

This strategy could not, however, be a long-term solution as the T class had been designed for branch-line work and were restricted to 60 mi/h (96.6 km/h) rather than the 70 mi/h (112.6 km/h) top-speed of the S class, and the two T class units weighed roughly 24 tonnes (26.5 short tons) more than the single S unit - both major detriments to efficiency. When one wasn't available, two T class locomotives (each delivering approximately 950 hp) could be and were used in lieu. Standard gauge trains at the time were typically rostered for a single S class locomotive, which could deliver approximately 1,800 hp. But from that date traffic had increased, with a 20% increase in train miles being run by the end of the financial year by the middle of 1965, so the fleet was being stretched beyond reasonable capabilities. In preparation for the opening of the standard gauge line between Melbourne and Albury, the Victorian Railways had purchased a further eight S class locomotives, with the last of these entering service in 1961. Pacific National liveried X41 at Seymour in November 2007
