Preserving New Zealand’s Diesel Electric Heritage
We are a volunteer-run heritage preservation group maintaining and operating classic English Electric diesel-electric locomotives in Christchurch and across Aotearoa.
Our Origin
How it all began
Diesel Traction Group was formed in 1983 by a group of like-minded rail enthusiasts. The members of the DTG decided to concentrate their efforts on obtaining Diesel-Electric locomotives as the first generation were being replaced and scrapped. As a South Island-based group, we identified that nearly all the “mainline” locomotives were manufactured by the English Electric Company in the UK and Australia. The ethos of the group was to obtain an example of each of the four classes of Diesel-Electric locomotives EE manufactured for the country.
Our History
Our Story in Motion
As a South Island-based group, DTG focused on English Electric locomotives — the backbone of New Zealand’s mainline diesel fleet. From the outset, the goal was to preserve one example of each of the four English Electric diesel-electric classes that operated in the country.
1983
1983
DTG formed and acquires DG 772 as its first locomotive.
1987
1987
Two heavy shunters, DE 511 and 512 are brought by DTG.
1990
1990
DI 1102 joins the DTG fleet while the group becomes an incorporated society.
2001-2009
2001-2009
DG 772 is restored to operations.
2009
2009
DF 1501 is brought from Auckland to Christchurch to be restored at Ferrymead by DTG.
Recommissioning work begins on DI 1102
2018
2018
After nearly 30 years DI 1102 begins passenger services during Easter Weekend 2018.
2020
2020
Following a three year restoration, DE 511 returns to operations.
2024
2024
DTG recovers the recab of DG 2290
2025
2025
Following extensive works, DI 1102 returns to mainline operations.
Our Community
Working alongside our Community
Diesel Traction Group is proud to partner with Canterbury Rail Society and Weka Pass Railway, Based at Ferrymead and Waipara respectively, you can see our locomotives operating passenger services, work trains, and shunting. We also lease our locomotives to Pounamu Tourism, Steam Incorporated, and Dunedin Railways.
We’d also like to thank the support of Pub Charity who generously funded a significant portion of DI 1102’s work and the Kate Valley Community Landfill Trust supporting our efforts at Waipara. Additionally, 3 Foot 6 Models who donates $5 of HOnz and NZ120 DG Locomotive sold.
Help Keep Our Locomotives Running
Become a volunteer or donate today to help bring living rail history to communities across the South Island.
Location
Ferrymead Heritage Part, Christchurch, New ZealandReach Us
secretary@dtg.co.nz
© 2025 Diesel Traction Group Inc [CC21966]
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