Two DXC locomotives on a coal train from Ngakawau to Lyttelton crossing the Waimakariri River bridge.2015.

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DescriptionThe DX class is still used primarily on heavy freight trains. The majority of the class now operate in the South Island, predominantly hauling coal trains between the West Coast mines and the port of Lyttelton.The trains consist of up to 30 CE class hopper wagons each carrying 52 tonnes of coal, and require five members of the class to haul the train up the 3% (1 in 33) west-east grade of the Otira Tunnel,and two members to haul it on the other sections of the line. These services are now exclusively hauled by the DXC sub-class. The class are also involved in general freight operations, and also employed periodically to haul the TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific passenger trains.Date of Photo2015Map^[1]External LinkWikipediaContributorHeather Newby

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Location (city or town)WaimakaririOrganisation (eg business)NZ RailEventTwo DXC locomotives on a coal train from Ngakawau to Lyttelton crossing the Waimakariri River bridge.2015.

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Date Created14th April 2021CommentsAlex Wa
And there's only one dx that has been written off out of the class. That's only because it crashed very badly back in early 80,s

Alan Sheehan
That's awesome, also originally built by General Electric and a good old workhorse.

Thomas Peter Mulligan
Great photo

Lois McMillan
We watched as we had to stop at hornby today as the empty wagons were heading back over to the coast, one way full other way empty, it’s a shame that the industries don’t send more freight by train and utilise them more

MIcheal Hunt
Lois McMillan they would but the cost is prohibitive.

Gary Scott - And they go out and buy Dog and Lemons that are lucky to last 10years.

Christopher Randal - Gary Scott The first batch have now been in service for 12 years.

Michael Nottingham
Vividly recall tramping across that railway bridge 2 or 3 years ago, rifle and pack on my back. Not to be recommended. Certainly not when a North Wester is screaming down from the Coast. Nearly ripped my hat and glasses off my head and I thought, could possibly blow me right off the bridge. The concern for my gear was eclipsed by the possibility of an engine powering in my direction. Silly I suppose, but there you go. You only live once, perhaps take a few chances?

Heather Newby
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Admin
Michael Nottingham brave man.,. lol

Michael Nottingham
Heather Newby Wonderful days. There are signals on each end of the bridge, like traffic lights. When green you would immediately scurry across. Not so easy with howling Nor Wester, endeavoring to move forward was a challenge.......

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Two DXC locomotives on a coal train from Ngakawau to Lyttelton crossing the Waimakariri River bridge.2015.

Editing is temporarily disabled