EM80 - the track evaluation car

3rd May 2005

EM80 is a self-propelled track machine which is used to detect and mark track defects as it travels along the track. It was built by Plasser Australia in 1981, measures just over 12m long and currently wears the 'Tranz Rail' livery, although it is expected to be repainted into 'Ontrack' colours. The vehicle expects to survey all lines and crossing loops that carry passengers four times a year.

The branch to Melling is almost 3km long. EM80 sits at the stopblock before returning back down the branch and rejoining the main line to Upper Hutt.	Having travelled from Wellington, EM80 arrives at Petone. It will wait for the Melling branch to clear before carrying out its examination of the track.	On its return journey from Johnsonville to Wellington, EM80 is seen leaning into the camber as it emerges from Tunnel 7 and approaches Raroa Station.	With the single line now clear ahead to Johnsonville, EM80 departs Khandallah and crosses Station Road.
Having completed its survey of the Melling branch, EM80 then rejoined the up line and headed for Upper Hutt. It is seen approaching Ava Station.	EM80 waits at 78 signal on the Melling branch. It will be authorised past it at stop by the Petone signalman and will then proceed onto the up line and then head north to Upper Hutt.	A view of the control desk as EM80 returns along the Melling branch towards Petone.	A 2-car unit headed by DM366 runs into Khandallah Station passing EM80 in the up platform.
A front end view of EM80 as it waits at Khandallah Station for its path to Johnsonville.	EM80 waits at the north end of Petone Station. It is shortly to survey the Melling branch and waits for the 9.29am service to clear the branch.	EM80 waits in the up platform at Khandallah.	Having arrived at Melling, the crew changes cab ends for the run back towards Petone and the junction of the branch.
The crew of EM80 have a short wait at Khandallah. The line north is single line and a unit from Johnsonville needs to clear the sectiion.	EM80 passes through Raroa Station on its return journey to Wellington. A waiting passenger looks on in amazement!	EM80 is seen crossing the Hutt River bridge on	EM80 waits in the loop at Trentham station on 9.6.2006.
EM80 returns along the Gracefield branch and is seen passing the Hutt railway workshops on 9.6.2006.	EM80 waits at the end of the racecourse platform at Trentham station on 9.6.2006.	EM80 sports its new Ontrack logo as it passes north through Takapu Road en route to Palmerston North on 29.9.2006.