KiwiRail rebuilt DX class, DXR8022 and DXB5022 lead Christchurch to Picton general freight service 736 through the curves at Hawkswood, to the north of Christchurch on New Zealands South Island. This is quite a pleasing train to chase, leaving Christchurch at 0735 daily for the northbound trip through to Picton, where the goods are placed onto a KiwiRail owned Ferry service to the North Island.
The DXR is one of 2 rebuilt DX class, whilst the DXB has had Brightstar traction control added to improve tractive effort.
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.
