorer is also required to swap out its DFB for a DLP

17 August 2026

The Northern Explorer, train 201, heads across Kellyville Road with DLP 9792 on the head

17 August 2026

DLP 9786 on the head of train 1302 at Pukekohe, with the carriages facing the other way from usual. The train running into The Strand via Newmarket and back via Panmure (or vice versa) means frequent turning of the carriage sets under the new operation

18 August 2026

Train 1302 boards passengers at Pukekohe with DLP 9786 on the head

18 August 2026

On board SRC 3436, travelling from Pukekohe to Puhinui behind DLP 9786

18 August 2026

As part of the introduction of DLP locomotives to Te Huia, the SRC carriages received anti-climb devices on the outside at the locomotive end, for better protection in case of a collision from the rear. On the inside, this became an emergency exit only, with throughfare to another carriage no longer possible

18 August 2026

Looking at the build plate of DLP 9786 from the end window of SRC 3436

18 August 2026

DLP 9786 stops at Puhinui en route to The Strand as train 1302

18 August 2026