page_title: New Zealand DX class locomotive
section_title: Sub-classes
hierarchical_section_title: New Zealand DX class locomotive / Sub-classes
caption_attribution_description: English: KiwiRail's DXC 5241 hauls a mixed freight train from Christchurch to Picton. Pictured at Oaro, New Zealand. Deutsch: DXC 5241 der KiwiRail zieht einen gemischten Güterzug von Christchurch nach Picton. Aufgenommen bei Oaro, Neuseeland.
context_page_description: The New Zealand DX class locomotive is a type of 49 Co-Co diesel-electric locomotives that currently operate on New Zealand's national railway network. All locomotives are owned by KiwiRail.
  Built by GE Transportation in Erie, Pennsylvania, United States, they were introduced to New Zealand between 1972 and 1976. The class is based on the General Electric U26C model, a narrow-gauge version of the GE U23C model.
  The locomotives have seen several upgrades since their introduction and three sub-classes now exist: the DXB, DXC and DXR.
context_section_description: There are two sub-classes of the DX - DXB and DXC.
  The classifications DXB and DXC reflect modifications that have been carried out to the fleet. These include heavier drawgear, uprated engines, new cabs, (some have received DFT-style low hoods) and higher power traction motors.
  The designation DXB denotes that the locomotive has been fitted with the Brightstar electronic traction control system, while DXC denotes that the locomotive has been additionally fitted with modified air intakes ("chutes") as well as all the other upgrades including Brightstar. Thirteen of the original batch of 15 have been upgraded to DXB standard (DXC 5039 and DXC 5520 (née 5045) being the exceptions), and most of those from the subsequent batches upgraded to DXC standard - exceptions being DX 2639 (long since withdrawn from service).
  Generally the DXC sub-class is assigned to the South Island, as the modified air intakes were designed to assist in  are useful for working the Midland Line, coal trains (see above) particularly in the formerly electrified Otira Tunnel section, whereas the DXB sub-class were predominantly assigned to the North Island. Following the introduction of the first twenty DL class locomotives, four DXBs were reassigned to the South Island for general freight service on the Main South Line, while DXC class locomotives have appeared in the North Island while on shakedown runs after overhaul.
  The plain DX class is designated by GE as U26C, the newer upgrades are designated C26-MMI (2,750 hp DXB/DXC) and C30-MMI (3,250 hp DXB/DXC).
caption: DXC 5241 hauling a Christchurch to Picton mixed freight train at Oaro
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