[aussiesteve]

G'day,
The Otira tunnel has been mentioned by an amigo.
He questioning how the banker service is organized today.
Is there still a banker crew depot at Otira ?
If not, then is the crew from Christchurch or Greymouth ?
The Tranz Alpine was featured in a recent TV series by SBS.
That would have been shot within the last few years, so fairly recent.
The train was seen trekking west.
And, the bank locos were indeed hooked onto the real of the pas for the descent through the tunnel at Arthurs Pas.
And then detached from the rear of the pas at Otira.
The return journey was not included.
However a number of coalies were crossed enroute between Otira and Greymouth.
These only having a pair of weasels attached.
So, they would definitely require the bankers to assist for the 1 in 33 climb up through the tunnel.
I rode the Tranz Alpine when I crossed the ditch in 1999.
The electric traction overhead for the tunnel was being removed at Otira.
Weasels having taken over from the electric bankers.
Any info regarding the modern day Otira tunnel banking duty would be appreciated.
Steve.