#KiwiRail #WestmereBank #dieselelectric Two DFB class locomotives haul a southbound train across the Western Line level crossing on the Westmere Bank on the Marton-New Plymouth Line in New Zealand.
The Westmere Bank is one of New Zealands steepest railway gradients. The gradient averages at about 1/35 (2.86%).
The DF locomotives were built by General Motors Diesel of Canada between 1979 and 1981 (Model GL22MC) . The 30 members of the class were powered by an EMD 12-645 engine and were upgraded with a turbo charger in the 1990's to bring their power rating up to 1,800 kW (2,400 hp). The class became regular locomotives on the Marton - New Plymouth Line in 1994. In the 2000's most of the fleet was fitted with a BrightStar™ Microprocessor wheelslip control system and were reclassified DFB. The locomotives were progressively displaced from this route in the 2010's, but still occasionally make a visit as seen in this video.
This train originated at the Fonterra Dairy Factory in Whareroa. The white export containers a carrying perishable dairy products, and the red curtain-siders are carrying dry goods for a domestic location.
Video recorded on Friday 13th January 2023
27 янв 2023
