Martinus wagons head south

With 10 Martinus ballast wagons in tow, DL 9475 and DL 9112 lead train 225S through Tuakau in the early morning, with a long train behind them

9 September 2023

The locomotives power up as they bring train 225S up the grade through Tuakau

9 September 2023

The ten ballast wagons are heading to the South Island for contracted work after previously being used in Australia. On train 225S, they are headed for Wellington at a top speed of 55km/h, then on Aratere to Picton

9 September 2023

Train 225S makes a sedate run through Mercer with DL 9475 and DL 9112 on the head

9 September 2023

Catching the morning sun, DL 9475 and DL 9112 lead train 225S with the Martinus wagons in tow

9 September 2023

Of note at Mercer is a new turnout, installed to provide access to the future Mainline Steam depot. Train 225S passes the new turnout on its journey south to Wellington

9 September 2023

At Te Kauwhata, train 225S exits the single track section, with the train stretching out on the curve behind it

9 September 2023

DL 9475 passes the old platform at Te Kauwhata as it and DL 9112 lead train 225S south

9 September 2023

The ten wagons lead the rest of the freight on the train, travelling at the front as they are travelling on the entire journey to Wellington

9 September 2023

The ten wagons all in view behind the locomotives as the train crosses Te Kauwhata Road. The wagons were previously used in Australia, hauled by Martinus-owned DC 4041, DC 4444, DC 4571 and DC 4692

9 September 2023

Train 225S approaches Huntly station in the distance. To the right, the old station building has been relocated back to the platform, with repair work continuing after arson damage

9 September 2023

DL 9475 and DL 9112 lead train 225S across Bell Crossing Street with the Martinus wagons directly behind

9 September 2023

Train 225S passes Huntly station, located on the loop

9 September 2023

Further south, train 225S passes over Old Taupiri Road before crossing the Waikato River at Ngaruawahia

9 September 2023

The wagons are in all new territory as they head south for the first time, here passing through Ngaruawahia

9 September 2023

DL 9475 and DL 9112 enter the bridge over the Waikato River at Ngaruawahia

9 September 2023