New Zealand DM class locomotive

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Not to be confused with New Zealand DM class electric multiple unit.

New Zealand DM class locomotive
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderStadler Rail, Valencia
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UICCo′Co′
Gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Length20.002 metres (65.62 ft) [1]
Width2.810 metres (9 ft 2.6 in) [1]
Loco weight< 108t [1]
Fuel typeDiesel, HVO [1]
Fuel capacity6,500 litres (1,400 imp gal; 1,700 US gal) [1]
Prime moverCaterpillar C175-16, Stage V [1]
Engine typediesel engine
Loco brakePneumatic; Dynamic: rheostatic; Bail-off feature [1]
Performance figures
Maximum speed100 km/h (62 mph) [1]
Power output3,000 kilowatts (4,000 hp)
Tractive effort415 kN (93,000 lbf)
Career
Number in class66
DeliveredEarly 2024[2]
Current ownerKiwiRail

The New Zealand DM class[nb 1] of 66[1][4] diesel-electric locomotives are currently under manufacture for New Zealand rail operator KiwiRail by Stadler Rail in Spain. The locomotives are expected to be introduced between 2024 and 2026.[2]

Background[edit]

In March 2020, KiwiRail released a tender for new mainline locomotives to replace the 47-strong DX class,[5] which were nearly 50 years old at the time. The 2021 New Zealand budget allocated NZD$722.7 million to purchase new mainline locomotives, shunt locomotives and wagons.[6]

On 11 October 2021 Stadler Rail announced it had won the contract to supply 57 new locomotives for KiwiRail.[7] Stadler stated the contract was worth €228 million,[7] or NZD$403 million.[2][8] The Rail & Maritime Transport Union, the main union representing KiwiRail staff, welcomed the purchase.[9] The company had previously won a contract to supply 34 similar locomotives to the Taiwan Railway Administration in 2019.[10][11]

In February 2024, KiwiRail and Stadler announced an order for a further nine DM class locomotives equipped with European Train Control System (ETCS) technology for deployment on the North Island rail network.[4] The last ten locomotives from the first order will also be fitted with ETCS, bringing the total number of ETCS-fitted DM class locomotives in the North Island to 19. ETCS will enable the locomotives to operate in the Auckland metro area, which is fitted with ETCS Level 1 signalling, and future proofs the class to safely operate in the Wellington metro area once trackside signalling there is upgraded to ETCS.

Classification and numbering[edit]

KiwiRail has stated the locomotives will be classified as class "DM".[3] The original impression of the design showed the numbering to be in the 10,000 series. Mock-ups of the locomotive cab show numbers in the 6000 series, which has not been used since the withdrawal of the DQ and QR class locomotives.[12] It was reported in late 2022 that the design phase had been completed, and the first locomotives are now in production, to be completed in mid-2024.[13] As of November 2023, the class numbering is in the 8000 series.[14]

Production, testing and entry into service[edit]

KiwiRail posted a video on their Facebook page on 8 February 2024 of the prototype locomotive at the Stadler manufacturing plant in Spain. The short clip shows one of the new DM locomotives running on test tracks under its own power. The post stated that the first two locomotives will join the KiwiRail fleet later in 2024.[15]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

Footnotes[edit]

  1. ^ KiwiRail have stated that "DM" will be used as the classification for the locomotives.[3]

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "KiwiRail, SALi Diesel-Electric, New Zealand, PDF" (PDF). Stadler Rail. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "New locomotives to replace South Island fleet". KiwiRail. 12 October 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Our new South Island locos". The Express (367). KiwiRail: 7. December 2021.
  4. ^ a b "Stadler and KiwiRail strengthen partnership through recent locomotive agreements" (PDF). 27 February 2024.
  5. ^ "Expression of Interest - Supply of Mainline Locomotives to KiwiRail". Government Electronic Tender Service. May 2020. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  6. ^ "Budget 2021: KiwiRail the big transport winner with money for new locomotives and locally built wagons". New Zealand Herald. 20 May 2021. Retrieved 11 October 2021.
  7. ^ a b "Stadler and KiwiRail sign a contract for 57 mainline locomotives" (PDF). Stadler Rail. 11 October 2021. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  8. ^ "Stadler wins New Zealand loco order". The Railway Magazine (1448): 100. November 2021.
  9. ^ "Rail Union Says New Locomotives A Great Investment In Future Of KiwiRail". Scoop.co.nz. 12 October 2021.
  10. ^ "Stadler to supply 34 locomotives for TRA in Taiwan". Global Railway Review. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  11. ^ "Stadler Wins First Large Contract in the Pacific Region, 34 locomotives for TRA in Taiwan". Stadler Rail. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  12. ^ Bond 2022, p. 39.
  13. ^ Daryl Bond (December 2022). "Other Rolling Stock News". The Linesider (10): 48. ISSN 2703-6197.
  14. ^ "[NZ] Stadler's narrow gauge diesel locomotives for KiwiRail – project update". Railcolor News. 17 November 2023.
  15. ^ "KiwiRail Facebook page". KiwiRail. 8 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.

Bibliography[edit]

  • Bond, Darryl (September 2022). "A First Look at the DM class". The Linesider (9): 39. ISSN 2703-6197.
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