In the workshop

Current projects in the workshops

H cars

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

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.

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

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 HEP failed, a separate power van was coupled to the set to provide that same function.

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

Over 2022 to 2023 H sets were gradually withdrawn from the Vline fleet and services replaced by modern Velocity locomotives.

In 2024 Seven-0-Seven Operations purchased H Set SSH31 consisting of BCH134 – BIH193 – BTH174 from Vline. Over 2024 and 2025 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.

SSH31 is intended to enable 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.

SSH31 current wears a modified grey PTV livery.

Southern Aurora cars

Following transport from New South Wales to North Dynon and road transport to our Newport workshops Seven-0-Seven Operations commenced restoration works on former Southern Aurora cars NAM 2372 and NAM 2380 to add to our slow rail journeys tour fleet.

Restoration activities include, refitting of electrical and air conditioning equipment, conversion to broad gauge, replumbing, installation of retention tanks for showers and toilets, replacement of missing compartment components, window refitting and dust and grime removal.

Three PHN power vans were initially built for the Southern Aurora, to provide head end power for air conditioning and on-train lighting as well as an additional 6 tons of luggage capacity. The vehicles were PHN2361, 2632 and 2363. A further three vehicles were built in 1962 for the Spirit of Progress when that was transferred across to standard gauge, and numbered 2369, 2370 and 2371. The six entered service respectively in December 1961, then February and March of 1962, with all three of the Spirit vans entering service in April 1962.

The vans were fitted with three engine mounting points, and weighed 48 tons with two fitted or 51 tons with all three.

In 1984 five further vans were built for the Gold Coast Motorail service to a similar design, but with deeper skirts and other minor finish differences, this was due to these vans being built by A Goninan & Co instead of Commonwealth Engineering who built all the other stainless steel cars. These vans became PHA 2392 to 2396.

Following transport from New South Wales to North Dynon and road transport to our Newport workshops Seven-0-Seven Operations with NAM 2372 and NAM 2380, commenced restoration works on former Southern Aurora cars NAM 2372 and NAM 2380 to add to our slow rail journeys tour fleet.

As part of Seven-0-Seven Operations 2025 and 2026 major projects, former Southern Aurora (PHN 2362) and Gold Coast Motorail (PHA 2395) power cars. Restoration activities will include, bogie refurbishment, fitting of replacement engines, replacement of missing parts, cleaning and certification for mainline operations.

We appreciate the long-term loan of NAM 2373, PHA 2395 and PHN 2362 from NSW Transport Heritage.

See our Southern Aurora cars page for further information on Seven-0-Seven Operations Southern Aurora car fleet.

R 753

As part of Seven-0-Seven Operations long-term workshop program the restoration to service of steam locomotive R 753, the sister to our R 707 steam locomotive.