The DF class were built by GM in Canada and introduced from 1979. In 1990's were upgraded with turbo etc to GT22 MC. Assisting is DXB 5051 (GE C26 MMI.) 126 is now the only daytime train along the 220Km long North Auckland Line to Whangarei which passes through remote and rugged countryside and has an uncertain future.
Trains on 3' 6" (1.067m) track from Whangarei to Bluff with virtually heritage rebuilt EMD and GE locomotives still the mainstay power. The network was privatized in 1990's and operated by Toll until 2008 when state owned KiwiRail was established.