Diesel Traction Group

Df 1501 update 🛠️

New coolant level sight glass and test fitted, roof curves coming together nicely thanks to Gerard plus the roof trim test fitted. Tack welding new plates into the door frame to replace badly corroded stuff ready for certified welding. The coolant header tanks were also refitted and bolted up.

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

Saturday’s Df progress this weekend… Gerard painted the inside of the loco ready for the header tanks to be refitted. We have moved on to repairing the corrosion and mess around the engine room doors.

Support the restoration of Df 1501 with a tax deductible donation here: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/dtg

Another win for DF 1501!
Christchurch Casino Charitable Community Trust has kindly given us a grant towards tools for our loco restoration and will make a big difference as the team work on this project. We appreciate the grant and look forward to putting the equipment to use.

Df 1501 update time!

A whole lot more panel work including filler application was applied and sanded back to get the roof curve lines correct, a solid 6 days worth of effort by Gerard! Plus the coolant header tanks ready for refitting including a modification to be able to fill coolant from the top.

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

Updates on our locos, what its like to become an RO, and much more! Check out the latest DTG Newsletter below ↓

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

Big win for Dg 772! Pub Charity Limited have given us a large grant for replacement parts for the locomotive towards its planned overhaul and means a step towards having another English Electric on the mainline. A huge thanks to Pub Charity for your ongoing support of our mahi!

There is still plenty of expensive tasks to undertake on 772 to return it to mainline operation, including fire suppression, a lift off its bogies and a repaint. You can support here with our tax deductible donation here: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/dtg

A productive day on Df 1501 today!

External Engineer Chris Mann was on site reviewing the restoration of the Df, we appreciate our engagement with Chris on our locomotives currently and being restored to mainline standard.

On the restoration front, the fan box to compressor newly manufactured driveshaft and a couple of photos of the reason we had to renew it. Inspection doors for the fuel tank sight glasses also reassembled and refitted with heavy duty hinges.

Support the restoration of 1501 with a tax deductible donation here: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/dtg

De 512 performing its core work train duties on a stunning North Canterbury day today!!