Te Huia SRV training runs

Over the last few weeks and after test runs, training runs have been taking place with the SRV driving carriage leading the Te Huia consist, with the DFB class locomotive pushing from the rear. The change was possible after work was done to the SRV carriages allowing them to lead trains, and drivers are being trained for the push mode before revenue services begin in this way.
Here, we see several runs, running between Hamilton and Pukekohe, as they head northbound, with the locomotive leading for the return journey.

[@IxtimmiboRT1427]

I wish that it was a DC class locomotive pulling the te huia

[@donrobinson6613]

If the train had a collision with a vehicle on a railway crossing wouldn't it be safer for the train & its passengers if the locomotive was at the front of the train?

[@cv990a4]

Given that there's no way to turn the train around in Auckland, if you use only one loco then one direction has to have the SRV in front.
They need to use an electric loco, so they can go all the way to Waitemata. And once the CRL is done, they'll be able to run with the loco at front in both directions b/c they can loop-the-loop in Auckland.

[@donrobinson6613]

@@cv990a4 Could use a DL loco.

[@aklrailfan2278]

would not work because the carriages will obstruct the view