The proposed numbers included stored locomotives ZA4, ZB4, ZC32, ZC39, ZC42 and ZC43 (but omitted some operational ZC class), but actual renumberings differed slightly from the proposed list. All existing numbers were removed, including number boards, and new large reflective white numerals were attached to the cab sides, front and rear of each locomotive.
ZC42 was later taken out of storage, renumbered and returned to service.
Although no class designations appear on the renumbered locos (the Tranz Rail painted DC and QR locos retain their New Zealand class letters on their ends), for non operational matters (and press releases!), Tasrail still use the old class letters when referring to the locomotive type. The use of terms such as ‘2120 class’ has not generally occured; even the ‘2000 class’ is usually refered to as ‘DQ Class’ by Tasrail. In retrospect, the renumbering may have had more to do with ‘americanising’ the system, rather than operational requirements.
Click here for a view of the whole locomotive
2113 (formerly Z4) at Hobart, 2 July 1998 Photo: © Michael Dix