V-set farewell draws crowds for one last NSW journey

Hundreds of rail enthusiasts rode the final V-set service from Lithgow to Central Station as the oldest electric trains in New South Wales were officially retired; one carriage will be kept for heritage and applications for the remaining 81 carriages are being assessed.

The final V-set service ran from Lithgow to Central Station with a large turnout of rail enthusiasts and commuters marking the retirement of the oldest electric trains in New South Wales. People gathered early and some slept on the platform to secure seats. The farewell ride mixed nostalgia, costumes and music as the train travelled through the Blue Mountains into Sydney. Transport authorities say the newer Mariyung intercity trains will fully replace the V-sets from today. Key details: - Hundreds of people travelled on the final V-set service and many waited in advance at Lithgow station. - The trains are known for vinyl, reversible purple seats and older fittings; one carriage painted in the original "Blue Goose" colours will be retained for heritage use. - The remaining 81 retired carriages, built from 1977 onwards, are the subject of applications after a call for expressions of interest from heritage groups and collectors. - Mariyung D-set trains, which offer air conditioning and device charging points but have fixed seating, have begun full service and replace the V-sets. - The Mariyung trains were delivered late and required additional work before entry to the Blue Mountains line, according to reporting. Summary: The farewell ride highlighted strong public affection for the V-sets and marked the handover to Mariyung trains across the intercity network. Applications for the retired carriages are under assessment and the final disposition of most vehicles is undetermined at this time.