A very unique DFT

DFT7117 can now be found in the ready to run section of the store.

This is a very unique model in NZ120 scale. Based on a livery that was proposed but never put into use by KiwiRail, the “KiwiRail Scenic” livery was created to match KiwiRail’s AK class carriages then being introduced on the TranzAlpine (Christchurch - Greymouth), Tranz Coastal (Christchurch - Picton) and Northern Explorer (Wellington-Auckland) passenger services.

The Northern Explorer is almost exclusively hauled by a DFT class locomotive (EMD GT22CU, originally introduced in the late 70s and early 80s). Unfortunately the real 7117 was involved in a non-fatal accident some years ago and was scrapped in 2021.

This model is therefore very much a “what might have been”, a useful example of what model makers can do. And it could be yours!