A very interesting step back in time, and an example of just how run down the NZ rail network had become by then. Everything looks tired - locos, carriages, tracks, stations. Compare these shots of Auckland to how it looks today and it is easy to see there's been an enormous injection of capital into the network, especially with electrification, new stations, rolling stock and more.
Simply stunning to see how the Auckland network used to be. Funny thing is there are very little difference in running times between these subbies and the electrics. While they have faster acceleration, they loose time with the door open/ close sequence. These were also the days when you could wander into places other than platforms to get a shot. Great times. Also being a long standing GVR member, it was great to see shots of how we used to be. Many thanks for posting this and your other videos.
Was over in the Goldcoast the other week and rode from the GC to Brisbane. They don't seem to have the same problems with dwell times with doors. The just push the door open button as the train slows and the instance it stops the doors open unlike Auckand where it take about 5 seconds plus./ to open them .
@@paulwarner5395 The doors on the Wellington units are much better being the pocket type that slide easily into the cavities, compared to the Auckland units where they first have to unlatch, move outwards and then along, which all takes time. When they shut it is with an annoyingly loud 'CLUNK'. CAF build good rolling stock but they should adopt the Hyundai-Rotem door style.
They also lose time with these walking-pace departures at some stations. Glen Eden heading to Henderson is a good example. The drivers have no doubt been instructed to depart slowly until they are across the level crossing, then accelerate.
I saw a video of an ADL trip to Onehunga and an EMU trip to Onehunga. the ADLs had a consistent 30 sec dwell time and the EMU consistently stopped a full 60 seconds
@ Yes, I remember those days. The tides have certainly turned. Now anti rail Aucklanders are in the monitory, if only just.! Wellington is properly still weird though!
Great videos and it looks like the The Auckland commuter rail system just about went extinct at that time. The politicians in Wellington didn't care as Welling has had a good electric train system since about the 1930s. Glad to see there was a revival thanx to the old Perth DMUs.
Remember an old crunchie ad on TV which trains out of the western times? I use to laugh at it then I moved to Auckland and realised those trains where still on the commuter network. Didn't get replaced until the early/mid 90's.
Aucklanders thought (and still do think) cars are the way of the future. So we sell down all our rail land and assets and spend our lives sitting on the motorway in congestion.
I'm on the lookout for any GMD DF Class running before the DFT refit. I need sounds for a mod for a game I'm working on. The DFT has a different sound I'm told and I'd like to get as close to accurate as possible. :) Any links would be awesome! :)
