H type carriages

The H type carriages were a class of interurban passenger carriage operated by V/Line in Victoria.

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By 1983, the 1981 New Deal had been such a success that the incoming Cain Government ordered conversion of a fleet of the early Harris suburban Electric Multiple Units to replace the last of the older wooden carriage stock. For the purpose of contract negotiations, short cars were referred to as SCH, SH or STH and long as LCH, LH or LTH, respectively for conductor, regular and terminal carriages.

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Toilets, drinking fountains and luggage areas are provided throughout each carriage set.

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H sets were normally hauled by either N or P class locomotives, both able to supply the required head end power supply for lighting and air conditioning operation. When hauled by other classes of locomotives or if the head end power failed, a separate power van was coupled to the set to provide that same function.

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The carriage sets were originally used for commuter services between Melbourne and a wide range of regional cities, and on commuter runs from Spencer Street to Bacchus Marsh, Kyneton, Sunbury, Seymour and Leongatha , Marshall station was opened as an extension to the Geelong line. H cars for many years were also the mainstay of weekend football specials and the biannual runs to Lara for the Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport

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Over 2022 to 2023 H sets were gradually withdrawn from the V/Line fleet and services replaced by modern Velocity locomotives.

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In 2024 Seven-0-Seven Operations purchased H Set SSH31 consisting of BCH134 – BIH193 – BTH174 from V/Line, with Seven-0-Seven Operations are undertaking minor modifications to SSH31 to integrate with our fleet, as well as updating operating arrangements in our safety systems over 2024 and 2025. SSH31 became operational with Seven-0-Seven Operations fleet in December 2025.

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SSH31 enables Seven-0-Seven Operations to operate tours across the suburban Melbourne rail network, as well as providing larger spaces to accommodate passengers with disabilities and families with prams, which cannot be accommodated in our older S and Z car carriages. SHH31 will also provide the opportunity experience modern historical railway travel from the 1980’s to 2010’s period.

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SSH31 current wears a modified grey PTV livery.

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