As dawn broke over the Blue Mountains, a crowd of weary but excited rail fans assembled on a platform 150 kilometres from Sydney, all eager to secure a spot on a historic journey. Some had camped overnight, while others travelled through the night from the city, united by a shared mission: to bid farewell to the oldest electric train in New South Wales, the beloved V-set.
A Superstar Send-Off for a Railway Icon
The V-set, often dubbed the 'steel rattler', was treated like a visiting celebrity as it pulled into Lithgow station for its final trip to Central Station. Cheers erupted, and a forest of smartphones and cameras captured the moment, marking the end of an era for this iconic train. The atmosphere was described by 18-year-old Abdullah Balkhi as 'rowdy but enjoyable', with enthusiasts booing newer Mariyung D-set trains that passed by, highlighting their preference for the classic V-set's charm.
Comfort and Nostalgia on Purple Seats
Passengers praised the V-set's distinctive features, particularly its reversible vinyl seats in a shade often called 'bush plum' or 'eggplant', but most simply refer to as purple. These seats, noted for their plush comfort, allowed riders to sink in and relax, a stark contrast to the rigid seating of modern replacements. Jerry, a young fan from Hurstville, explained his affection: 'I try to get them any time I can. It's the nostalgia.' His father, Gao, humorously noted it was just his son's interest, but joined in the journey, even napping in a camp chair after an overnight wait.
The train's design also included old-fashioned inner doors that provided excellent insulation against winter chills in the Blue Mountains, though they could turn carriages into hotboxes in summer. For the final ride, attendees were encouraged to dress in 1970s-inspired outfits or add splashes of purple and green, with some blasting Beatles tunes from Bluetooth speakers, adding to the festive, retro vibe.
The Blue Goose Carriage and Heritage Hopes
A special highlight was the end carriage, painted in the original royal blue and grey 'Blue Goose' colours from the train's 1970 debut. This carriage will be preserved for heritage purposes, but the fate of the remaining 81 carriages, dating from 1977 onwards, is still under consideration. Heritage groups and private collectors have submitted expressions of interest, with applications currently being assessed to determine their future.
Mixed Reviews for Modern Replacements
The V-set is being fully replaced by the $4 billion Korean-built Mariyung intercity trains, which feature air conditioning and charging points but lack reversible seats. These new trains have faced criticism for being delivered five years late, due to union disputes and safety concerns, including tunnel modifications on the Blue Mountains line. Passenger Linda Lewis from Sydney summed up the sentiment: 'They're not comfortable, whereas these [V-sets] are.' Others noted the Mariyung's air conditioning could be overly chilly, with one rider comparing the experience to feeling like a lettuce in a supermarket fridge.
Emotional Arrival at Central Station
As the V-set journeyed towards Sydney, it became increasingly crowded, with an announcement halfway through declaring it 'passengerised' and unable to accommodate more riders. It arrived at Central Station 15 minutes late, to a rapturous reception from thousands of fans and a brass band performance. NSW Transport Minister John Graham acknowledged the train's popularity, stating it would be hard for any train to be as beloved, while expressing hope that the Mariyung trains would grow in favour over time.
Driver Peter Gunczy, who had operated the V-set for over four decades, held back tears as he remarked on the fittingly delayed arrival, given the service's history of delays. 'I'm truly humbled by today. This is a really big turnout,' he said, encapsulating the emotional farewell for a train that has been a part of NSW's rail landscape for generations.
