It was the end of an era when the last of the V-set trains rattled its way out of the Central Coast on June 27.
They first hit the tracks 11 months after Neil Armstrong made the lunar landing – and in the 55 years since have travelled enough kilometres to reach the moon 17 times each.
The trains worked the Sydney to Central Coast line every day since June 1970, and then to Newcastle from 1984, covering an estimated 140 million kilometres during their time in service.
The retirement of the 21 stainless steel, double-deck trains allows the full implementation of the 10-carriage Mariyung trains, providing a more spacious cabin, more comfortable seating, accessible toilets, charging ports and many more security and safety features.
The last ever V-set service to Newcastle left Central Station at 9.20pm on Friday, June 27, arriving shortly after midnight on Saturday.
The V-sets were built in Granville by Commonwealth Engineering – known as Comeng – between 1970 and 1989 and were described as “the most luxurious commuter stock in the world” when they hit the tracks.
That claim no longer holds water and they have gradually been phased out as the new Mariyungs have entered service.
By June 30, 19 Mariyung trains will have entered service and be fully deployed on the Central Coast and Newcastle line, with all 38 local stations able to accommodate a longer 10-car configuration.
The Mariyung has extra leg room, high seat backs, tray tables for laptops and charging ports for mobile devices.
The State Government is committed to reviving domestic manufacturing of trains, creating thousands of jobs and boosting the economy.
It has committed to start procuring the replacement of the ageing Tangara fleet of suburban passenger trains by 2027, with a 50 per cent local content target for designing, building and maintaining the new fleet.
V-sets will continue to run on the Blue Mountains line before they are replaced by Mariyungs.
The South Coast line will get Mariyungs following their introduction to the Blue Mountains.
Minister for Transport John Graham said the V-sets were “space age for their time”.
“It’s almost unfathomable that they have made it to the moon 17 times each in equivalent kilometres during more than five decades on the tracks,” he said.
Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said the replacement of the outdated trains meant millions of passengers could enjoy more comfort and safety on the Central Coast and Newcastle line.
“While I understand many train buffs will be sad to see the old V-set carriages go, our community has waited patiently for the new Mariyung fleet and all the comforts they provide,” she said.
Chief Executive of Sydney Trains Matt Longland said it was the end of a proud chapter in the state’s transport history, and the beginning of a new one.
At least you had a chance of one of the 8 toilets on a full set working. Caught a Mariyung train and the 1 toilet in the front was not open.
Four billion dollars were spent on these trains, when that money could instead have funded track upgrades that would speed up the journey and make a real difference to our lives.
USB charging access only in 4 chairs front and 4 at back. I don’t understand the need for backward travelling seats, the flip seats worked well. And worse design failure, no coffee cup holders.
Flip tables good and finally a small area to store luggage.