NZR DF class (1954)

NZR DF class (English Electric)
English Electric DF Class of 1954 awaiting restoration in Auckland
Power type	Diesel-electric
Builder	English Electric, United Kingdom
Build date	1954
AAR wheel arr.	2-C+C-2
UIC classification	(2'Co)(Co'2)
Gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Cape gauge
Length	18.7 metres (61 ft 4 in)
Weight on drivers	73.4 tonnes (72.2 long tons; 80.9 short tons)
Locomotive weight	110 tonnes (110 long tons; 120 short tons)
Prime mover	English Electric 12SVT Mk 2
Engine RPM range	750 - 850 rpm
Aspiration	Turbocharger
Generator	English Electric 828A
Traction motors	Six English Electric 525 / 2A
Cylinders	V12
Cylinder size	254 mm × 305 mm (10.0 in × 12.0 in)
Top speed	97 km/h (60 mph)
Power output	1,120 kW (1,500 hp)
Tractive effort	180 kN (40,000 lbf)
Number in class	10
Number	1500 - 1509 (1954 to 1965) 1300 - 1309 (1965 to 1975)
Locale	North Island
First run	1954
Last run	1975
Disposition	9 scrapped, 1 preserved

The NZR DF class of 1954 was the first class of mainline diesel-electric locomotives built for New Zealand's national railway network, built by English Electric. It should not be confused with General Motors Electro-Motive Division DF class of 1979.

Introduction

They had a wheel arrangement of (2'Co)(Co'2) under the UIC classification system, generated 1120 kW (1500 hp) of power, and could achieve a maximum speed of 97 km/h. They started the process of displacing steam motive power from main lines in New Zealand, but were soon displaced themselves by the DA class of 1955.

Initially, 31 DF locomotives were ordered, but this order was amended to 10 DFs and 42 DG locomotives. The DG class in appearance was essentially half a DF, with a similar Bulldog nose cab design. The DF locomotives were lighter than the DAs and were used to haul freight trains on lines in Northland and the Bay of Plenty from which the DAs were prohibited. Their only trips to the South Island were to visit Dunedin for maintenance.

Withdrawal

Unfortunately, the DFs were plagued by unreliability and often had to undergo repairs. This contributed to their short lifespan; withdrawal began in 1972 and the last, DF 1501, was withdrawn in June 1975.

Preserved locomotive

DF 1501 was then preserved as a static display at Sim Pacific Metals Limited in Auckland. After many years exposed to the elements, the locomotive was in a poor condition. In 2007, the locomotive was purchased by the Federation of Rail Organsiations of New Zealand who concluded an agreement with the Diesel Traction Group, of Christchurch, to have the locomotive moved to their premises for restoration. The first stage of this relocation took place in August 2008 when 1501 was re-railed and then towed to Westfield Diesel Depot for assessment. In January 2009, members of the Group accompanied the locomotive on a three-day, 1,100 km trip to Christchurch, from where it moved to their Ferrymead Railway base a few days later.

Class register

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

Number[n 1]	Introduced	Withdrawn	Notes
DF 1501	01955-03 March 1955	01975-06 June 1975	Preserved by Diesel Traction Group, Ferrymead.
DF 1502	01955-07 July 1955	01972-08 August 1972	Scrapped.
DF 1503	01954-09 September 1954	01972-01 January 1972	Scrapped.
DF 1504	01954-10 October 1954	01972-08 August 1972	Scrapped.
DF 1505	01954-10 October 1954	01972-08 August 1972	Scrapped.
DF 1506	01954-11 November 1954	01974-05 May 1974	Scrapped.
DF 1507	01954-12 December 1954	01972-01 January 1972	Scrapped.
DF 1508	01954-12 December 1954	01972-01 January 1972	Scrapped.
DF 1509	01955-03 March 1955	01972-01 January 1972	Scrapped.
DF 1500	01955-10 October 1955	01974-05 May 1974	Scrapped. Originally DF 1510

1. ^ Class renumbered 1300 to 1309 in November 1965.

References

• "NZR Locomotives and Railcars 1973". T A McGavin. New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society : Wellington, New Zealand : 1973.
• "New Zealand Railway Diesels". E J McClare. Southern Press : Wellington, New Zealand.

External links

• Diesel Traction Group, Christchurch