| New Zealand AK class | |
|---|---|
| In service | 2 November 2011 |
| Manufacturer | Hillside Engineering |
| Constructed | 2010–2012 |
| Number under construction | 14 |
| Number in service | 3 |
| Operator | Tranz Scenic |
| Line(s) served | Main North Line, Midland Line |
| Specifications | |
| Gauge | 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) |
The New Zealand AK class of 17 carriages is currently being built in Dunedin's Hillside Workshops for KiwiRail's long distance passenger operator, Tranz Scenic. The three buffet cars will be classified AKC. Part of the project also includes converting three existing AG carriages to open-air viewing carriages similar to those already used on the TranzAlpine and the Coastal Pacific.
Three of the new cars entered service on the Coastal Pacific on 2 November 2011.[1]
The carriages will be used on the TranzAlpine and the Coastal Pacific services, replacing the old panorama 56-foot carriages. The funding of the $NZ39.9 million for the 17 AK cars was announced by the fifth National government in March 2009.
The carriages feature a new white livery with the KiwiRail logo on the side.[2]
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The cars were designed by KiwiRail's Mechanical design staff in Wellington. The new carriages will feature GPS triggered announcements, with displays and commentary at each seat in a choice of five languages: Mandarin, Japanese, German, French and English.[3] The AK cars will run on a newly designed P11 bogie.[4] Seating has been supplied by a Wellington-based manufacturer.[5]
Vehicles of the AK class include the following sub-types: AK (saloon car), AKC (licensed café car), AKL (luggage van), and AKV (outdoor viewing/observation car).[6]
| Class | Number | Entered service |
|---|---|---|
| AK | 2018 | November 2011 |
| AK | 2024 | November 2011 |
| AKC | 2511 | November 2011 |
| AKL | 19 | November 2011 |
| AKV | 13 | November 2011 |