Double DFBs Return to the Taranaki Line - August 2026

On Tuesday the 25th of August, I saw two DFBs double-heading Train 521 through Tariki. I had other commitments that night so I couldn't chase that one, but I made sure to keep an eye out for any more such occasions. Sure enough, the very next day saw DFBs 7307 and 7023 leading 521 south. I suspect DFB hauled trains will become more common in Taranaki and the rest of the lower North Island as Auckland's ETCS mandate comes into effect; banishing the older locos from leading roles in Auckland and requiring more DLs for the job. This trainspotting chase was less fortunate than others, the overcast clouds and rain made it difficult for my phone's camera to make a good picture, and it still gets dark early this time of year. I noticed while editing that there were some defects in the video files, like jittering framerates and slightly corrupted frames. I noticed some similar defects in the Snowball Express video too, it's becoming more evident I need a dedicated video camera.