Electro-Diesel Thunder up the Trunk | The Spiral Spectacular 2024

Well, I'm finally back making more New Zealand railways content. After being busy with mandatory things that intervened with my spare time editing videos, I've found some spare time to make this special video and I'm pleased with the footages I have taken so far.
On Sunday 21st of April 2024, Steam Incorporated and Kiwirail operated their "Spiral Spectacular" from Steam Inc's home base at Paekakariki through the central electrified section of the North Island Main Trunk to Raurimu and return. For the first time after all these years, an EF class locomotive has hauled a passenger service since the former "Overlander" prior to ceased operations in 2012 to be replaced with the Northern Explorer. This is considered to be a significant rail sighting so far. At the beginning of the day, Da 1410 diesel locomotive (built by General Motors in 1955) hauls the train solely under its own power from Paekakariki to Palmerston North. At Palmerston North, the Da gets taken off the train to be turned around in the yard and run around the consist in order to be on tow at the rear end. Then, Kiwirail's recently overhauled electric locomotive EF '192 (built by Brush Traction in 1988) pulls out of the yard to take head of train B056 and lead the train the entire way to Raurimu.
Incidentally, I caught the train from a sketchy spot at Mackays Crossing but the shot didn't turn out to be as great as I expected it to be because of the poor visibility at the spot with tall trees concealing the view. Therefore, I didn't include the clips in the video that I have taken further down south of Palmy. Instead, I chased the excursion up as far as Feilding. However parts of the chase turned out to be successful, and that's what makes me happy at least. Having a couple great shots is certainly better than no shots.
So take some charm and enjoy watching this video! #steamincorporated #nztrain #eflocomotive
© NZR Railroad Editz ICT
(Ian Covali Trainspotting)

[@n.f.railphotography7185]

Great video my guy!

[@Jamie-Tane-media]

Nice little short video from the day. Great work. 👍

[@DFB7064geek]

Thank you very much Jamie. The chase happened to be short as well! 😆I'm glad you enjoyed this trip as much as everybody on board did!

[@TheREALPoriruaTrainspotter]

Nice shots Ian!

[@TheREALPoriruaTrainspotter]

@@DFB7064geek all goods

[@liftrailphotographyinnz3992]

Nice shots, I’m hoping to get my video out this weekend

[@DFB7064geek]

I’m keen to see it for sure. Looking forward to watch it when it drops out!

[@yumenekotrain]

とてもカッコいい機関車と列車。
チャンネル登録をしました。😺

[@DFB7064geek]

ありがとうございます!!!

[@johnrauner2515]

WTF? Why the hell has a NZ locomotive got a bell on it?

[@n.f.railphotography7185]

It's an electronic bell