NZR DJ class

NZR DJ Class
DJ3107
Power type Diesel-electric
Builder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan
Build date 1968 - 1969
UIC classification Bo-Bo-Bo
Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Cape gauge
Length 14.1 metres (46 ft)
Axle load 10.66 tonnes (10.49 long tons; 11.75 short tons)
Weight on drivers 64.0 tonnes (63.0 long tons; 70.5 short tons)
Locomotive weight 64.0 tonnes (63.0 long tons; 70.5 short tons)
Prime mover Caterpillar D398
Engine RPM range 1300 rpm
Traction motors Six
Cylinders V12
Cylinder size 159 mm × 203 mm (6.3 in × 8.0 in)
Top speed 97 km/h (60 mph)
Power output 672 kW (901 hp)
Tractive effort 128 kN (29,000 lbf)
Number in class 64
Number 1200 - 1263 (original)
3009 - 3689 (TMS)
Locale South Island
First run 1968 - 1969
Retired 1986 - 1991
Current owner TGR (7)
Mainline Steam (3)
Disposition 54 scrapped
6 in service for TGR
3 preserved

The NZR DJ class locomotive is a class of diesel-electric locomotive used in New Zealand. The class were purchased from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries with a modernisation loan from the World Bank to replace steam locomotives in the South Island, where most of the class members worked most of their lives.

They are the second class of locomotive in New Zealand to utilise the Bo-Bo-Bo wheel arrangement, the other classes being the EW class and the EF class. In both cases, this wheel arrangement was used to provide a lower axle-load due to track conditions as well, particularly in the case of the DJs, a shorter wheelbase more suited to sharp curvature on secondary or tertiary routes.

Contents

Introduction

The DJ class were purchased with a modernisation loan and were the class that enabled the withdrawal of the remaining steam locomotives in the South Island (where they worked most of their lives) where they joined the existing DG/DH class locomotives. The original order for 55 locomotives later extended to 64. DJs hauled the Southerner passenger train from its inception in December 1970, until June 1990, when the DX class took over working this service, although, on one further and final occasion in February 1991, a DJ was used on a Southerner, from Invercargill to Dunedin only. When working in multiple with the DGs, DJs were usually the preferred lead loco due to better cab conditions and visibility.

The diesel engines were overrated and unreliable at the beginning and many modifications were necessary. The DJ's unusual Bo-Bo-Bo wheel arrangement and 10.66 tonne axle loading were features suited to branch line service but their introduction, whilst introducing greater economies over steam locomotion, did not prolong the life of many branches, although it did allow the South Island major lines to remain in a state of relatively weak track and bridges for longer than might have been the case otherwise. They were also the first locos in New Zealand to have AC/DC transmission.

The electrical equipment was good, compared to the comparatively poor service obtained from the engines. In later years the engines had a shorter life between overhauls than other classes, making the locomotives more expensive to operate and reducing their lifespan. They were used on all lines in the South Island including some where DG/DH locomotives were not allowed to run. For a number of years, DJ and DG locomotives were commonly operated in multiple on freight trains. The class also were able to operate in multiple unit with some of the General Motors DF class that were introduced in 1979. One notable working on the West Coast was the banking of heavy freight trains over the Reefton Saddle where the pair of locomotives at the head was supplemented by another pair attached to the rear. The DJs were still working coal trains on the West Coast as late as 1989 when track damage caused by the heavier DC class locomotives was being repaired.

Withdrawals

The first withdrawals of the class began in 1986 when five were placed in storage in Invercargill. In 1988 one locomotive, 3303, was leased to Ohai Railway Board, but returned to NZR in 1991. It was subsequently on sold to Mainline Steam.

To preserve the life of the class, the top power notch was removed except on the first five locos which were kept for working the Southerner passenger trains. Later on, some of the class were transferred to the North Island for storage. The last locomotive to work in normal NZR service was withdrawn in August 1991. The DJ class were able to be retired early due to replacement by DC and DX class locomotives becoming available for South Island service as a result of the electrification of the North Island Main Trunk.

Five members of the class remain in service (with two stored) for the Taieri Gorge Railway (TGR) in Otago. DJ 3096 was originally held by Tranz Rail in the former company's "Heritage" fleet, but was sold by Toll Rail to TGR in February 2008. This effectively rounded off exactly 40 years of service on the national network from NZR to Toll Rail days, as the locomotive had entered service in February 1968. The locomotive underwent de-rusting and other work done, before appearing in service, repainted in the early 1970s 'Southerner Blue' livery, with original road number DJ 1209 in late October 2009. The locomotive wore that livery from 1971 to approximately 1978, and was one of the first to be so painted. However, on 19 August 2010, while on a Taieri Gorge with DJ 3107 (1210), DJ 1209 suffered a turbocharger disintegration. This then caused the engine to over-speed uncontrollably at an estimated 3000rpm (more than twice its designed operating speed of 1300 maximum). This was because lubricating oil to the turbo poured into the cylinders via the inlet manifold, thus burning like copious amounts of diesel, causing self destruction inside the motor, damage to alternator as well. A fire broke out immediately after the motor seized, causing further serious damage. The locomotive is laid up, awaiting repair at Dunedin, with cosmetic repairs on the carbody being undertaken to protect it until further work can be carried out.

Five other DJ class were stored by Mainline Steam, but two were eventually scrapped.

Class register

Key: In service Out of service Auckland Transport service Preserved Overhaul Scrapped
Original no. TMS no. Introduced Withdrawn[n 1] Notes
DJ 1200 3009 01968-01 January 1968 01988-02 February 1988 Scrapped.
DJ 1201 3015 01968-01 January 1968 01988-12 December 1988 Scrapped.
DJ 1202 3021 01968-01 January 1968 01990-04 April 1990 Taieri Gorge Railway, stored at Middlemarch.[1]
DJ 1203 3038 01968-01 January 1968 01988-12 December 1988 Scrapped.
DJ 1204 3044 01968-02 February 1968 01990-04 April 1990 Mainline Steam. Scrapped in May 2011 at Parnell.
DJ 1205 01968-02 February 1968 01973-04 April 1973 Scrapped, accident damage.
DJ 1206 3050 01968-02 February 1968 01988-04 April 1988 Scrapped.
DJ 1207 3067 01968-02 February 1968 01990-07 July 1990 Scrapped.
DJ 1208 3073 01968-02 February 1968 01986-09 September 1986 Scrapped.
DJ 1209 3096 01968-02 February 1968 02008-02 February 2008 Taieri Gorge Railway, former heritage fleet. Out of service following engine room fire on 19 August 2010.[2][n 2]
DJ 1210 3107 01968-03 March 1968 01992-03 March 1992 Taieri Gorge Railway
DJ 1211 3113 01968-03 March 1968 01989-05 May 1989 Scrapped.
DJ 1212 3136 01968-03 March 1968 01990-02 February 1990 Scrapped.
DJ 1213 3142 01968-03 March 1968 01989-05 May 1989 Scrapped.
DJ 1214 3159 01968-03 March 1968 01992-07 July 1992 Scrapped.
DJ 1215 3165 01968-03 March 1968 01986-09 September 1986 Scrapped.
DJ 1216 3171 01968-04 April 1968 01989-09 September 1989 Scrapped.
DJ 1217 3188 01968-04 April 1968 01989-09 September 1989 Scrapped.
DJ 1218 3194 01968-04 April 1968 01990-04 April 1990 Scrapped.
DJ 1219 3205 01968-05 May 1968 01988-02 February 1988 Scrapped.
DJ 1220 01968-05 May 1968 01973-05 May 1973 Written off following accident. Scrapped.
DJ 1221 3211 01968-06 June 1968 01992-03 March 1992 Taieri Gorge Railway
DJ 1222 3228 01968-06 June 1968 01992-03 March 1992 Taieri Gorge Railway
DJ 1223 3234 01968-07 July 1968 01988-02 February 1988 Scrapped.
DJ 1224 3240 01968-07 July 1968 01988-12 December 1988 Scrapped.
DJ 1225 3257 01968-08 August 1968 01988-05 May 1988 Scrapped.
DJ 1226 3263 01968-08 August 1968 01986-09 September 1986 Scrapped.
DJ 1227 3286 01968-10 October 1968 01992-07 July 1992 Taieri Gorge Railway.
DJ 1228 3292 01968-10 October 1968 01990-03 March 1990 Preserved, Mainline Steam.
DJ 1229 3303 01968-12 December 1968 01988-03 March 1988 Leased to Ohai Railway Board 1988 - 1991, preserved Mainline Steam.
DJ 1230 3326 01968-12 December 1968 01990-04 April 1990 Scrapped.
DJ 1231 3332 01968-12 December 1968 01989-02 February 1989 Scrapped.
DJ 1232 3349 01968-12 December 1968 01988-12 December 1988 Scrapped.
DJ 1233 3355 01968-12 December 1968 01986-09 September 1986 Scrapped.
DJ 1234 3361 01968-12 December 1968 01986-09 September 1986 Scrapped.
DJ 1235 3378 01968-12 December 1968 01989-02 February 1989 Scrapped.
DJ 1236 3384 01968-12 December 1968 01988-04 April 1988 Scrapped.
DJ 1237 3390 01969-01 January 1969 01990-03 March 1990 Scrapped.
DJ 1238 3401 01969-01 January 1969 01988-03 March 1988 Scrapped.
DJ 1239 3418 01969-01 January 1969 01989-03 March 1989 Scrapped.
DJ 1240 3424 01969-01 January 1969 01992-07 July 1992 Taieri Gorge Railway
DJ 1241 3430 01969-01 January 1969 01988-02 February 1988 Scrapped.
DJ 1242 3447 01969-01 January 1969 01986-09 September 1986 Scrapped.
DJ 1243 3453 01969-01 January 1969 01986-09 September 1986 Scrapped.
DJ 1244 3476 01969-02 February 1969 01989-09 September 1989 Scrapped.
DJ 1245 3482 01969-02 February 1969 01988-12 December 1988 Scrapped.
DJ 1246 3499 01969-01 January 1969 01991-09 September 1991 Scrapped.
DJ 1247 3516 01969-02 February 1969 01989-05 May 1989 Scrapped.
DJ 1248 3522 01969-01 January 1969 01989-09 September 1989 Scrapped.
DJ 1249 3539 01969-01 January 1969 01989-09 September 1989 Scrapped.
DJ 1250 3545 01969-02 February 1969 01990-04 April 1990 Scrapped.
DJ 1251 3551 01969-02 February 1969 01989-05 May 1989 Scrapped.
DJ 1252 3568 01969-02 February 1969 01990-04 April 1990 Scrapped.
DJ 1253 3574 01969-02 February 1969 01988-03 March 1988 Scrapped.
DJ 1254 3580 01969-03 March 1969 01990-04 April 1990 Scrapped by Mainline Steam.
DJ 1255 3597 01969-03 March 1969 01988-04 April 1988 Scrapped.
DJ 1256 3608 01969-02 February 1969 01986-09 September 1986 Scrapped.
DJ 1257 3614 01969-04 April 1969 01988-12 December 1988 Scrapped.
DJ 1258 3620 01969-04 April 1969 01989-09 September 1989 Scrapped.
DJ 1259 3637 01969-04 April 1969 01989-09 September 1989 Scrapped.
DJ 1260 3643 01969-05 May 1969 01989-09 September 1989 Scrapped.
DJ 1261 3666 01969-04 April 1969 01991-09 September 1991 Scrapped.
DJ 1262 3672 01969-04 April 1969 01990-02 February 1990 Scrapped.
DJ 1263 3689 01969-05 May 1969 01988-12 December 1988 Scrapped.

References

Notes

  1. ^ Withdrawn dates are from when the locomotive was withdrawn by NZR.
  2. ^ DJ 3096 was not withdrawn by NZR, and kept as part of its 'heritage fleet' and sold by Toll Rail in 2008 to TGR.[1]

Citations

  1. ^ a b David Maciulaitis (24 June 2010). "Preserved Ex-NZ Railways Diesel & Diesel-Electric Locomotives". http://www.maciulaitis.com/nzrolling/nzrdiesel.html. Retrieved 19 August 2010. 
  2. ^ Otago Daily Times (20 August 2010). "Drivers uncouple flaming locomotive". http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10667408. Retrieved 21 August 2010. 

Books

External links

Rail vehicles of New Zealand
Battery electric locomotives
Diesel locomotives
Diesel Multiple Units
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