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KiwiRail DC (No Photo could be found of a DBR Class, Proper Image will be added soon) #4041 at Woodville, Manawatu District, November 19, 2017. Photo by Titus Studios.
The New Zealand Railways DB and DBR Class is a Locomotive built for service on the New Zealand Rail Network. They were built by General Motors Diesel of Canada as Narrow Gauge version of the EMD G8 model, with 17 locomotives constructed. 10 of these were later rebuilt into the DBR Class. The Introduction of the DB Class was in 1965-1966, as a result of a requirement for a modern locomotive that could operate on the North Island lines that the DA class was excluded from due to their weight and axle load. While these were mainly branch lines, it also applied to the East Coast Main Trunk line, particularly the section beyond Paeroa through the Karangahake and Athenree gorges, until the opening of the Kaimai Tunnel in 1978.
Rebuilds
DBR Rebuilds
In the late 1970s the decision was made to rebuild the DB Class. along similar lines to that being undertaken for the DA class into the DC class... However, as the rebuild was not as extensive and did not involve conversion into another EMD Model the rebuilt DB units were designated as DBR, R for Rebuild The work was undertaken by Clyde Engineering in Australia and involved the lowering of the short hood to improve visibility for the driver, new cabs and the installation of a new EMD 8-645 engine. 10 units were rebuilt between 1980 and 1982.
Withdrawal
As of May 2017, all units have been withdrawn from service. The locomotives were withdrawn on account of being either surplus to requirements, or in poor mechanical condition. All of the DB locomotives were withdrawn by February 1989. In the early 2000s, DBRs 1199, 1239 and 1241 were withdrawn and placed into storage at Hutt Workshops. However, 1199 was reinstated a year later for suburban trains in Auckland, and 1239 and 1241 were scrapped at Hutt Workshops in February 2008.
Preservation
In August 2017, it was announced by the Glenbrook Vintage Railway that they had purchased DBRs 1254 and 1295 for eventually hauling mainline excursions. After being stored at Hutt Workshops, the pair arrived on-site on 3 November 2017. In March 2018, 1295 was repainted in the New Zealand Railways "International Orange" livery. In May 2018, work started on overhauling 1254 for mainline certification. Both have been given GVR numbers, which are No. 11 and No. 12 respectively.
PT-Specific Information
| General Info | - |
|---|---|
| Prime Mover (DB) | 8-567C |
| Prime Mover (DBR) | 8-645C |
| Horsepower | 951 |
| Truck Type | Flexicoil Type-C A1A |
| Axles | 6 |
| Traction Motors | 4 |
| Minimum Weight (DB) | 138000 lbs |
| Maximum Weight (DB) | 152200 lbs |
| Minimum Weight (DBR) | 136000 lbs |
| Maximum Weight (DBR) | 150000 lbs |
| Model Base Speed | 62 MPH |
| Top Speed | 62 |
| Electrical System | - |
|---|---|
| Generator Max Current | 3000 Amps |
| Max Traction Motor (TM) Current | 750 |
| Max Continuous TM Current | 600 |
| Traction Motor Type | DC |
| Factor of Adhesion | 25% |
| Transition Mode | Automatic with Selector |
| Transition Groups | 2,2,1,1 |
| Transition Shunts | 1, 0.75, 1, 0.75 |
| Generator Transition | No |
| Traction Control | APR with sanding |
| Dynamic Braking (DB) Mode (if used) | Mechanical Blowers |
| DB Max Current | 400 |
| DB Max Continuous Current | 450 |
| Blended Braking | No |
| Miscellaneous | - |
|---|---|
| Head-End Power (HEP) | No |
| HEP Power Consumption | N/A |
| HEP Standby/Run Mode | N/A |
| Load Ramp Speed | 2 Amps/Tick |
| TM Overload Protection | No |
| Starter Mode | Manual Primer, Manual Start |
| Air Brake Schedule | 26L |
| Compressor CFM | 254 (WBO @ 900 RPM) |
| Main Reservoir Volume | 30.5 Cubic Feet ⚠ |
⚠: Not Verified or Educated Guess