New Zealand DM class locomotive

The New Zealand DM class Locomotives[nb 1] of 57[1] diesel-electric locomotives are a class under manufacture for New Zealand rail operator KiwiRail by Stadler Rail. The locomotives will be manufactured in Spain, and are expected to be introduced from early 2024 to 2026.[2]

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 class57 [1]
DeliveredEarly 2024[2]
Current ownerKiwiRail

Background

The former New Zealand Railways Department (NZR) introduced 49 DX class locomotives into service between 1972 and 1977, 47 of which are now in service in the South Island. Some of the locomotives are now 50-plus years old. In March 2020, KiwiRail released a tender for new mainline locomotives to replace the DX class.[4]

The 2021 New Zealand budget allocated NZD$722.7 million to purchase new mainline locomotives, shunt locomotives and wagons.[5]

On 11 October 2021 Stadler Rail announced it had won the contract to supply 57 new locomotives for KiwiRail.[6] Stadler Rail stated the contract was worth €228 million,[6] or NZD$403 million.[2][7] The Rail & Maritime Transport Union, the main union representing KiwiRail staff, welcomed the purchase.[8] Stadler Rail won a contract to supply 34 similar locomotives to the Taiwan Railway Administration in 2019.[9][10]

Classification and numbering

KiwiRail has stated the locomotives will be classified as class "DM".[3] 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.[11] 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.[12]

See also

References

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

Citations
  1. "KiwiRail, SALi Diesel-Electric, New Zealand, PDF" (PDF). Stadler Rail. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  2. "New locomotives to replace South Island fleet". KiwiRail. 12 October 2021.
  3. "Our new South Island locos". The Express. KiwiRail (367): 7. December 2021.
  4. "Expression of Interest - Supply of Mainline Locomotives to KiwiRail". Government Electronic Tender Service. May 2020. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  5. "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.
  6. "Stadler and KiwiRail sign a contract for 57 mainline locomotives" (PDF). Stadler Rail. 11 October 2021. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  7. "Stadler wins New Zealand loco order". The Railway Magazine (1448): 100. November 2021.
  8. "Rail Union Says New Locomotives A Great Investment In Future Of KiwiRail". Scoop.co.nz. 12 October 2021.
  9. "Stadler to supply 34 locomotives for TRA in Taiwan". Global Railway Review. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  10. "Stadler Wins First Large Contract in the Pacific Region, 34 locomotives for TRA in Taiwan". Stadler Rail. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  11. Bond 2022, p. 39.
  12. Daryl Bond (December 2022). "Other Rolling Stock News". The Linesider (10): 48. ISSN 2703-6197.

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