	The branch line was dieselised in 1966, with a special NZRLS excursion train on 12 March 1966 to mark the change, hauled by two B class steam locos. Passenger trains, mainly for miners, ran to 23 June 1972, apart from a special train for railway enthusiasts on 16 December 1972 hauled by a D class diesel loco. A 1935 schedule allowed 45 minutes for the all stations trip from Huntly to Glen Afton. The Rotowaro to Glen Afton section west of Rotowaro was closed from 5 March 1973, as the mines had run out of coal. The line was shortened from 14.10 km to 7.97 km.