Big power, big grade, big noise, loaded coal train takes on Otira Tunnel

Big power, steep grade, big noise. 6 Kiwirail DX locomotives, at 3300hp each ... 19800 horsepower hauling 30 loaded coal wagons from the West Coast to Lyttelton for export through the 8.5km long Otira Tunnel, the tunnel has a grade of 1 in 33 up from Otira to Arthurs Pass, hence so many locomotive are needed. Total weight 1800 tonnes. Please note, the onboard loco shots were taken on a different time and day to the rest of the footage. Drone footage: Supplied