Diesel Traction Group

05/09/2026

Busy day down at Ferrymead once again, 12 month check work on Di 1102 progresses with the loco just about ready for service again shortly. 🚂

Df 1501 restoration work continues in the background with new steel going into the loco body and structure. 🛠️

This afternoon, we also started looking at Dg 772 for an eventual start on returning the loco to mainline running. Some minor corrosion was attended to and temporarily touched up as the locomotive will eventually receive bodywork and a full re-paint. 🎨

Makers and number plates were also taken off the Dg to be tidied and polished up again. We also tried a couple of paint experiments, a taster of what is to come in due course… 👌🏼

💵 Keen to see Dg 772 and Df 1501 back on the mainline? You can support the course with a tax deductible donation here: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/dtg

29/08/2026

At Ferrymead today, more 12 month service check items were completed on Di 1102 this afternoon! This included a visit over the Canterbury Railway Society pit for underneath inspections. 🤝

Various greasing of components was completed, new filter material fitted, brake adjustments and a few repairs attended to. 🛠️ ✅

De 511 was also refuelled as it is planned to be used on a Ferrymead Railway operating day coming up soon, watch our page for more details! ⛽️👌🏼

Support keeping our locomotive fleet operational with a tax deductible donation to the group here: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/dtg

22/08/2026

Today saw the 12 month check work on Di 1102 progressing at a steady pace with many items ticked off the list! ✅

Fire suppression wiring modifications were also worked on by the Weir team. 👌🏼

We also test fitted some new custom made plates to to the locomotive, thanks to 3D printing making legend Nigel Booth, thanks mate! 🤝

You can help see Di 1102 come to a town near you very soon, by donating to our group with a tax deductible donation here: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/dtg

16/08/2026

Check out the latest DTG Newsletter below👇

Welcome to the DTG Newsletter for August 2026. If you have news or photos you’d like to share in the next issue please get in touch - [email protected]

15/08/2026

Another busy workday for our team at Ferrymead! 🚂

The 12 month service check and various technical repairs on Di 1102 continues along. The turbo sump oils were changed, speedo generator on the axle was attended to and the fuel strainer and filter were cleaned and replaced. General lubrication was also attended to around the locomotive.

On the Df 1501 front, the next bit of corrosion repair is now being undertaken, which is the structure above the battery box’s that will mount the curved panels. We are now investigating the positioning of the ditch lights for mainline running, which will require engineering changes through the HTC. We have settled for using the tail light housings for the ditch lights, with another similar housing on the other side to be manufactured to match at both ends. The tail lights will need to be re-positioned to accommodate the ditch lights, the joys of keeping our gear looking aesthetic whilst being complaint for mainline running requirements!

Support our work to keep our locomotive fleet operational with a tax deductible donation here: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/dtg

08/08/2026

Df 1501 update 🚂

Our small team keeps working away on 1501 through the cold weather! The new cab rain gutters with their complex compound curves have been made and refitted, a huge amount of filling and sanding of the no.1 nose and cab area continues, a second engine room door has been refitted, the cab windows were removed yesterday to assess for corrosion.

The no. 1 end is looking good, the tail light mount however was damaged and repaired and badly bent material removed - the light fits normally now! Test fitting of the interior lights in the hood has progressed, and the huge amount of corrosion repair and material replacement in the no 2 end continues to be test fitted in conjunction with expert advice!

Support this extensive restoration project with a tax deductible donation here: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/dtg

01/08/2026

De 512 on the Mahi train today at Weka Pass Railway it’s great that our two rail groups work together so seamlessly.



Support our locomotives with a tax deductible donation here: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/dtg

31/07/2026

512 on the work train today at Weka Pass Railway our old mates.

28/07/2026

Di 1102 getting some TLC! 🚂

With the Di back on home soil at Ferrymead, the loco has been getting some love and attention after 3 years away doing the business earning revenue to the group! The compartments have been cleaned and washed down, bogies and fuel tank washed and the cab sink water topped up. The locomotive was also washed down using ‘Nitro’ wash and wax from Pacer Car Cleaning Products. The batteries have also been checked for terminal tightness, water levels and greased.

On the to do list now on the loco is renewal the electrical coils, tranzlog modifications and a 12 month service check.

Help get our money maker back on the mainline this summer with a tax deductible donation here: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/dtg

25/07/2026

Ferrymead site update! 🤙

It has been a few busy weekends on site at our locomotive shelter, Di 1102 has been receiving a lot of cleaning to the engine, running gear and soon the body work after it’s time away on lease. Fire extinguishers renewed plus cab modifications and paint touch ups are also under way.

On the Df 1501 front, new glass has been fitted to the fuel tank level gauges thanks to Windscreen Solutions. Badly corroded panel steel and cab rain gutters have been cut out and replaced with new material. Test fitting the replacement floor in the number 2 is underway and one of the engine room doors was test fitted also.

Lots of work going on behind the scenes and you can help support our work on the locomotives with a tax deductible donation here: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/dtg