Our story
It all started when…
Diesel Traction Group was formed in 1983 by a group of like-minded rail enthusiasts. Unlike the rail preservation groups of the time who were concentrating on obtaining and preserving steam locomotives prior to their disposal, the members of the Diesel Traction Group 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 of the “mainline” locomotives were manufactured by the English Electric Company in the UK. 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.
DG 772 was purchased off the then NZ Government Railways as the first locomotive owned by the group in 1983. Two DE class locos were purchased 4 years later in 1987. DI 1102 joined the DTG family in 1990 and DF 1501 completing the set.
The governance, maintenance restoration and operation of the locomotives was passed onto an Incorporated Society in 1990. Since then the locomotives have been restored and operated by a dedicated group of volunteers. With a range of backgrounds, the team bring expertise and professionalism to make sure these locomotives run efficiently and safely.
In the 42 years since we formed, our locomotives have travelled around the South Island and brought a slice of history to many communities. Importantly, our work also means the knowledge and skills that helped connect New Zealand lives on.
In 2025 both DEs and DI 1102 are in operation with the later to shortly re-join the National Network. DG 772 is awaiting repairs before it can recommence operations and we continue to work on the long term restoration of DF 1501.
Our Partners and supporters
Diesel Traction Group is proud to be partners 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’d also like to thank the support of Pub Charity, who generously funded a significant portion of DI 1102’s work. Additionally, 3 Foot 6 Models, who donates $5 of every HOnz and NZ120 DG locomotive
