Imagine bidding farewell to a beloved icon, one that has carried generations through time, yet now faces its final journey. This is the story of the V-set trains in New South Wales, Australia—a tale of nostalgia, controversy, and the clash between old-world charm and modern convenience.
As dawn breaks over the Blue Mountains, a dedicated crowd gathers at a train platform 150 kilometers from Sydney. These aren’t just commuters—they’re enthusiasts, historians, and fans, all united by their love for the V-set, the oldest electric train in NSW. Some have camped overnight on the hard platform, while others arrived via a midnight service, their eyes heavy but spirits high. A fortunate few managed a few hours’ sleep in Lithgow’s motels before the day’s emotional event.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While many mourn the V-set’s retirement, others argue it’s time to embrace progress. The new Mariyung D-set trains, with their sleek design and modern amenities, are set to replace the aging ‘steel rattlers.’ Yet, as one fan, Abdullah Balkhi, 18, puts it, ‘The [Mariyung] seats just aren’t flexible. You can’t move them around. The V-sets may be old, but they’re plush—you can sink into them a little bit.’ This debate between comfort and innovation is at the heart of the V-set’s farewell.
When the V-set finally arrives at Lithgow station, it’s greeted like a rockstar. Cheers erupt, cameras flash, and selfie sticks rise as the train’s iconic purple seats and ‘bush plum’ carpets come into view. These ‘steel rattlers’ are cherished for their vintage charm, including reversible vinyl seats and old-fashioned doors that, while drafty in summer, provide cozy insulation during winter.
And this is the part most people miss: The V-set isn’t just a train—it’s a time capsule. The end carriage, painted in the original ‘Blue Goose’ colors from its 1970 debut, will be preserved for heritage purposes. But the fate of the remaining 81 carriages remains uncertain, with heritage groups and collectors vying for their future.
For the final ride, passengers were encouraged to dress in 1970s attire or incorporate purple and green—the original seat colors. Balkhi, dressed in a black waistcoat and white frilled poncho, quips, ‘This is just how I regularly dress.’ Others sport retro Sydney Trains merchandise, while one group blasts Strawberry Fields Forever from a Bluetooth speaker, turning the commute into a magical mystery tour.
The love for the V-set spans generations. I found myself seated opposite Gao and his son Jerry, who had traveled overnight from Hurstville during the school holidays. While Gao napped in a camp chair, Jerry shared his passion for the V-sets. ‘It’s the nostalgia,’ he explained, echoing the sentiment of many.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Are we sacrificing character and history for efficiency? The $4 billion Mariyung trains, built in Korea, offer air conditioning and charging points but lack the reversible seats that made the V-sets so beloved. Delivered five years late and plagued by union disputes and safety concerns, their reception has been mixed. As one passenger, Linda Lewis, noted, ‘They’re not comfortable, whereas these [V-sets] are.’
As the V-set made its final journey to Central Station, packed with passengers and running 15 minutes late (a fitting tribute to its reputation for delays), the atmosphere was electric. Thousands gathered to bid it farewell, with a brass band playing and emotions running high. NSW Transport Minister John Graham acknowledged the V-set’s unique place in hearts, while driver Peter Gunczy, holding back tears, reflected on the train’s legacy.
So, as the V-set retires and the Mariyung takes its place, we’re left with a question: Can modern trains ever capture the soul of their predecessors? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation rolling.
