VR's last class of steam loco. The original order was for 50 locos which was increased to 60 after the VR sold 10 N class locos to S.A.R.
They were a more modern, gauge convertible K class with a high pitched boiler and wide firebox for possible gauge conversion. By the time they were delivered, dieselisation had commenced, thus condemning these unremarkbale locos to a short life. Cowcatchers were removed from mid 1966.
J 550 holds the distinction of being the very last revenue steam loco in service, it was rostered on the 6:00 am Bendigo pilot on May 25 1972. The next day it was placed in storage at Bendigo loco.
The first 30 (500 - 529) were coal burners, the last 30 (530 - 559) were oil burners. They saw service all over the state in secondary service.
