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DSG 3127

DSG 3127 was built by the Japanese company Toshiba in 1982, entering service in March of that year. The locomotive is part of a class of 24 shunters, and was originally assigned to the South Island. The technical specifications of the DSG are as follows:

Length - 13.5 metres
Prime Mover - 2x Cummins KTA1150L
Power Output - 940 horsepower
Engine Cylinders - 16 (2x 8-cylinder units)
Top Speed - 60 kilometres per hour
Tractive Effort - 29,000lb
Wheel Arrangement - Bo Bo

As with all other DSG's, 3127 was originally painted in the classic International Orange livery. In 1999, the locomotive was fitted with shunters' refuges and repainted in Tranz Rail blue. Shunters' refuges are extensions to the locomotive's frame at both ends, and they allow for the driver to stand outside the cab and still control the locomotive remotely.

DSG 3127 continued running in the South Island for many years after the start of the 2000s. At some point around 2010 or 2011 the locomotive was repainted in the KiwiRail livery. Even after this, the locomotive was still used in the South Island. She was given another overhaul and repaint in February 2018, and has remained in the North Island - more or less - ever since.

On a personal note, I saw DSG 3127 in person on the 25th of October, 2019. On that day, the locomotive was on shunting duties in Tauranga.