KiwiRail DXC 5477Ohau Ohau

The DX class was built by General Electric's Erie, PA plant and entered service from 1972. From 1988 the DX class received cab modifications including replacement of twin front windows to allow single crewing. Further modifications followed and with new motors and Brightstar fitted remaining DX locos were classified DXB and DXC. The DXC have air intake system for working the South Island's formerly electrified 8,5 Km long Otira tunnel in multiples of up to 7 locomotives for loaded coal trains. 5477 is on a shakedown test run after overhaul at Hutt workshops before returning to South Island. This newly painted loco run is thus a double treat for me, especially it was quite by chance I got this photo on vacation.