>
>As a modern traction enthusiast living in the UK, I have received very
>little "gen" on the locomotives "down below". Intelligence suggests that
>there may be a few EE locos (either active or preserved) in ANZ.
>
>Has anybody got any info on these loco's, engine types etc?
Not locomotives but there are still a few EE multiple units used on
Wellington suburban services. The units were purchased in batches in
1936, 1942 and 1946. Two six car sets are still in use on the Hutt
Valley line, augmenting the Ganz Mavag units purchased in the late
seventies. All Johnsonville services are operated by the EE units.
AFAIK the surviving stock is from the 1946 order.
Just two days ago the Wellington Regional Council announced that
unless money was found to replace the EE stock Johnsonville services
would cease in two years and services on the other lines would be
reduced soon after.
Stagecoach (which has purchased some of the local bus companies) has
already expressed an interest in running buses on the Johnsonville
formation. The Johnsonville line is single track with tunnels so I am
not sure how buses could be run successfully.
In the EE units you can sit at the front beside the driver. Not only
can you watch the track ahead but you can observe the *real* power and
brake controls in action.
I believe the New Zealand Railways DE class diesels from the early 50s
were EE but as I do not have any details handy I will leave it to
someone else to confirm. Several of the DEs have been preserved so if
you post on m.tr.rail.anz you should get some replies. I saw a DE in
the Wellington yard recently. It appeared to be earning its keep as a
shunter.
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David Castle - To email me delete *all* references to food and
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