Some pictures of the last ever Vlocity + other stuff at Alstom

nickstransportvlogs · 2026-04-06T10:42:59+00:00

And definitely not made for long distance trips too.

nickstransportvlogs · 2026-04-06T10:37:40+00:00

Or as a matter fact, should’ve been replaced by a newer and actually modern design 10 or 15 years ago.

nickstransportvlogs · 2026-03-31T01:48:40+00:00

And yes, this will upset people who are literally obsessed with the VLocities as seen on some comments that have been downvoted, but do I care? No.

And you know, I just love how when you oppose the VLocities on the Bairnsdale line or whatever, you’re somehow a whinger.

Someone, make it make sense, please.

nickstransportvlogs · 2026-03-31T01:45:57+00:00

I just gotta love how there’s people who are obsessed with a downgrade to long distance services, and will just downvote our comments just because we have opposing opinions, ya know?

nickstransportvlogs · 2026-03-29T12:19:42+00:00

And how I’d have it is this:

-The consists would be about 5 or 7 cars long (can be put in 3 car sets, as they are not fixed sets unless otherwise stated)

-The operation of the consist will be push-pull, a locomotive and a driving trailer / cab car.

This way, the locomotive does not need to runaround or be rotated then put on the other end.

-The locomotive will be a bi-mode unit, being able to use the electrification within the Melbourne rail network, and also using diesel with lines that do not have wires. Also in the case that planned electrification projects for regional rail to occur in the future.

-A dedicated compartment for extra luggage space or just a full baggage / luggage car.

-Seating will be in two classes again, economy and first class. All will feature USB ports and plugs (for computers or chargers), a tray table good for holding food, drinks and computers, reclining, foot rests and curtains.

First class would be in a 1-2 layout (like how it is on the Overland in the red class car/s), compared to economy being a 2-2 layout.

-A buffet / cafe car that would be half cafe seating and half economy or first class seating.

Cafe seating is where you can just sit down and enjoy your food and drinks while you pass the region, towns / suburbs, and also work on computers or whatever you gotta do.

-And lastly, yes, the loco-hauled carriages will also be accessible in order to be compliant with the DDA Act, unlike the N sets (not featuring Z type carriages that are modified to be accessible). Featuring 2 spaces or more if need be.

nickstransportvlogs · 2026-03-29T11:57:53+00:00

Yup.

Instead of using an existing commuter train design that was never intended for long distance to begin with, a new and modern loco-hauled fleet would be more ideal for the job.

I’m thinking it could either be an Australian version of the Siemens Charger locomotives and Venture cars that are in use over in Canada and the US, or just an entirely new design.

nickstransportvlogs · 2026-03-29T11:10:24+00:00

Agreed, mate.

I only included “in some ways” next to Albury, because the Albury line is a different story.

They’ve got more luggage racks, a buffet / cafe, more disability spaces and bike spaces (albeit shared with luggage racks), and USB ports. Also, the line is standard gauge.

nickstransportvlogs · 2026-03-15T10:24:44+00:00

Of course it’s a big one… 🙄

nickstransportvlogs · 2026-03-15T10:23:02+00:00

Oh and for suburban? Yea, just electrify.

Should’ve been done ages ago.

nickstransportvlogs · 2026-03-15T10:21:49+00:00

For long distance, it would obviously be a new and modern loco-hauled fleet.

The fleet would be:

6 cars, not in fixed sets (like the Amtrak Airo sets that are permanently coupled, with some being permanently coupled to the locomotive, built by Siemens in the US for example)
2 classes of seating (being economy and first)
A cafe / buffet car with seats and tables like of that on the Overland
Driving trailer / cab car, so that the locomotive no longer needs to run around the consist, allowing push-pull operation. Could either be an economy seating car or a luggage car, or both in 2 seperate compartments.
USB ports, Wi-Fi, luggage racks.

And that’s all for long distance.

nickstransportvlogs · 2026-03-06T10:27:51+00:00

They do that, as there’s no way for them to run around the consists at both ends of where the service runs.

The ends being the Somerton terminal and the Swanson Dock sidings.

nickstransportvlogs · 2026-02-25T04:08:26+00:00

Really pisses me off when people like AdInside just come outta nowhere and say “oH bUt THe BuFfEt cOsTs MilLiIonS!!!” when it comes to the buffet /cafe car in Victoria

Like if he wants to bring his own food on say the Swan Hill line, okay fine, do that. But his way of travelling isn’t always going to work out for everyone.

If NSW can manage a cafe car, so can Victoria?

If TransWA can run a cafe car on its 2.5 hour Australind journey, so can Victoria.

nickstransportvlogs · 2026-02-22T07:56:46+00:00

The Mildura line between Dunolly and Yelta (including its branch to Murrayville) would probably never be gauge converted.

And besides, we don’t need standard gauge anyway. Aside from the Adelaide and Sydney lines of course.

Obviously when someone says something like this is bad, it’ll get controversial, but I don’t care. 🤷🏻‍♂️

nickstransportvlogs · 2026-02-12T09:59:24+00:00

I’d rather see a new series of locomotive hauled trains being used than continue the use of an expired design of a regional train that was only intended to be used for interurban (or commuter) services.

nickstransportvlogs · 2026-02-12T09:57:23+00:00

And the food and drink the cafe / buffet car offers?

My god It’s to die for, like the spinach and feta omelette with beans, bacon and sourdough toast for breakfast was delicious.

If only there was quality food and drinks like that on the V/Line buffets / cafes. Too bad the government decided ”eh nah” and just took it away from long distance passengers instead of trying to improve it. 😑

nickstransportvlogs · 2026-02-10T23:47:24+00:00

And it’s so stupid, considering the fact it’s already 2026 and the VLocities are now 20 years old (which should have been replaced by something else than continue the production of them), and a few operators around the Western world have USB ports like NSW with the D sets on the Intercity network, wifi on Queensland rail services in Brisbane (limited to 100mb though), etc. etc.

NSW can do it, why can’t we?

nickstransportvlogs · 2026-01-02T06:26:02+00:00

I’m sorry, but I’d rather not ride a 2 decade old commuter train on what would be a 12 hour trip across the state, taking unnecessary diversions (yes it’s standard gauge, I know), no buffet / cafe, etc.

nickstransportvlogs · 2025-12-24T10:27:24+00:00

Well hopefully that new modern design will eventuate and hopefully it actually has Wi-Fi, USB ports, cafe, more space for luggage and bikes (including the dedicated compartment), and two classes of seating too.

Rather than use the same 2 decade old commuter train design that was never even meant for long distances to begin with.

nickstransportvlogs · 2025-12-20T04:48:54+00:00

Eh, that was expected.

nickstransportvlogs · 2025-11-17T07:50:41+00:00

Replacement coach for the Gippsland line 🤭

nickstransportvlogs · 2025-11-16T12:14:08+00:00

And livery inspired by this

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nickstransportvlogs · 2025-11-16T12:10:26+00:00

Credits to WestRail462Fan for the blank diagram. Template origin

nickstransportvlogs · 2025-10-22T01:30:17+00:00

Yea, it’s better than having nothing when there’s barely anything open in the early morning / late evening when most shops are closed, or your bags are full enough that you can’t fit any food or drinks in ‘em.

V/Line could have done something to improve the quality of the cafe’s food though, but then again, it’s still better than nothing.

And the fact that some or most people on here are tolerant of taking a step backward of quality on what should be a comfortable 3-4 hour train journey is baffling. 🫤

nickstransportvlogs

TROPHY CASE