After some absence I thought I'd post something interesting about one of the more popular trains on our network - the V sets. I thought I'd list some interesting history that these trains were involved in, including particular cars and that this thread is something that can also be added to/built up by the community as well over time - anyone and everyone is welcome to share.

Given that the end draws closer for these trains with plans to start withdrawing them by the end of 2019 for replacement by the new intercity trains, I thought it would be interesting to create a dedicated thread for these trains where people can share information on them. Whether you are a train enthusiast, v-set enthusiast, a casual fan or even just have a passing interest in rail history and happen to be on one of these trains, glance over at the carriage number and see that you are sitting on a car that was part of an important event, this thread may prove to be interesting. It may also serve as a good point/source of information when the time comes that these trains are withdrawn progressively and if there are plans to pick and choose some for preservation as a representation of this train for the future, whether part of the "official" collection or by other groups, museums, etc.  

As time permits, I'll add posts to this thread with information on important events these trains took part in, while also updating the information on particular/significant cars of interest.

Hope you enjoy the thread!

List of cars by contract, as listed on wikipedia page:- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NSW_TrainLink_V_set

Have also where possible listed the set the particular cars are currently on.

Series 1 NSWGR Contract 8/68
- These were the first series of DDIU with the first set (4 cars) entering service Sydney to Gosford on 22 June 1970. They introduced the "Blue Goose" Livery

ALL SCRAPPED


Series 2 NSWGR Contract 2/76 (DCM8021 - DCM8036) and (DCT9031 - DCT9044)
- These featured the "Blue Goose" livery

DCM8032 (V21)
- oldest V set / DDIU power car in service since the 2011 - 2012 withdrawals of most of the DCM power cars. One of only 2 (with 8036) DC series power cars left in service from the 1977-78 batch.
- one of the few DCM powers not to be "lobotomized", ie, have desto board installed, then later removed and plated over

DCM8036 (V21)
- second oldest V set / DDIU power car in service since 2011 - 2012 withdrawals of most of DCM power cars. One of only 2 (with 8032) DC series power cars left in service from the 1977-78 batch.
- this car had a desto board attached to it at the top of it's front canopy and later removed and plated over


Series 3 NSWGR Contract 3/80 (DIM8037 - DIM8052 and DIT9101 - DIT9114) and 3/80E (DIM8053 - DIM8068)
- Last with "Blue Goose" front end livery for the power cars

DIM8038 (V27)
- oldest DIM power car left in service after DIM8037 was scrapped
- was delivered on 6 May 1981 and was part of a 4-car test train with DIM8037 to test the new DIM power cars
- was part of first service (with 8037 and 8039) to use DIM power cars in a 6 car set put into service on Western Line in late May 1981
- this power was apparently retired sometime in 2011 - 2012 but refurbished and put back into service in 2015 on a newly formed set from previously retired power and trailer cars being set V27.

DIM8039 (V25)
- was delivered on 23 May 1981
- was part of first service to use DIM power cars (with 8037 and 8038) in a 6 car set put into service on Western Line in late May 1981
- In 1990 was painted with the special SRA livery with blue and yellow stripes to commemorate 20 years of double decker trains to the Central Coast/Gosford. Unlike DJM8101 which received the unique blue and yellow stripe livery, this car retained it's original Blue Goose front end.

DIM8046 (V13)
- this car was part of 2 official first electric trains (Wyong, 1982 and Newcastle, 1984) as the rear power car of both trains and featured the respective commemorative headboards of both events - more than likely a unique distinction
- was the trailing/end power car for the first official electric train (a 6 car set) to celebrate the opening of electrification from Gosford to Wyong on 3 April 1982. NSW Premier Neville Wran travelled on board the train to officiate the event.
- was the trailing/end power car for the first official electric train to Newcastle on 3 June 1984 (part of set U22). This was an 8-car train made up of sets U35/U22

DIM8055 (V16)
- was a middle power of the first official electric train to Newcastle on 3 June 1984 (part of set U22)
- was the lead car of V16 (with V1 at rear) which on 2 July 2013 pulled into Central Sydney Terminal as part of a promotional/publicity event to showcase refurbishments to V-sets in the new NSW TrainLink livery. This occurred a day after the establishment of the Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink organisations to handle metropolitan and intercity + regional services, respectively. The event was attended by both commuters as well as various officials including the newly elected NSW TrainLink CEO Rob Mason
- was part of V16 which was one of the consists to run out of Newcastle during the last day of trains before the line was cut at Hamilton (25 December 2014)

DIM8063 (V11)
- was a middle power car in the very last service out of Newcastle - a late running 11.27pm Gosford bound service (part of set V11)

DIT9105 (V26)
- was part of the first official electric train to Newcastle on 3 June 1984 (part of set U22)

DIT9108 (V11)
- was part of the first official electric train to Newcastle on 3 June 1984 (part of set U22)
- was part of the last service out of Newcastle on 25 December 2014 (part set V11)

DIT9110 (V11)
- was part of the last service out of Newcastle (set V11) on 25 December 2014.


Series 4 NSWGR Contract 7/82 (DIM8069 - DIM8092 and DIT9115 - DIT9138)
- First power cars to feature the new SRA white and candy stripe livery front end
- First power cars to have ditch lights as standard from the start
- First power car (probably DIM8069 or if not that 8070) officially handed over to NSW Transport Minister Barry Unsworth in a ceremony at the Comeng Granville plant on 18 April 1984

DIM8069 (V9)
- was a middle power car (part set U35) of the first official electric train to Newcastle on 3 June 1984. U35 featured the newest 4 cars in service as part of the new contract with the newly introduced White and Candy SRA livery

DIM8070 (V24)
- was the leading power car (with commemorative board attached) for the first official electric train to Newcastle on Sunday, 3 June 1984 (part of set U35). This was an 8-car train made up of sets U35/U22. State Rail Authority (SRA) Chief David Hill and Transport Minister Barry Unsworth were photographed in the front cab doorway of 8070 just prior to departure of the inaugural train from Platform 9 Central Station at 12:15pm. Upon arriving at Newcastle in the presence of a large crowd, 8070 passed through the tape and Sydney to Newcastle electric services were officially declared "open". The first 4 cars of the first official train (U35) were deliberately assembled from the newest cars and trailers available from the new 7/82 contract and featured the new SRA white and candy stripe livery. These were the "showcase" cars. By that token, DIM8070 was the newest power car in service in time for the opening of the Newcastle electrification.
- was part of set V1 (with V16) which on 2 July 2013 pulled into Central Sydney Terminal as part of a promotional/publicity event to showcase refurbishments to V-sets in the new NSW TrainLink livery. This occurred a day after the establishment of the Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink organisations to handle metropolitan and intercity + regional services, respectively. The event was attended by both commuters as well as various officials including the newly elected NSW TrainLink CEO Rob Mason
- On 07 March 2018, DIM8070 was the lead car part of a 4-car set V24 (DIM8070-DIT9159-DIT9142-DIM8050) being a late night service from Central to Mt. Victoria when a fire broke out in the pantograph section of the rear power car (8050) as the train was approaching Lawson station. There were no serious injuries apart from 1 or 2 treated for smoke inhalation. (see more info in a post below in this incident)

DIM8089 (V4)
- leading power car (set V28) of the first official electric through service Sydney to Wollongong on February 4, 1986. At Sydney Terminal, prior to departure (then) NSW Transport Minister Barrie Unsworth broke a bottle of champagne over the front of DIM8089 and travelled on board. Unsworth stood in the open cab/gangway doorway as 8089, with its commemorative heardboard, passed through the tape and electric through services from Sydney to Wollongong were officially declared "open".

DIM8091 (V11)
- was the leading power car (set V11) of the very last service out of Newcastle on 25 December 2014 - a late running all stations to Gosford 11.27pm service. This was actually meant to be the second last service out of Newcastle (Hunter Set J4 with a Hunter service was to be the last), but due to to it's late running status, it ended up being the very last service.

DIT9115 (V48)
- was part of the first official electric train to Newcastle on 3 June 1984 (part set U35). One of the 2 brand new trailers with DIT9116 and brand new power cars DIM8069 and 8070 which featured the new SRA White and Candy scheme.

DIT9116 (V41)
- was part of the first official electric train to Newcastle on 3 June 1984 (part set U35)


Series 5 continues Series 4 NSWGR Contract 7/82 (DJM8093 - DJM8108 and DIT9139 - DIT9154)- These featured the SRA White and Candy striped livery

DJM8101 (V37)
- In 1990 was painted with the special SRA livery with blue and yellow stripes to commemorate 20 years of double decker trains to the Central Coast/Gosford. Unlike the other power to go with the set, this was the only one to receive the unique blue and yellow stripe front end.
- was a middle power car (part set V37) of the last service out of Newcastle on 25 December 2014

DJM8106 (V37)
- was the trailing/end power car of set V37 and hence the very last passenger carrying car of the last service out of Newcastle, a late running 11.27pm service all stations to Gosford on 25 December 2014

DIT9141 (V37)
- was part of set V37 (at rear of V11) which was the last service out of Newcastle on 25 December 2014.


Series 6 NSWGR Contract 3/86 (DJM8109 - DJM8123 and DIT9155 - DIT9169)- These featured the SRA White and Candy striped livery

[NO ENTRIES]


Series 7 NSWGR Contract 7/87 (DJM8124 - DJM8138 and DIT9170 - DIT9184)- These featured the SRA White and Candy striped livery

DJM8125 (V29)
- was part of set V29 which was the last "Newcastle Flyer" service out of Sydney. This was the 5.15pm Newcastle service on 24 December 2014

DIT9178 (V17)
- In 1990 was painted with the special SRA livery with blue and yellow stripes to commemorate 20 years of double decker trains to the Central Coast/Gosford.

DIT9181 (V37)
- was part of set V37 (at rear of V11) which was the last service out of Newcastle on 25 December 2014

DIT9183
- In 1990 was painted with the special SRA livery with blue and yellow stripes to commemorate 20 years of double decker trains to the Central Coast/Gosford.

DIT9184 (V29)
- last DIT trailer
- was part of set V29 which was the last "Newcastle Flyer" service out of Sydney. This was the 5.15pm Newcastle service on 24 December 2014


Series 8 The Final Series NSWGR Contract 1/88 (DKM8139 - DKM8145 and DKT9185 - DKT9191)- These featured the SRA White and Candy striped livery.

DKM8145 (V29)
- last newly produced interurban power car delivered by Comeng Granville plant in 1989 before it closed down.
- was part of set V29 which was the last "Newcastle Flyer" service out of Sydney. This was the 5.15pm Newcastle service on 24 December 2014

DKT9191 (V29)
- last newly produced interurban trailer car delivered by Comeng Granville plant in 1989 before it closed down
- was part of set V29 which was the last "Newcastle Flyer" service out of Sydney. This was the 5.15pm Newcastle service on 24 December 2014





Key consists

First official electric train to celebrate electrification opening from Gosford to Wyong on 3 April 1982.
Rear power car (Sydney end) was DIM8046 as part of 6 car consist comprising 3 driving control motor (DCM or DIM)/driving control trailer (DCT) pairs. Rest of cars in consist is unknown.

First official/inaugural electric train to Newcastle Sunday, June 3, 1984 (front to back)
(U35)DIM8070-DIT9115-DIT9116-DIM8069 + (U22)DIM8055-DIT9108-DIT9105-DIM8046

Second inaugural electric train to Newcastle Sunday, June 3, 1984, following the above (front to back)
(U30) + (U24). Car composition unknown

First official Sydney to Wollongong "through" electric train February 4, 1986 (front to back)
(V28)DIM8089 [rest of composition unknown]

First official train for Wollongong - Dapto electrification January 24, 1993
An 8-car V-set, composition unknown, one of the end motor cars was a DKM series

First official electric train to Kiama November 17, 2001
(V29)Car composition unknown

Last train service out of Newcastle, late running 11.27pm service on 25 December 2014, from platform 1 all stations to Gosford. Although not the very last train to pull out of Newcastle station, this was the very last passenger carrying service out of Newcastle station before closure and line cut at Hamilton station. (front to back)
(V11)DIM8091-DIT9108-DIT9110-DIM8063 + (V37)DJM8101-DIT9181-DIT9141-DJM8106


Other consists

1990 Special SRA livery with blue and yellow stripes to celebrate 20 years of double deckers to Central Coast
DIM8039-DIT9178-DIT9183-DJM8101 (DJM8101 was the only one to get the blue/yellow striped front end and DIM8039 was later replaced by a DJ series chopper car which retained it's white and candy front end livery, although did get the blue/yellow stripe along the sides)

July 2, 2013 Publicity V-set show of NSW TrainLink refurbishment following restructure and establishment of Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink a day prior(front to back)
(V16)DIM8055-DIT9182-DIT9104-DIM8078 + (V1)DIM8083-DIT9164-DIT9159-DIM8070

24 December 2014. The Last Newcastle Flyer (5.15pm Sydney to Newcastle service) (front to back)
(V29)DKM8145-DKT9191-DIT9184-DJM8125

25 December 2014. Reputably the last Newcastle Crewed train out of Newcastle station. Rest of trains featured Sydney based crew. 7.05pm Newcastle to Central Sydney Terminal service (front to back)
(V3)DIM8057-DIT9124-DIT9167-DIM8084


Lasted Updated: 31 May 2019

Delivery of first Series 3 DIM power cars April/May 1981

Sydney Tramway Museum Trolley Wire June 1981 edition (PDF)
https://www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au/members.old/Trolley_Wire/194%20-%20Trolley%20Wire%20-%20Jun%201981.pdf (info page 13)

- mentions that the first of third series of double deck interurbans, motor car DIM8037 was shunted out of Commonwealth Engineering into Clyde Yard on Friday, 22 April 1981 where it remained until joined by DIM8038 on 6 May 1981.
- Both cars were taken to Flemington depot on Friday, 8 May 1981. Trials were run using 2 first series trailers to make up a 4 car set.
- Following the delivery of the third motor car DIM8039 on 23 May 1981, a 6 car set was put into service on the western line, this being the first to use the new DIM power cars

WYONG ELECTRIFICATION. 3 April 1982

Sydney Tramway Museum Trolley Wire 1982 edition (PDF)
https://www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au/members.old/Trolley_Wire/199%20-%20Trolley%20Wire%20-%20Feb%201982.pdf (info page 29)

- mentions after some weeks of trial running with interurbans and locomotives of the 46 and 85 classes, the belated extension of the electrification from Gosford to Wyong (a distance of about 12.5 miles) was officially opened by the NSW Premier Neville Wran on Saturday, 3 April 1982. This was the first stage of electrification from Gosford to Newcastle.
- The official party travelled from Sydney to Newcastle in a 6 car double deck interurban arriving at Wyong at 3.45pm
- An 8 car double deck interurban followed from Gosford and operated a return trip from Wyong for the public.
- The official train left for Sydney at 5.15pm
- Mentions that Wyong now had an improved but still irregular service comprised of through electric services, a few shuttle trips from Gosford, some through trains to Newcastle and beyond and connecting services which still ran to Gosford.
- Mentions that Eveleigh drivers leave Wyong trains at Gosford which are then worked out and back by Broadmeadow drivers and then return to Sydney with Eveleigh drivers.
- A photo is shown of the rear power car (DIM8046) with commemorative headboard

- The full composition of the 6 car official first train set is unknown however it was made up of 3 2-car pairs, with each pair consisting of a driving control motor + driving control trailer.
- One of the cars which is known to have been part of the set was DIM8046, which was the rear power car featuring the commemorative headboard and after celebrations led the train back to Sydney. 2 years and 2 months later, DIM8046 would also be the rear power car of the first official electric train to Newcastle on 3 June 1984.

Photos:-

Below are 2 photos from Graham Ahern's collection, from his website, so full credit to him

This first photo shows the official first train pulling into Wyong
http://www.grahamahern.com/electric-trains?lightbox=dataItem-j33z1294

This photo shows the rear power car DIM8046 with commemorative headboard
http://www.grahamahern.com/electric-trains?lightbox=dataItem-j33z68nr

The following link shows a close-up of the commemorative headboard which is now in possession of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
https://collection.maas.museum/object/61760

Below is a link about the Gosford-Wyong Line electrification plaque commemorating the completion of electrification of the railway line between Gosford and Wyong which unfortunately appears to have been missing since March 2014
http://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/technology/industry/display/23880-gosford-wyong-line-electrification

NEWCASTLE ELECTRIFICATION. Sunday, June 3 1984


Sydney Tramway Museum Trolley Wire August 1984

https://www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au/members.old/Trolley_Wire/213%20-%20Trolley%20Wire%20-%20Aug%201984.pdf (page 2 / 32)

- Shows photo of DIM8070 as part of set U35 (with U22) for the first official electric train to Newcastle.  
- Mentions that the leading 4 cars of the first train (set U35) specifically consisted of the first cars delivered as part of the new 7/82 contract, these being the first with white and candy livery. The contract (for an additional 80 cars) in it's entirety consisted of the last of the DIM/camshaft power cars and first of the chopper/DJM cars. As seen in the June 1, 1984 herald issue below, the cars in this new contract were the "showcase" cars and given fairly heavy exposure as the new batch would allow the double-deck interurbans to be put into service on the newly electrified network to Newcastle.




The Newcastle Herald - June 1, 1984 issue. "NEWCASTLE GOES ELECTRIC!"
http://www.coalandcommunity.com/resources/Introduction%20of%20Electricity%20to%20GNR.pdf

In case PDF file is deleted, a summarization:-

- Shows a cover photo of the first of the brand new 7/82 Contract cars, motor car DIM8069.
- mentions that electric train services start in Newcastle on Sunday, 3 June 1984 with the completion of the electrified line from Sydney - a 112 million dollar project
- mentions that this project would allow for use of fast electric trains between the 2 biggest cities in NSW
- more services with more comfort
- a suburban electric train service with the latest double-deck carriages between Fassifern and Newcastle
- the replacement of loco-hauled train between Maitland and Newcastle with improved, faster diesel self-propelled units and more services
- Free travel to mark these improvements on celebration day, all train travel within the Newcastle area from 8am to midnight on Sunday June 3 is free
- See the first electric express arrive from Sydney in the afternoon. Join the celebrations and join the revolution in train travel.
- Mentions that more than 70 of the "world class" double-deck interurbans are in service with another 80 already rolling off the production line to enable their extended use on the Newcastle-Sydney services (this being the 7/82 contract)
- A second 8-car double deck interurban set was also at the celebrations, the composition of the train is unknown, however the sets appear to have been based on photographic evidence U30/U24. All of these were Blue Goose, which makes sense given that U35 was the first and only set to use the brand new White and Candy power cars and new trailers.


- Shows photos of "The New Faces of Newcastle"
- Photo 1 of a new Candy V-set and Photo 2 of the existing Blue Goose V-sets
- Mentions that 8-car double-deck electric trains seating 832 passengers will cut the travelling times between Newcastle and Sydney significantly. The latest, improved version in distinctive red, orange and yellow livery is to operate to Newcastle, along with current "blue-nosed" electric
- Photo 3 shows a shot of 620/720 railcar motor 631 and that these would replace the old loco-hauled trains between Newcastle, Maitland and Telerah as they offer a more comfortable and faster ride with better reliability.
- Photo 4 of a Double-Deck Goninan suburban motor car in Candy livery which will be used to operate shuttle electric services between Newcastle and Fassifern
- Photo 5 of electric locomotive 8601, mentioned as being the latest and most powerful all-electric locomotive in Australia. 50 ordered at cost of 64 million dollars and will be a feature of the NEwcastle electrified network for both heavy freight and some passenger trains.
- Mentions that a festival will overtake Scott St and Newcastle East End on Sunday 3 June 1984 when Newcastle welcomes the first electric train to travel straight through from Sydney to Newcastle Railway Station.
- Scott St, Newcastle to be closed off and marquees set up on SRA's East End land in preparing for what will be a grand opening for a rail service that Newcastle has waited for years to get.
- Arrival of the first electric train would be followed by speeches and unveiling of a plaque by NSW Premier Neville Wran to commemorate the journey.
- Various other dignitaries in attenance
- The electric rail service between Sydney and Newcastle would officially begin on Monday June 4, 1984

- Some Newcastle - Sydney timetables are shown which commenced from June 4, 1984
- mentions that the journey between Sydney and Newcastle on board the new double-deck V-set trains would be up to 30 minutes shorter than the old loco-hauled journey


Source of composition of first official electric train, thanks to Stuart:- https://www.railpage.com.au/f-p1616409.htm

(U35)DIM8070-DIT9115-DIT9116-DIM8069 + (U22)DIM8055-DIT9108-DIT9105-DIM8046.

Composition of second train is unknown. It's unknown if the choice of DIM8046 as the rear power car of the first electric train was deliberate or by pure chance, given that it was also the rear power car of the first official electric train to Wyong in 1982.





Photos

Getty Images. Fairfax Media. These 2 photos show SRA Chief David Hill and Minister for Transport Barry Unsworth in the front cab doorway of DIM8070 at the Departure of the Inaugural Electric Train service to Newcastle. The train left from Platform 9 Central Station at 12:15pm
https://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/news-photo/state-rail-authority-chief-david-hill-and-minister-for-news-photo/1078941180

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/state-rail-authority-chief-david-hill-and-minister-for-transport-mr-picture-id1080107846?s=612x612


This photo shows DIM8070 with U35 having pulled into Newcastle Station with the first official electric train. Not sure who to credit this photo with, although it says Copyright AAM. Was on flickr. If I can source it, I will link it directly. Here it is anyway.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3930/15224494569_1122602563_b.jpg

Photo by Graham Ahern showing the 2 official trains at Newcastle. The first official train is on the right with the rear set U22 and DIM8046.
http://www.grahamahern.com/electric-trains?lightbox=dataItem-j9aywhcn

Photo by Graham Ahern showing DIM8046 at rear of the first official train with commemorative headboard
http://www.grahamahern.com/electric-trains?lightbox=dataItem-j9ayte3m

Photo by Graham Ahern showing the suburban electric providing local shuttles
http://www.grahamahern.com/electric-trains?lightbox=dataItem-j9ayoah4

Photo by Graham Ahern showing 3 car suburban electric service Set NC3
http://www.grahamahern.com/electric-trains?lightbox=dataItem-j9aykcaz

Photo by Lindsay Bridge showing leading power car of first electric train to Newcastle DIM8070 on U35 with commemorative headboard 3 June 1984
https://www.flickr.com/photos/intervene/3120410712/

Photo by Lindsay Bridge showing first electric train to Newcastle. View shows U22 with DIM8046 and the second train U24 next to it.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/intervene/3120409438/

Photo by Lindsay Bridge 3 June 1984. First electric train at Newcastle U35/U22 showing DIM8046 at rear with headboard
https://www.flickr.com/photos/intervene/3120406070/

Photo by Lindsay Bridge showing inauguration of electricifation from Gosford to Newcastle with U22 and U24
https://www.flickr.com/photos/intervene/3119579875/

This photo credit to "AAM". Shows the second train which followed the inaugural train. It's make-up was a complete Blue Goose set being U30/U24
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2944/15224657018_ae2a2175f9_b.jpg


Newcastle railway station State Rail Authority Plaque unveiled by Hon Neville Wran Premier of NSW on 3 June 1984 to mark the official opening of Sydney - Newcastle electric train services. Hon Barrie Unsworth MLC minister for transport.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/122972896@N06/14832432528/



Videos



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vASM2L1KBX8 (Newcastle marks 30th annivesary of electricification June 3 2014). Shows footage of first electric train to Newcastle.

Wollongong and Port Kembla Electrification opening December 1985 - February 1986

Haven't updated this thread in ages. But following on from Newcastle electrification was the sparks to Wollongong and Port Kembla.

Electrification was officially to open on 15 December 1985, although due to structural issues and closure of Stanwell Park viaduct the first official through service didn't happen until February 4, 1986. The plans for December 1985 however were too far gone to cancel out on. The Premier Neville Wran attended and the opening day was called "Electrofest". I've posted about this in the U Set thread, including a video by tressteleg1 which shows some footage of this day. The STM Trolley Wire issue February 1986 has a great write-up on the events that took place on page 10 (link below in pdf):-

https://www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au/members.old/Trolley_Wire/222%20-%20Trolley%20Wire%20-%20Feb%201986.pdf


The first official through service, Sydney to Wollongong was on February 4, 1986 and the NSW Transport Minister Barry Unsworth rode on board the train. It appears it was an 8-car set made up of V28 and V27. Not sure what the car composition was for the entire train but the leading power car was DIM8089. The April 1986 issue of trolley wire has a photo of Unsworth breaking a bottle of champagne over the front of 8089 at Central Station shortly before departure. This can be seen on Page 16. Link below (pdf):-

https://www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au/members.old/Trolley_Wire/223%20-%20Trolley%20Wire%20-%20Apr%201986.pdf


This was an article on the 30th anniversary of electric trains posted by the Illawarra Mercury which has some further details about electrification to Wollongong, an interesting read and shows a photo of the first electric train

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/3703752/electric-time-for-the-gong/


The following is an article in the Illawarra Mercury posted on 17 June 2017 which has 80 photos taken of Wollongong at different points in it's history, full article:-

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/4735985/lets-go-back-to-when-we-called-wollongong-a-small-town/



Below I've got links to individual photos which show the first electric train at Wollongong which is part of this collection:-

Slide 2/80: Shows DIM8089 on V28 with first electric train at Wollongong. Beside it is a DEB Set with HPF953
https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/4735985/lets-go-back-to-when-we-called-wollongong-a-small-town/#slide=2


Slide 23/80: Shows a photo of the first official electric train with V27, this I assume was the rear 4 cars
https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/4735985/lets-go-back-to-when-we-called-wollongong-a-small-town/#slide=23


Slide 38/80: Shows Wollongong welcoming the first official electric train from Sydney with the Transport Minister Barry Unsworth in the cab door way of DIM8089.
https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/4735985/lets-go-back-to-when-we-called-wollongong-a-small-town/#slide=38



The Wollongong station entry in the Heritage Register also mentions of a brass plaque dated 4 February 1986 to celebrate the opening of the electrification to Wollongong mounted on a sandstone plinth in the garden to the east of the platform 2 building facing the street

https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/ViewHeritageItemDetails.aspx?ID=4801145

Wollongong to Dapto Electrification 24 January 1993

Came across some interesting info in a dusty old copy of the February 1993 Railway Digest, page 45. Below is information:-
- A new cityrail timetable came into force on 24 January 1993. The latest timetable incorporated the commencement of electric train services to Dapto and a further reduction of use of manual door electric rolling stock.
- The extension of electrification to Dapto was officially opened on Sunday, 24 January 1993 with ceremonies at Wollongong, Unanderra and Dapto
- Passengers were able to purchase special souvenir tickets entitling them to unlimited travel between Wollongong and Dapto on the opening day.
- Under the new timetable Dapto replaced Port Kembla as the destination of electric trains from Sydney. Service frequency between Wollongong and Sydney has been maintained, although there has been a reduction in services to Port Kembla, the new services have been timed to coincide with steel works shifts
- Some services will operate directly from Port Kembla to Kiama while others will form all stations trains to Thirroul where they will connect with express services from Dapto to Sydney.
- The running time for most common type of service from Dapto which will stop all stations to North Wollongong then Thirroul, Helensburgh, Sutherland, Hurstville and Sydney is 1 hour 40 minutes.
- There has been a small reduction in a number of weekend services operating south of Dapto and Bombo is no longer needed to cross trains.

April 1993 Railway Digest page 152 shows a photo of the official train at Dapto station. It was an 8 car V Set consist with 2 of the cars at one end of the train being DKM/DKT series and no target plates (on that end at least). Carriage Consist unknown, maybe one of the history buffs might be able to dig that info up!



Photos

24 January 1993. Wollongong - Dapto Electrification opening day. Photo by Chris Stratton. First official electric train to Dapto
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1157319374420138&set=gm.2808644142494714&type=3&permPage=1&ifg=1


12 February 1993. V6 at Dapto not long after electrification to Dapto in Blue Goose
https://www.flickr.com/photos/51227209@N03/5528811264

Kiama Electrification Opening 17 November 2001.

This was another historic milestone accomplished by a V set under the theme "Kiama Goes Electric". The set was V29 which had (and still has) 2 DK series car in the consist which were in the lead on the way to Kiama. The carriage consist today is DKM8145-DKT9191-DIT9184-DJM8125 however back in 2001 it might have been different? Who knows...

Article About the electrification Posted 20 November 2001 in South Coast Register
https://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/980492/electrifying-news/
- Notes that the upgrade of the South Coast railway line to Kiama was a $42 million dollar project.
- Minister for Transport Carl Scully said the project was about "providing a more frequent, more reliable service to the rapidly growing South Coast area, where rail usage has been increasing at 3 times the growth anywhere else in NSW" and that "The electrification also means that residents can catch trains directly from Kiama to Central"
- It is noted that more than 200 workers were involved in the project and that old tunnels were enlarged to accommodate the installation of overhead wiring and double-decker carriages.
- Other works included installing 1500V DC overhead wires along 24km of track
- Track realignment at Princes Highway, Huntley Road bridges, Albion Park, Dunmore, Bombo and Kiama stations.
- Station upgrades of Dapto, Albion Park, Dunmore, Minnamurra, Bombo and Kiama stations
- The member for south coast Wayne Smith said he would continue to campaign to continue electrification through to Bomaderry.

- A plaque is located at Kiama station commemorating the arrival of the first electric train from Dapto to Kiama on 17 November 2001


Some interesting photos and resources

Photo of V29 first official train for opening Kiama electrification November 17, 2001 by Chris Stratton.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSWRailwaysPastandPresent/permalink/2904907456201715/


Photo 17 November 2001 by Sten Parker of inaugural electric train to Kiama arriving at Dapto station with Endeavour set alongside.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/37922909@N06/3547443271/


Photo inside Kiama station showing the inaugural headboard adorned on set V29 "Kiama goes electric" as well as commemoration plaque
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kiama_Railway_station_information_office.jpg

Kiama goes electric headboard photo on display in Dapto station booking office
https://www.flickr.com/photos/trainman3801/5056226295/


http://sydneyconnections.blogspot.com/2011/11/kiama-goes-electric-10-years-ago.html
- Interesting note made at this source that the Kiama electrification opening was also the introduction of the new InterCity Blue and Yellow livery and that a Souvenir timetable was published.

Interesting the differences in the V set Liveries... I loved the Blue Goose, with the dark wooden panels inside - of course it was just a laminate. What were they thinking with the candy cane livery? I don't mind the current one either. Whatever the livery outside, they were quiet and comfortable on the inside.

Today marks exactly 37 years to the day since the first official electric train arrived at Wyong. No idea what the full car composition of that set was but the trailing car of that 6 car set, DIM8046, now spends it's days on V13 and still services that line. This particular car also being the trailing power car of the 8 car first official electric train to Newcastle on June 3, 1984 will celebrate 35 years since that occasion in 2 months time. Here is a shot by John Cowper of 8046 at Epping with a north bound service probably to Newcastle on 29 November 2014

https://www.flickr.com/photos/johncowper/15298062544/



As for the V set livery, personally my favourite is the Blue Goose then probably followed by the white and candy. I don't mind the current NSW TrainLink one either and it looks like these trains will retire with that livery.

Fire at Lawson on V set Wednesday night, 07 March 2018.

Some may remember this incident which occurred on the above date on a V set as it was approaching Lawson station with (I believe) a Mount Victoria service. The set was V24 (DIM8070-DIT9159-DIT9142-DIM8050) and the problem car was the trailing motor car DIM8050. Interestingly, the leading power car of the set (which experienced no problems) was a prominent one - DIM8070 which lead the first official electric train to Newcastle in June 1984. The incident made the news. Some articles covering it below:-

https://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/story/5271856/train-on-fire-at-lawson/

Some highlights from the above article in case it were to disappear:-
- The office of safety regulator is investigating a fire on a train at Lawson.
- About 60 people were evacuated from the train as it was coming into Lawson railway station.
- Passengers alerted the train guard after seeing smoke in one of the rear carriages. The guard was later taken to hospital as a precaution for smoke inhalation.
- Emergency services quickly extinguished the blaze after being called to the station on Wednesday night.
- NSW Fire and Rescue crews from Lawson, Wentworth Falls and Springwood along with the NSW Ambulance and NSW Police were among those at the scene.
- The electrical fire broke out in the top of the carriage at the rear of the 4 car train (note: appeared to originate around the pantograph section of DIM8050).
- Springwood fire and rescue noted that the electricity was shut down by railway staff and fire extinguished by crews, a thermal imaging camera was also used to check for fire extension
- no people were injured and 60 people were evacuated from the train, a bus was organised to convey passengers onwards
- One of the passengers noted that the train that the train was just leaving Hazelbrook when smoke started to appear in the rear cabin, no one in the carriage panicked some started to look for the source and could not find anything so they banged on the guard's door to inform him
- it was noted that by the time the train had reached Lawson there was a lot of smoke and a burning plastic smell
- the train slowed down coming into Lawson at 10pm and as the train approached the station the guard made the announcement for everyone to get off the train
- Fire and police were there shortly after to put out the fire quickly
- an inquiry was made about fitting smoke detectors but NSW Trains Spokesperson said there was "no requirement to retrospectively fit smoke alarms in older trains" (no point now anyway since the NIF is around the corner)
- The NSW trains spokesman said the incident was a minor fire in the rear carriage and customers were evacuated while emergency services carried out the initial inspections. The fire was contained within the equipment compartment, away from passenger areas and the train was towed to Flemington Maintenance Center for further investigation by OTSI. No customers were injured and the train guard was taken to hospital for precaution for smoke inhalation.

9NEWS SYDNEY Video coverage on their facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/9NewsSydney/videos/635734176772282/

7 NEWS SYDNEY Video coverage of fire

https://www.facebook.com/7newssydney/videos/train-fire-in-lawson/2033712809986175/


7 NEWS SYDNEY Video coverage of interview with Transport Minister Andrew Constance earlier on the same day this fire happened talking about the procurement of the NIF to replace the V sets

https://www.facebook.com/7newssydney/videos/train-fire-lawson/2033730109984445/



Photos taken on 23 March 2018 of V51 and the un-targeted set (since confirmed to be V24) in question which was involved in the incident at Lawson hauled by diesel 4827 from Flemington Maintenance Center to Maintrain as seen from Auburn station

https://www.flickr.com/photos/poodlez/40935639962/in/photolist-25nkRzU-25nkERj/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/poodlez/40935603852/in/photolist-25nkRzU-25nkERj


Interestingly enough I did catch this particular set and traveled on DIM8050 (which was leading this time) on a trip to Medlow Bath early this year.

Closure of part of Newcastle line and Newcastle station. December 2014.

Below is an article which covers (with photos) the last day of trains at Newcastle station on Christmas Day, 25 December 2014. In case it disappears, i've listed some main points below

https://www.theherald.com.au/story/2784964/last-train-leaves-newcastle-station-video/

- The last train out of Newcastle was 7 minutes late.
- At just before 11:30pm the last train ever to depart Newcastle station pulled out.
- Between 30 and 40 people came to ride or just witness the train depart, almost all of them filming the moment
- The last train had been expected to be a Hunter Set (J4) with the driver Mark Woollams from Dudley having prepared to drive the last train out since he saw the final roster 2 days prior
- However this wasn't to be as what was due to be the second last train, a service to Gosford, was delayed by 7 minutes, making it the final trip instead.


Some videos below.


The train dubbed the Last Newcastle Flyer. This video by Sydney Trains Vlogs taken on 24 December 2014



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TSZ3CAkgJU
- It shows a 4 car set, V29 (DKM8145-DKT9191-DIT9184-DJM8125) running what was the last Newcastle Flyer running express non-stop from Strathfield to Woy Woy as seen passing Mt. Ku-ring-gai.


This video by Greg H taken night of 25 December 2014 shows the very last passenger carrying train out of Newcastle departing for Gosford on Christmas Day, 25 December 2014. This was the late running 11:27pm service all stations to Gosford.

Composition from front to back was (V11)DIM8091-DIT9108-DIT9110-DIM8063 + (V37)DJM8101-DIT9181-DIT9141-DJM8106. Interesting to note is that DIT9108 was also part of the first official electric train to Newcastle on June 3, 1984. DJM8101 was painted in a special livery in 1990 to mark 20 years of double-decker trains to Gosford.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVixlTWD-dU

The very last trains to leave Newcastle station. The very last of these to depart was Oscar set H16. These did not carry or pick up passengers and to that end made the 8 car V set listed above as the last official service.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNZorJc1PBQ

20th Anniversary of Double Deck Trains to the Central Coast

Trolley Wire August 1990 issue (PDF file link below, page 26/40)
https://www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au/members.old/Trolley_Wire/242%20-%20Trolley%20Wire%20-%20Aug%201990.pdf

Mentions that a 4 car set of intercity cars was dressed in a version of the new livery for the 20th anniversary of double deck train service to the Central Coast. (The first incarnation of the V sets arrived there around June 1970). It mentions that the cars are DIM8039, DIT9178, DIT9183 and DIM8101 (should be DJM8101). They have a narrow blue and yellow band applied the length of the cars below the upper deck windows. Car 8101 has also had the new colours applied to the front of the car but 8039 retains its original blue and grey "Blue Goose" liveried front end. The words "CityRail celebrates 20 years of double deck service to the Central Coast" have been applied to the end doors of the drivers' cabs and on each side between the cab window and cab access door.

Interesting to note though that based on a video I've seen (posted below), the other car with DJM8101 was also a chopper car. Granted this was in 1993 so perhaps they took DIM8039 off and replaced it with a DJM chopper to make it a complete chopper set. It's worth noting that this car, like as they described with DIM8039 had the blue and yellow stripes on the side but retained it's original livery on the front end, in this case, the white and candy stripe livery that the choppers and last batch of DIMs from DIM8069 onwards had.

The key car in this 4 car consist was DJM8101 though, as this was the only power car to get the blue and yellow stripe livery on the front end.

Photos below, credit to all the photographers who have shared these photos.

25 September 1990. DJM8101 on V7 at Broadmeadow station
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gunzel412/3379105762/in/pool-vsets/

03 January 1991. DJM8101 on V38 at Central
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gunzel412/12790010164/in/album-72157607281309840/

16 February 1991. DJM8101 on V38 at Central
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gunzel412/13703521685/in/album-72157607281309840/

01 April 1991. DJM8101 at Lithgow with "CityRail celebrates 20 years of double deck services to Central Coast"
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gunzel412/14274383815/in/album-72157607281309840/

04 July 1991. DJM8101 on V5 passing through Como Station
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gunzel412/15487747583/in/album-72157607281309840/

c. 1990's showing DJM8101 at Newcastle station (living histories)
https://livinghistories.newcastle.edu.au/nodes/view/84094

29 March 1998. DJM8101 on V20 through Teralba
https://www.flickr.com/photos/43494843@N00/16218647941/

26 February 2002. DJM8101 on V6 at Central
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gunzel412/35069859344/

27 October 2007. DJM8101 on V37 arriving into Central station
https://www.flickr.com/photos/fjs_photography/1799606323/

29 January 2008. DJM8101 on V37 at Tascott
https://www.flickr.com/photos/fjs_photography/2246110582/

13 February 2013. DJM8101 on V37 at Central now in blue and yellow Intercity livery
https://www.flickr.com/photos/comeng301m/12260275115/

Auscision Models of the 4 Car 20th annivesary set. It's got the set consist as DJM8101-DIT9178-DIT9183-DJM8104
http://www.auscisionmodels.com.au/V%20Set.htm


Video by tressteleg1 of V set cab rides in 1984 and 1993.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdrGrXbeJXc

- 6:34 shows the 20th annivesary V set departing Strathfield Platform 3 with a Blue Mountains bound service being set V30. All cars have blue and yellow strip but leading power car (a Chopper) still has normal white and candy stripe livery. While rear car DJM8101 has the blue and yellow

An interesting post with photos shared here by John Cronshaw and perhaps hints at potential uses of preserved V sets post retirement from service.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSWRailwaysPastandPresent/permalink/2814639671895161/

On 4 April 2018 the Sydney bound Indian Pacific stopped at Mt. Victoria station at 08:17am. From there passengers joined the local coach operator "Fantastic Aussie Tours" and then undertook a tour of the Cliff Drive, ScenicWorld, some guided bushwalks and a light lunch at "The Lookout" at Echo Point. The Indian Pacific continued to Sydney and was replaced by a privately chartered 8 car V set which picked up Indian Pacific passengers from Katoomba following the tours for a direct run back to Central. The chartered V set in question had traveled from Flemington Maintenance Center empty and was stabled at Mt. Victoria before eventually proceeding to pick up the IP passengers from Katoomba. The leading 4-car set in this case was V2.

I could have posted this under 'questions I have always been afraid to ask....., but here goes:

1. I loved hearing about the last Newcastle Flyer service to Newcastle in 2014.
But, my question is: why did the name disappear from timetables? was it deliberate? an oversight? did anyone really notice in officialdom?

2. Why are no V sets rostered on the Newcastle run on weekends? When I go up there on the weekend I see lots of V sets stabled at Gosford and Broadmeadow, but they are not in use. The glorified suburban Oscars are used instead. Why?
I probably missed some thread somewhere about this, I cannot recall where. I wonder if TrainLink ever tried to publicly justify the decision?

3. Any updates on V set replacement? the year 2019 is ticking along, and i have heard nothing for a long while about the progress (or otherwise) of the replacement train (which I thought was due this year.....and I would have thought that testing at least would be imminent).

I never thought I would be getting so nostalgic about V sets; but here I am, following each and every post!


best wishes to you all.

Craig

Someone else in the know will probably be able to answer better but, from what I understand

1) Quite a few of the "named" services lost their names, including likes of "The Fish" (Sydney - Mt. Victoria), "The Chips" (which I believe was Sydney - Valley Heights if I'm not mistaken). Why they lost their names? No idea, I suppose things just became more formalized with the timetables and they didn't really bother to keep the names

2) From what I've read on various other sites, it may be because they are trying to build up more V sets either to 8 car sets instead of just 4 and perhaps run additional trains on the Blue mountains Line, particularly beyond Springwood where only the V sets can run due to clearance/loading gauge issues. There is a high degree of tourism to this region. I've seen some people also say they are trying to use Oscars more due to the fact that the V sets now have more reliability issues due to their age.

3) It's been stated that the first NIF trains are supposed to enter service in late 2019, however, as these things go, for all we know it could get pushed into 2020. A 4 car set has been photographed hauled by a diesel locomotive in South Korea and more than likely, this set will probably be delivered in the next few months for testing on the network. This may mirror what happened with the 4 car Waratah test train which ultimately paved the way for the complete 8 car sets.

Glad you are enjoying the posts. I've updated some of the information on the car listings as well as the set numbers they currently belong to that I've been able to glean from other postings.

Monday 03 June 2019 will see exactly 35 years since the first official electric train arrived into Newcastle. I've covered info on this event in an earlier post and have nothing else to add however in my forays into flickr have copied some links of some wonderful photographs shared of the cars that were part of that 8 car consist. Unfortunately, identifying trailers is not as easy as usually the leading/trailing position of the power cars gets more focus, in this case, below are some photographs of each of the 4 power cars that were part of the first electric train consist, still in service today. Credit goes to all the photographers who have shared these photos. Certainly a lot of talent out there behind the lens!

The composition for the day was: (U35)DIM8070-DIT9115-DIT9116-DIM8069 + (U22)DIM8055-DIT9108-DIT9105-DIM8046.

DIM8046

07 May 2008. DIM8046 in the old Blue/Yellow Intercity Livery in the middle of an Interurban consist at Central
https://www.flickr.com/photos/24447011@N02/4801888092/

30 December 2012. DIM8046 facing DIM8051 at Central
https://www.flickr.com/photos/victorianrailways/8365664471/

16 September 2014. DIM8046 at Sydney Terminal now in the NSW TrainLink Livery
https://www.flickr.com/photos/intervene/15305661112/

09 January 2015. Amazing shot of DIM8046 leading V13 towards Mt. Victoria with a Sydney bound service
https://www.flickr.com/photos/henrysrailwaygallery/16352234016/

31 August 2018. DIM8046 on V13 at Central
https://www.flickr.com/photos/damo475/42589475670/


DIM8055

26 November 2008. DIM8055 in old Blue/Yellow Intercity livery at Central
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nathan501/5608068464/

15 April 2018. DIM8055 on V16 through Mt. Druitt
https://www.flickr.com/photos/squeakaz/27593862418/

07 March 2019. DIM8055 on V16 at Central
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tramwayjohn/33448643518/

07 March 2019. DIM8055 on V16 at Central. A NSW TrainLink V set bonanza.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tramwayjohn/46601454304/


DIM8069

31 October 2018. DIM8069 leading V9 out of Central for Blue mountains
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mc3801productions/45744290641/



DIM8070

02 July 2013. DIM8070 leading V1 + V16 through Wyee with Newcastle bound service
https://www.flickr.com/photos/metrovick46/9187272515/

26 August 2014. DIM8070 trailing on V1 through Kingswood station
https://www.flickr.com/photos/40172673@N03/15566288569/

19 September 2014. DIM8070 leading V1 with V24 through Awaba
https://www.flickr.com/photos/43494843@N00/16790668039/

25 August 2016. V35/V1 with DIM8070 at rear of V1 heading onto Down relief at West Ryde northbound
https://www.flickr.com/photos/johncowper/28773401163/


EDIT:

Have in fact found a couple of photos of the inaugural electric train.

Getty Images. Fairfax Media. These 2 photos show SRA Chief David Hill and Minister for Transport Barry Unsworth in the cab doorway of DIM8070 at the departure of the Inaugural Electric Train service to Newcastle. The train left from Platform 9 Central Station at 12:15pm

https://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/news-photo/state-rail-authority-chief-david-hill-and-minister-for-news-photo/1078941180

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/state-rail-authority-chief-david-hill-and-minister-for-transport-mr-picture-id1080107846?s=612x612


Photo of DIM8070 on U35 having brought the first electric train into Newcastle on June 3, 1984. This photo it seems was on flickr but I found it via Google search. Credit to AAM (that's who has the copyright anyway). If I find it on flickr, I'll link it directly that way. But it's a good shot worth sharing

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3930/15224494569_1122602563_b.jpg

Yet another photo found, credit to "AAM" again. This photo shows the second inaugural electric which followed the first. It confirms that the set make up for this train was U30/U24. No idea of composition although someone may know.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2944/15224657018_ae2a2175f9_b.jpg

A couple of added photos to above post with first electric train to Newcastle, as well as updated info to main carriage listing.

Another interesting photo is this, appears to have been taken 18 April 1984 showing Minister for Transport Barry Unsworth at the changing over of the first of 80 new interurban carriages (7/82 Contract that introduced the SRA White and Candy livery). The ceremony was held at the Comeng Plant, Granville on that same day. I assume this is the car that would be coded DIM8069 or if not that DIM8070. Source GettyImages.

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/the-state-min-for-transport-mr-barrie-unsworth-at-changing-over-of-picture-id1079198008?s=612x612

Same as above 18 April 1984 handing over ceremony, showing photos of the interior of the car

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/the-state-min-for-transport-mr-barrie-unsworth-at-changing-over-of-picture-id1079197996?s=612x612

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/the-state-min-for-transport-mr-barrie-unsworth-at-the-handing-over-of-picture-id1080150476?s=612x612

Another exterior shot. Note the XPT power car and 86 class in the background (8621)

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/the-state-min-for-transport-mr-barrie-unsworth-at-the-handing-over-of-picture-id1080150500?s=612x612

Official speech and "First of 80 'New Look' Interurban Carriages"

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/the-state-min-for-transport-mr-barrie-unsworth-at-handing-over-of-the-picture-id1080111090?s=612x612

All I could find on this one. It mentions that the first of the new Double Decker carriages (V set) left Central station for a ceremony at Katoomba this morning (date unknown). It is either the first new DCM (8021) or DIM (8037) power car. Not sure if there is a difference you can pick between looking at at DIM and DCM, but be my guest if there is!

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/first-new-double-decker-train-carriages-left-the-central-station-for-picture-id1080150384?s=612x612



Another notable event with V sets took place on 13 November 1978. A photo of the first double-deck train (set V5) to Lithgow on the newly finished Zig Zag tunnel complex. The Chief Public Transport Commissioner Alan Rieher attended a special function to commemorate the completion of the track replacement. Given the date and photo the leading power car was a DCM.

https://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/news-photo/the-first-air-conditioned-double-decked-train-to-lithgow-on-news-photo/1080151016