NZR DI class

NZR DI Class
Power type	Diesel-Electric
Builder	English Electric Rocklea works, Queensland, Australia
Build date	1966
UIC classification	Co-Co
Length	13.8 metres (45 ft)
Axle load	10.16 tonnes (10.00 long tons; 11.20 short tons)
Weight on drivers	61.0 tonnes (60.0 long tons; 67.2 short tons)
Locomotive weight	61.0 tonnes (60.0 long tons; 67.2 short tons)
Prime mover	English Electric 6CSRKT
Aspiration	Turbocharged and Intercooled
Traction motors	Six English Electric 540/1A
Top speed	97 km/h (60 mph)
Power output	755 kW (1,012 hp)
Tractive effort	132 kN (30,000 lbf)
Number in class	5
Number	1100 - 1104 (original) 1808 - 1843 (TMS)
Locale	All of New Zealand
First run	1966
Last run	1988 - 1989
Disposition	Withdrawn 1 preserved

The DI class locomotive was a class of diesel-electric locomotive in New Zealand. They were built by English Electric Australia. The class is very similar to the Queensland Rail 1620 Class. At the time of their introduction, the class was seen as an alternative to the DB class for use on lightly laid secondary and branch lines, however the introduction of the DJ class in 1968 ensured that no further DI class locomotives were purchased by the Railways Department.

Three members of the class originally operated in the South Island, mainly on the Main North Line between Christchurch and Picton, while the other two members started life in the North Island. In 1969, all members were transferred to work in the Bay of Plenty area on the lightly laid track there. After the Kaimai Tunnel opened in 1978, all five members were transferred to the South Island for service in the Dunedin area. The remained there until 1984 - 1985, when they went north to Wellington and Napier. In their latter days the DI class was used mainly for shunting duties.

In 1988, three members of the class were written off following accidents. The remaining two locomotives were withdrawn by 1989, following the conversion of the DSC class shunting locomotives to right-hand control.

One member of the class, Di 1102 (1820) has been preserved by the Diesel Traction Group at Ferrymead.

Class register

Key:	In service	Out of service	Auckland Transport service	Preserved	Overhaul	Scrapped

TMS number	Original number	Introduced	Withdrawn	Notes
1808	1100	01966 1966	01988 1988	Written off in 1988 after flashover in main generator. Dismantled at Hutt Workshops in 1991.
1814	1101	01966 1966	01988 1988
1820	1102	01966 1966	01989 1989	Preserved by Diesel Traction Group in Christchurch. Currently under overhaul.
1837	1103	01966 1966	01988 1988	Written off and scrapped in 1988 after throwing a conrod.
1843	1104	01966 1966	01988 1988	Written off and scrapped in 1988 after being damaged in a level crossing accident near Otaki.

References

• "NZR Locomotives and Railcars 1983". T A McGavin. New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society : Wellington, New Zealand : 1983.
• "New Zealand Railway Diesels". E J McClare. Southern Press : Wellington, New Zealand.

External links

• Queensland Rail 1620 Class
• Diesel Traction Group, Christchurch