Introduction
Originally an order for Philippine National Railways 2500 Class, the six locomotives were purchased as by coincidence NZR needed a heavy shunter for Auckland container port transfer work. At the time two DSC class shunters were linked in tandem to perform this task. The DH class are actually a light locomotive which are geared to run at 100 km/h (62 mph). They saw occasional service on the then under-used suburban passenger network, performing well, but NZR focused them on their intended purpose - heavy shunting. In the late 1980s NZR provided a DH unit to the Tasman Pulp and Paper mill in Kawerau to trial for sale as a heavy shunter in the mill's rail yards. The mill turned down the offer, instead purchasing a DA class locomotive to perform duties.
Classification
The class should not be confused with the English Electric DH class of 1956; as all of the old DHs had been reallocated DG in 1968, the classification was re-used.
Class register
Key: |
In service |
On lease |
Out of service |
Preserved |
Overhaul or repair |
Scrapped |
TMS No. |
Original No. |
Introduced |
Current Livery[1] |
Status |
Allocated to |
Notes |
DH 2816 |
900 |
May 1979 |
KiwiRail |
In service |
North Island |
|
DH 2822 |
901 |
November 1978 |
KiwiRail |
In Service |
North Island |
|
DH 2839 |
902 |
December 1978 |
Toll Rail ("Corn Cob") |
In service |
North Island |
|
DH 2845 |
903 |
September 1978 |
KiwiRail |
In service |
North Island |
|
DH 2851 |
904 |
November 1978 |
Toll Rail ("Corn Cob") |
In service |
North Island |
|
DH 2868 |
905 |
March 1979 |
KiwiRail |
In service |
North Island |
|
References
- McGavin, T A (1983). NZR Locomotives and Railcars 1983. Wellington, New Zealand: New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society.
- McClare, E J. New Zealand Railway Diesels. Wellington, New Zealand: Southern Press.
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