New Zealand DL class locomotive

New Zealand DL class
DL9020 on a freight train near Papakura, Auckland.
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderCRRC Dalian
Order number73
ModelCKD-9B
Build datefirst 20: 2009–2011
second 20: 2011–2013
third 8: 2014
fourth 15: 2018
fifth 10: 2023
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UICCo-Co
Gauge3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Length18.5 metres (60 ft 8 in) over drawgear
18.12 metres (59 ft 5 in) over body
Axle load18 tonnes (18 long tons; 20 short tons)
Loco weight108 tonnes (106 long tons; 119 short tons)
Prime moverMTU 20V 4000R43‡
AlternatorYongji Electric Machine Factory JF205 Series
Traction motorsYongji Electric Machine Factory ZD126C
Loco brakeWabtec 26L Pneumatic Air Brake
Performance figures
Power output2,700 kilowatts (3,600 hp)‡
Career
ClassDL
Number in class73
DeliveredNovember 2010 (1st batch - 6 units)[1]
June 2011 (1st batch - 14 units)[2]
June 2013 (2nd batch - 10 units)
August 2013 (2nd batch - 10 units)
April 2015 (3rd batch - 8 units)
October 2018 (4th batch - 15 units)
April 2023 (5th batch - 10 units)
First runNovember 2010
Current ownerKiwiRail
DispositionIn service: 58
Withdrawn: 15
Sources: ‡,[3] †,[4] others[5]
DL9135 hauling train 222 at Ohakune, 20 October 2023

The New Zealand DL class of diesel-electric locomotives was manufactured for KiwiRail by CRRC Dalian with engines from MTU. They are the most powerful diesel-electric locomotives in service in New Zealand.[5]

In 2009, an order for 20 locomotives was placed (delivered 2010-2011), and a further 20 were ordered in 2011 (for 2012 delivery but postponed to 2013 due to reliability issues).[6][7] A third batch of eight was ordered in September 2013 (delivered 2015).[8] A fourth order for an additional 15 was placed by KiwiRail in 2016, to replace the EF class electric locomotives on the North Island Main Trunk, but the decision to scrap the electrification was later reversed. A fifth batch of 10 locomotives was ordered in 2020.[9]

The DLs were the first newly built diesel-electric mainline locomotives on New Zealand's rail network since the DF class was introduced in 1979. The order marked one of the first steps of considerable investment in KiwiRail,[10] and the first order for a Chinese-built locomotive from a western country.[11]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference nov20 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference tt was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ "Strategic engine delivery begins". railwaygazette.com. Railway Gazette International. 7 October 2009.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference rg20m was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ a b "New Horses on the Horizon". New Zealand Railfan. 15 (2). Mosgiel: Triple M Publications: 5. March 2009. ISSN 1173-2229.
  6. ^ "KiwiRail Orders Another 20 Chinese Locomotives". Otago Daily Times. 20 July 2011. Retrieved 22 July 2011.
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference teeth was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ "KiwiRail places third order for CNR Dalian locomotives". Railway Gazette International. 9 October 2013.
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference linesider was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ "$115m approved for KiwiRail". Stuff. New Zealand: Fairfax New Zealand. NZPA. 2 March 2009. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  11. ^ "KiwiRail's first Chinese locomotive arrives next month". railwaygazette.com. Railway Gazette International. 22 September 2010.