KiwiRail's EF 30163 On the Overhead Inspection Train (HD) (Drone Footage)

On Thursday the 30th of November 2023 KiwiRail ran their Overhead inspection train between (B80) from Palmerston North to Hamilton but with a bit of a twist as instead of using one of the old Fruit EF Locomotives (Which as I'm writing this there are only 2 left still in service EF 30007 and EF 30140) they put recently refurbished and signed off EF 30163 on the lead with DL 9665 bringing up the rear. This video is the result of chasing the train from Marton in the Manawatu region all the way up the North Island Main Trunk (NIMT) to Hamilton (I didn't quite make it to Palmy in time before they left). For this video I tried to change things up a little bit with spots trying a few new locations with a few returning. Unfortunately I didn't have my tripod so some of the shots are a little bit shaky I tried my best to keep them still. Also Unfortunately I didn't get to as many spots as I would've liked due to the significant amount of roadworks everywhere. There is more to come with the refurbished EFs I have been collecting footage and working towards a few video projects for them. but they won't be uploaded for a little bit as I require a bit more footage. But for now Enjoy!
In the news for the Refurbishments
EF 30192 finished its overhaul and is now back at the Palmerston North Depot being commissioned and will enter service shortly, soon to follow will be EF 30232 in the following weeks, and we should be seeing the refurbs on trains shortly (Once all the LEs are trained). From what I've been told the Overhaul project should be finished ahead of schedule. with the lads at the Hutt workshops being able to work on Multiple at once. Status on the Locos:
EF 30007, 30013, 30059, 30071, 30094, 30105, 30134, 30140, 30203, 20232, 30249 (To be overhauled). EFs 30163, 30226, 30042, 30192 (Overhauled) and lastly EFs 30111 and 30157 to be scrapped.
Special Thanks to the KiwiRail Crews for a great chase up the trunk!!