Long Freight Train Near Amokura

DX 5080 leads a 57 total train 230 northbound between Amokura and Mercer at 1419hrs on Friday 28/8/09.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• GE
• General
• Electric
• Locomotive
• U26C
• U-boat
• KiwiRail
• Amokura
• Mercer
• Meremere
• NZ
• Train
• Rail
• Railroad
• Railway
• North
• Island
• Main
• Trunk
• Freight
• Wagons
• Railways
• Railroads
• Trains
• Locomotives

[fleecejackets]

Awesome video! Is this a GE Export engine?

[GeoffBlackmore]

Yep, a 2,750hp U26C built in 1971 by GE at their Erie PA plant. It entered service in 1972. A total of 49 entered service here in two batches in 1972 and 1975-76, of which 48 remain in service today. Most have been upgraded with Brightstar and some with more powerful engines (3,250hp), and a couple with redesigned cabs. My profile pic shows one of the redesigned cab units. All of NZ's locomotives are either EMD or GE units, although next year we are receiving some new locos from China (!)

[fleecejackets]

Wow, that's pretty cool! I've never heard of a U26C -- we had U30C's and U26B's. That's sad, though that you're going to receive Chinese locomotives. Maybe EMD and GE will come back with some good exports soon, though. Awesome video again Geoff!

[GeoffBlackmore]

The reason for buying Chinese instead of EMD or GE is price. China will build them cheaper, so until EMD or GE start competing on price, they are going to lose orders unfortunately. I read just a few days ago GE is worried about low orders for 2010. That shouldn't be the case as globally there is still high demand for new locos.

[NZRAIL]

Train 230 only used to run as far as Hamilton...am I right?

[GeoffBlackmore]

It's destination was traditionally Auckland, but over the past couple of years it has varied between Hamilton and Auckland. It is currently an Auckland train. 228 will shortly be returned to an Auckland service as well, and 180 will be back to regular running, so the Hamilton-Auckland section is picking up a bit.

[fleecejackets]

I see... but cheaper often means lower quality materials. That's why most GE engines from the 60's and 70's aren't in use on mainline railroads in the US anymore -- but tons of the EMD ones from that era are.

[CaptYanknBank]

Why have there been a loss of trains in recent months Geoff? The financial melt-down...? Hopefully not more trucks on the road..!!!

[sansitwins]

A very busy Diesel!!! (And a very nice car!).

[knarfmo]

Great video - I really enjoy yours. I'm surprised this long train was pulled by only one locomotive, but I suppose all of the empties made it a lot lighter.