Refurbished English Electric D/DM units
24th June 2005

On 23rd June 2005, the first D/DM unit to complete a life-extending cosmetic refurbishment was released into service. It was open for a brief period of inspection before undergoing a test run to Porirua and then into public service later that afternoon. This unit has a new livery and Tranz Metro logo. Seating has been improved with upholstery rather than the previous vinyl, carpet has been laid and it is finished with a bright cream-coloured interior. The seat next to the driving position has been removed during this upgrade.

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Trailer end D2778 enjoys the sunshine prior to its test run to Porirua.
Trailer end D2778 enjoys the sunshine prior to its test run to Porirua.
DM297 and D2778 are given a brief showcasing at Platform 9 at Wellington on 23.6.2005, prior to the unit re-entering service following its cosmetic refurbishment.
DM297 and D2778 are given a brief showcasing at Platform 9 at Wellington on 23.6.2005, prior to the unit re-entering service following its cosmetic refurbishment.
The interior of D2778, showing carpeting and new upholstery and cream paintwork. The lighting is from small LED fittings which is far less efficient than the fluorescent lights used in DM297.
The interior of D2778, showing carpeting and new upholstery and cream paintwork. The lighting is from small LED fittings which is far less efficient than the fluorescent lights used in DM297.
Front end detail of D2778.
Front end detail of D2778.
Drivers control of D2778 - compare that little lot to a piece of modern kit!
Drivers control of D2778 - compare that little lot to a piece of modern kit!
The new Tranz Metro logo.
The new Tranz Metro logo.
Motor car DM297. A single arm pantograph has been fitted as part of the refurbishment.
Motor car DM297. A single arm pantograph has been fitted as part of the refurbishment.
Interior of DM297. the fluorescent lighting has been retained in this car which is far brighter than that in D2776.
Interior of DM297. the fluorescent lighting has been retained in this car which is far brighter than that in D2776.
DM297's driving controls - an interesting comparison to the earlier view of that of D2778.
DM297's driving controls - an interesting comparison to the earlier view of that of D2778.
Front end detail of DM297.
Front end detail of DM297.
Prior to entering service a test run was made to Porirua. Checking the correct operation of the doors was one of the important checks. - first stop Kaiwharawhara.
Prior to entering service a test run was made to Porirua. Checking the correct operation of the doors was one of the important checks. - first stop Kaiwharawhara.
The doors have been painted silver. Reflective strips have been placed at the top of the stairs and inside the door.
The doors have been painted silver. Reflective strips have been placed at the top of the stairs and inside the door.
Detail of one of the LED lights in D2778.
Detail of one of the LED lights in D2778.
DM297 waits at Porirua for its return run to Wellington.
DM297 waits at Porirua for its return run to Wellington.
A brief stop is made at Kenepuru.
A brief stop is made at Kenepuru.
How things were - D2778 is seen departing Wellington with 1.02pm 4-car service to Johnsonville on 1.12.2003.
How things were - D2778 is seen departing Wellington with 1.02pm 4-car service to Johnsonville on 1.12.2003.
How it used to look - DM297 is seen parked outside the Tranz Metro depot on 31.12.2003.
How it used to look - DM297 is seen parked outside the Tranz Metro depot on 31.12.2003.
D2553 is nearest the camera in this view of the refurbishment.
D2553 is nearest the camera in this view of the refurbishment.
The complete set is seen here outside the Tranz Metro depot on 3.7.2006. A number of fittings are yet to be completed.
The complete set is seen here outside the Tranz Metro depot on 3.7.2006. A number of fittings are yet to be completed.
The third 'red set' to be refurbished is D2398, Dm251 and D2553. The trio are seen in the Tranz Metro depot yard on 3.7.2006.
The third 'red set' to be refurbished is D2398, Dm251 and D2553. The trio are seen in the Tranz Metro depot yard on 3.7.2006.