Written By: Alex Thorn
Photos By: Ian Green, Joshua Watson and Alex Thorn
Page Last Updated: 9/11/20
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Unit Info:
Type: Diesel Multiple Unit Manufactured: Bombadier, Dandenong Number Built: 89 Operational: 87 Testing: 1 Scrapped: 1 Carriage Length: 25.25 Meters Passenger Capacity: 222 seated passengers Seats: 74 in driver carriage, 82 in a trailer carriage Max Speed: 160 km/h |
Liveries worn by Vlocities |
During early 2000, V/line requested tenders for 29 two-car diesel multiple units to be used with their upcoming Regional Fast Rail project. This order would eventually go to Adtranz in Dandenong however by the time the first set was delivered, the V/Line franchise had reverted to the state government from National Express, while the Adtranz business had been taken over by Bombardier Transportation. The order would also be extended to 38, later 40 two-car sets. Construction began in 2003 with the first sets being complete during the following year.
The V/locity railcars initially were to be of the same design as the older NSW Endeavour railcars, however it was decided that a more aerodynamic design would better suit the fleet which were made to run up to 160km/h in normal service. Each carriage is installed with a Cummins QSK-19R engine. The seating layout is 2+2, unlike the Sprinter railcars which have a 2+3 layout. They first wore a teal, black and purple livery which was altered in 2008 to include yellow patches on the front. This was to improve visibility at level crossings. In 2004, the first set was completed and undertook testing in Gippsland but they wouldn’t enter revenue service until December 2005. Sets are numbered from VL0 with driver cars numbered from either 1100 or 1200, and ‘trailer’ cars from 1300.
The first line they operated on during 2005 was the Ballarat line. In February 2006, they would enter service on the Geelong and Bendigo lines, followed by Traralgon and Seymour in September. Each of these lines underwent upgrade programs for the high-speed operation of the V/locity fleet. Later on, Ararat, Echuca and Maryborough would receive V/locity operated services.
The V/locity railcars initially were to be of the same design as the older NSW Endeavour railcars, however it was decided that a more aerodynamic design would better suit the fleet which were made to run up to 160km/h in normal service. Each carriage is installed with a Cummins QSK-19R engine. The seating layout is 2+2, unlike the Sprinter railcars which have a 2+3 layout. They first wore a teal, black and purple livery which was altered in 2008 to include yellow patches on the front. This was to improve visibility at level crossings. In 2004, the first set was completed and undertook testing in Gippsland but they wouldn’t enter revenue service until December 2005. Sets are numbered from VL0 with driver cars numbered from either 1100 or 1200, and ‘trailer’ cars from 1300.
The first line they operated on during 2005 was the Ballarat line. In February 2006, they would enter service on the Geelong and Bendigo lines, followed by Traralgon and Seymour in September. Each of these lines underwent upgrade programs for the high-speed operation of the V/locity fleet. Later on, Ararat, Echuca and Maryborough would receive V/locity operated services.
VL39 at Broadford with an up Seymour Pass train. (22/10/19)
Photo By: Joshua Watson |
VL67 with a down Seymour pass train near Oak Park. (7/4/18)
Photo By: Joshua Watson |
After further V/locity orders during 2006 and 2007, 9 3-car sets would be ordered in 2008 as well as a single ‘trailer’ carriage to put between an existing 2-car train. Further orders of these carriages were placed in the following years to convert more 2-car trains into 3 cars. In 2012, further sets and carriages were ordered to convert the remaining 2-car sets into 3. From 2010, another livery was introduced. A red, purple and yellow scheme would be worn by newly delivered sets. Upgrades also commenced from 2010 with improved headlights and safety features. In 2013, ‘Quiet Carriage’ travel was introduced in 1 carriage per 3 cars. From 2014, sets began to receive the PTV purple livery which the vast majority wear today. As more sets entered service, V/line were able to withdraw A and P class locomotives from loco-hauled passenger service. Some N class services have also succumbed to V/locity service, however all N class remain in service for long haul trips.
In 2018, new V/locity sets VL76 to VL79 entered service with a ‘short-distance’ interior design. This design includes the removal of toilet facilities and a different seat style. The following year VL80 was delivered with a different cab design. Larger headlights and a wider cab are among the visual differences to improve crash protection for the driver. Numerous other sets with the same design have been delivered or are on order. The first entered revenue service on the 20th and 21st of September 2020.
Today, V/locity refurbishments continue with few sets remaining in the original or red schemes. Operation of the sets has also broadened to include most Bairnsdale services. Other regional services have also been extended from Bendigo to Eaglehawk and Geelong to Waurn Ponds. Line upgrades for the Warrnambool and Shepparton lines are in the works. New standard gauge V/locity sets for the Albury line are also to be introduced in coming years with trains featuring a buffet.
In 2018, new V/locity sets VL76 to VL79 entered service with a ‘short-distance’ interior design. This design includes the removal of toilet facilities and a different seat style. The following year VL80 was delivered with a different cab design. Larger headlights and a wider cab are among the visual differences to improve crash protection for the driver. Numerous other sets with the same design have been delivered or are on order. The first entered revenue service on the 20th and 21st of September 2020.
Today, V/locity refurbishments continue with few sets remaining in the original or red schemes. Operation of the sets has also broadened to include most Bairnsdale services. Other regional services have also been extended from Bendigo to Eaglehawk and Geelong to Waurn Ponds. Line upgrades for the Warrnambool and Shepparton lines are in the works. New standard gauge V/locity sets for the Albury line are also to be introduced in coming years with trains featuring a buffet.
VL75 leads an up Geelong service at Lara. (28/3/20)
Photo By: Alex Thorn |
A diverted VL23 passes by a defective VL06 near West Footscray. (25/2/08)
Photo By: Ian Geen |
Unit Status
Road No. |
Livery |
Owner |
Service Life |
Current State |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
6 Aug 2010 - Present |
Operational |
|
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
21 Feb 2006 - Present |
Operational |
|
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
20 May 2006 - Present |
Operational |
|
VL03 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
11 Jul 2006 - Present |
Operational |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
3 Feb 2006 - Present |
Operational |
|
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
14 Aug 2006 - Present |
Operational |
|
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
30 Jun 2006 - Present |
Operational |
|
VL07 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
23 Deb 2005 - Present |
Operational |
VL08 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
3 Feb 2006 - Present |
Operational |
VL09 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
29 May 2006 - Present |
Operational |
VL10 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
18 Mar 2006 - Present |
Operational |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
22 Dec 2005 - Present |
Operational |
|
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
24 Jan 2006 - Present |
Operational |
|
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
1 Aug 2006 - Present |
Operational |
|
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
29 Mar 2006 - Present |
Operational |
|
VL15 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
4 Apr 2006 - Present |
Operational |
VL16 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
21 Apr 2006 - Present |
Operational |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
28 Apr 2006 - Present |
Operational |
|
VL18 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
22 Dec 2005 - Present |
Operational |
VL19 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
2 Jan 2006 - Present |
Operational |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
27 Dec 2005 - Present |
Operational |
|
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
22 Dec 2005 - Present |
Operational |
|
VL22 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
22 Dec 2005 - Present |
Operational |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
22 Dec 2005 - Present |
Operational |
|
VL24 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
25 Feb 2006 - Present |
Operational |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
9 Mar 2006 - Present |
Operational |
|
VL26 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
13 Mar 2006 - Present |
Operational |
VL27 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
13 Mar 2006 - Present |
Operational |
VL28 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
29 Mar 2006 - Present |
Operational |
VL30 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
5 May 2006 - Present |
Operational |
VL31 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
29 May 2006 - Present |
Operational |
VL32 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
27 Jun 2006 - Present |
Operational |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
10 Jul 2006 - Present |
Operational |
|
VL34 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
28 Aug 2006 - Present |
Operational |
VL35 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
28 Aug 2006 - Present |
Operational |
VL36 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
31 Aug 2006 - Present |
Operational |
VL37 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
28 Sep 2006 - Present |
Operational |
VL38 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
12 Oct 2006 - Present |
Operational |
VL39 |
V/line Purple & Green |
V/line |
9 Oct 2007 - Present |
Operational |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
3 Dec 2007 - Present |
Operational |
|
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
7 Aug 2008 - Present |
Operational |
|
VL42 |
V/line Purple & Red |
V/line |
23 Jul 2010 - Present |
Operational |
V/line Purple & Red |
V/line |
15 Sep 2010 - Present |
Operational |
|
VL44 |
V/line Purple & Red |
V/line |
22 Oct 2010 - Present |
Operational |
V/line Purple & Red |
V/line |
6 Dec 2010 - Present |
Operational |
|
V/line Purple & Red |
V/line |
4 Feb 2011 - Present |
Operational |
|
VL47 |
V/line Purple & Red |
V/line |
17 Mar 2011 - Present |
Operational |
VL48 |
V/line Purple & Red |
V/line |
6 May 2011 - Present |
Operational |
VL49 |
V/line Purple & Red |
V/line |
20 Jun 2011 - Present |
Operational |
VL50 |
V/line Purple & Red |
V/line |
5 Aug 2011 - Present |
Operational |
V/line Purple & Red |
V/line |
15 Sep 2011 - Present |
Operational |
|
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
29 Oct 2014 - Present |
Operational |
|
VL53 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
11 Dec 2014 - Present |
Operational |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
27 Dec 2014 - Present |
Operational |
|
VL55 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
1 Mar 2015 - Present |
Operational |
VL56 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
8 Apr 2015 - Present |
Operational |
VL57 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
4 May 2015 - Present |
Operational |
VL58 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
29 May 2015 - Present |
Operational |
VL59 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
3 Jul 2015 - Present |
Operational |
VL60 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
Oct 2016 - Present |
Operational |
VL61 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
Nov 2016 - Present |
Operational |
VL62 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
Dec 2016 - Present |
Operational |
VL63 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
23 Dec 2016 - Present |
Operational |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
Feb 2017 - Present |
Operational |
|
VL65 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
Apr 2017 - Present |
Operational |
VL66 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
24 May 2017 - Present |
Operational |
VL67 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
Jul 2017 - Present |
Operational |
VL68 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
Aug 2017 - Present |
Operational |
VL69 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
1 oct 2017 - Present |
Operational |
VL70 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
Nov 2017 - Present |
Operational |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
1 Dec 2017 - Present |
Operational |
|
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
Dec 2017 - Present |
Operational |
|
VL73 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
16 Feb 2018 - Present |
Operational |
VL74 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
23 Mar 2018 |
Operational |
VL75 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
May 2018 - Present |
Operational |
VL76 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
20 May 2020 - Present |
Operational |
VL77 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
Nov 2018 - Present |
Operational |
VL78 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
Nov 2018 - Present |
Operational |
VL79 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
Jan 2019 - Present |
Operational |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
1 Oct 2020 - Present |
Operational |
|
VL81 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
14 Oct 2020 - Present |
Operational |
VL82 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
29 Oct 2020 - Present |
Operational |
VL83 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
9 Nov 2020 - Present |
Operational |
VL84 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
8 Oct 2020 - Present |
Operational |
VL85 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
21 Sep 2020 - Present |
Operational |
VL86 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
20 Oct 2020 - Present |
Operational |
VL87 |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
3 Nov 2020 - Present |
Operational |
V/line Purple PTV |
V/line |
20 Sep 2020 - Present |
Operational |
Information sourced from Wikipedia, https://www.vlinecars.com/ and Vicsig