TranzAlpine and the Otira Tunnel Banker Locomotives ~ 17/09/2026 (HD)

New Zealand's TranzAlpine tourist train is well-known the world over. She runs from Christchurch to Greymouth - or vice versa - via the Midland Line (and traversing spectacular mountain scenery on the way). One of the more unique aspects of the journey is the section between Otira and Arthur's Pass, where additional locomotives (known as 'bankers' in this context) have to be attached to assist the train through the long and steeply-graded Otira Tunnel. In this video, we'll see DXC 5039 and the eastbound TranzAlpine (Train 804) arriving at Otira for DXCs 5241 and 5108 - the bankers - to join the train. It was quite surreal watching these locomotives charging up the 1 in 35 grade out of Otira, with their GE 7FDL-16 prime movers roaring away. #kiwirail #tranzalpine #scenicrailway #scenictrainride #newzealand #newzealandtourism #travelvlog #diesellocomotive #trainspotting #railfan #railway #traintravel #newzealandadventure