The Diesel Traction Group (DTG) is the Christchurch-based operator of a fleet of ex-New Zealand Railways Department diesel-electric locomotives.
[3] During 1984, the DTG investigated purchasing a second DG, this time one of the ten that were fitted with a new cab during their last major overhaul in the early 1980s, but the proposal did not proceed.
[11] DE 511 was repainted in the original colours[12] and certified to mainline mechanical standard for participation in the Ferrymead 125 event the following year, which included shared operation of the Springfield excursion with DG 772.
Following the completion of DG 772 in 2009, the DTG has turned their attention to restoring this locomotive to working order for use on the main line.
The locomotive was towed south in January 2009, and the DTG have stated their intention is to restore DF 1501 to working order at some time in the future.