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