Story: Railways

Changing engines

The advantages of diesel and electric engines over steam locomotives are described in this 1956 film clip. By the mid-1950s diesel engines were well established, but only two South Island tunnels and Wellington's commuter lines were electrified.

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Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: New Zealand Railway Magazine. National Film Unit, 1956

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How to cite this page:

Neill Atkinson, 'Railways - Diesel and electric trains', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/21394/changing-engines (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Neill Atkinson, published 11 Mar 2010, reviewed & revised 11 Mar 2016