The DL class were built 2010 - 2014 in China by CNR Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock and have MTU engines producing about 3600HP. The train is empty stainless steel milk tanks from Whareroa Milk Powder factory.
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.