A Jaunt to Wellington

DFB 7145 sits in the yard until its next assigned duty, train 1608

15 July 2024

Also in the yard are spare luggage vans AKL 19 and AKS 5926

15 July 2024

DFB 7322 paces our train as it sets back onto its train, forming train 1606

15 July 2024

DFB 7322 sits at the head of train 1606, bound for Masterton. The train is made up of 8 carriages, a mix of SW and SE types

15 July 2024

DFB locomotives used for Wairarapa services have been fitted with low emission kits, primarily aimed at reducing fumes in the Rimutaka tunnel

15 July 2024

After departure of the Wairarapa Line service, a 6-car train made up of FP 4149, FP 4126 and FP 4558 depart Wellington on an express service bound for Taita

15 July 2024

After train 1606 clears Platform 8, DSC 2665 shunts the Capital Connection set into the platform. The train was recently re-equipped with SR carriages, ex-Auckland SA carriages refurbished for long distance use and the same type as Te Huia

15 July 2024

DSC 2665 pushes the 7-total train into Platform 8 at Wellington

15 July 2024

DSC 2665 uncouples from the train shortly before heading back to the yard

15 July 2024

Now without a locomotive, the Capital Connection set sits on the platform. At the front of the train is former SD carriage, SRG 6182. The cab has been disabled by the removal of the brake handle, so cannot be used to lead trains

15 July 2024

The interior of SRG 6182 standing at Wellington platform, similar to Te Huia's SRV carriages

15 July 2024

At the other end of the train is SR 5975, a former SA carriage refurbished with long distance seating

15 July 2024

The entire 7-car consist sitting at Platform 8

15 July 2024

SR 6010 sits above a new crossover being installed between Platforms 8 and 9. This replaces an earlier crossover that was situated slightly further south

15 July 2024

SRG 6182 at the front of the Capital Connection set waiting for its locomotive

15 July 2024

FP 4610 pulls into Platform 9 alongside the Capital Connection

15 July 2024

DFB 7282, the assigned locomotive for train 1206, sets back onto the Capital Connection set on Platform 8

15 July 2024

DFB 7282 couples to SRG 6182 and starts preparing for depature

15 July 2024

The carriages used for the Capital Connection feature a livery specific to that service, like Te Huia's sets

15 July 2024

Nearby on Platform 6, DFB 7145 has coupled up to its Wairarapa carriage set in advance of departure of train 1608. On Platform 7 sits FP 4322 waiting for a Hutt Valley Line service

15 July 2024

DFB 7145 sits at Platform 6 waiting for departure of train 1608 to Masterton

15 July 2024

FP 4316 departs on an express Kaptiti Line service just ahead of train 1206, while DFB 7282 waits to depart right behind it

15 July 2024

At the end of our trip, we boarded the Northern Explorer again to return home. At Platform 9 at Wellington station, DFB 7307 has coupled up to the train after a last-minute carriage swap

17 July 2024

On Platform 8, DFB 7200 now takes the lead on a Wairarapa service, taking over the lead duty on train 1602 from DFB 7322 on the other end of the consist

17 July 2024