The A class were initially used for "Intercity" passenger services within Victoria. In this service, they operated at speeds up towards 125 km/h. Later, they were also used for freight services. Despite their 40-45 year age, they remain in service.
A66 was the only V/Line loco to be painted in a special livery for the Bicentenary in 1988, and later appeared in another livery promoting Melbourne's unsuccessful bid for the 1996 Olympic Games.
All of Freight Australia's A class (except A79) have now been fitted with the "Q-Trac" control system, intended to boost tractive effort. A85 was also temporarily placed on standard gauge recently as part of publicity for V544; it has now returned to broad gauge
A project was commenced to rebuild the aging _B__ class locomotives. From 1983, eleven units were transferred to the Rosewater, South Australia plant of Clyde for rebuilding.
The units were heavily modified and fitted with 2300hp V12 turbo engines.
Their principal duty was for passenger trains though from the late 1980's the units were rostered for freights as required.
One unit was fitted with high speed gears capable of 160km/hr speed tests.
Unit numbers were: 60, 62, 66, 70, 71, 73, 77, 78, 79, 81, 85.
A 66 was painted in the Australian Bicentennial colours in 1988. In 1990 the unit was painted in Olympic Games colour scheme as part of the Melbourne Olympic Games bid for 1996.
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A60 in VLP Livery.jpg |
A62 in New VLP Livery.jpg |
A62 in old VLP Livery_2.jpg |
A66 in Vline Livery.jpg |
A66 in VLP Livery.jpg |
A70 in VLP Livery.jpg |
A71 In FA Livery.jpg |
A73 In FA Livery.jpg |
A77 In FA Livery.jpg |
A78 In FA Livery.jpg |
A79 In FA Livery.jpg |
A81 In FA Livery.jpg |
A85_in_FA_Livery_with_PN_Logo.jpg |
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