Anyone know what type engines these are? I took the pictures in Auckland station about three years ago.
Just found this on a website. (I think this is the class). Type Diesel-Electric Introduced 1972 - 75 Number in class 49; 46 in service Manufacturer General Electric, USA Gauge 1067 mm Axles Co-Co Length 17.9 m Weight in working order 97.5 t (DXR: c.105 t); adhesive weight 97.5 t (DXR: c.105 t) Engine General Electric 7FDL-12; V12; bore 229 mm, stroke 267 mm; 1050 rpm Main alternator General Electric GTA-11 Traction motors 6 Power Original: 2050 kW / 2750 hp Uprated: 2240 kW / 3000 hp (DXR: 2400 kW / 3200 hp) Continuous tractive effort Original: 207 kN Speed 120 km/h The DX class were introduced for heavy freight service. Because of their heavy axle loading, they were confined initially to main lines in the North Island, and also worked some passenger services. A reshuffle of the diesel fleet following the North Island Main Trunk electrification in the mid 1980s saw some of the class redeployed to the South Island where over time, their running rights were gradually extended to Christchurch - Picton, Christchurch - Invercargill, and Christchurch - Otira. The class have been prominent in the dieselisation of the former electrified section between Otira and Arthur's Pass, whereby a number of them have been converted to the "tunnel motor" specification with special ducting fitted to redirect the air intakes. They are mainly used on coal trains from the West Coast. Since 1997 a ventilation system installed in the tunnel has made it possible to dieselise the section completely and do away with the electrification. Several of the class have been modernised with uprated engines, one as DXR 8007 with a new cab, and the remainder retaining their original appearance and classification. Other class members are being gradually overhauled, in some cases with new traction motors and other improvements, as they pass through Alstom Hutt. Some of the class have been given new classification letters DXC and DXH with their old TMS serials. 5097 photo 5385 photo 5356 photo
I think they were cataloged as U26C's in the export line. I would love to see one of those chugging by, maybe some day I will get down there to see them. Greg
Alan beat me to it....Have been fortunate to have been pulled from Wellington to Auckland a number of times by these units.....The Dx locos were the successors to the Class Da and Dc and are based on the U boat design.....Remember that New Zealand runs a 3'6" guage so these are considerably smaller than their US cousins!
Thanks for the first-hand info on these units Owen - and welcome to Trainboard As they are 3'6" gauge, do they have a 'narrow gauge' look, as South African locomotives do?
Must admit that they don't look toyish....just smaller and narrower than the US engines.....NZ always had some impressive steam engines that rivalled the US.....known as J and K class
Sorry to bring up an old topic, but I've just joined the board a couple of days ago. The locos were indeed GE model U26C and were built at Erie. They were ordered in two batches, the first being U26C E-series in 1972 and the second being U26 CHEC in 1975-76. Various units have been upgraded over the years and the latest upgrade just emerged from the workshops a few days ago, wearing the latest livery and upgraded with GE's Brightstar system. Some of the class have air ducts over air intakes to enable the loco to source cooler air from below running board level when operating up hill through the Otira tunnel which is about 5 miles of 1 in 33 grade! Photo of the latest U26C upgrade (now model C26-MMI) available at URL below, photo taken by Alan Wickens: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/newzealandlocomotives/ Cheers, Geoff.
Geoff, welcome to Trainboard. Glad you joined us, and I hope to see and learn more about new Zealand's railways. Seems you have to be a member of the Yahoo group to view the picture.
