What if locomotives had their own dedicated hospital? That’s essentially what the Dynon Workshops are. This is a place purpose-built for servicing diesel and electric locomotives.
Hello everyone. I am excited to share the story of the Dynon Workshops with you. These workshops are a vital part of Melbourne’s railway history. They opened in July 1961. The Victorian Railways built them. These workshops were created specifically to maintain the growing fleet of diesel and electric locomotives.
The Dynon Workshops stand adjacent to the Dynon marshalling yards. This location was strategically chosen. It allowed for easy access to the locomotives needing repair and maintenance. The workshops boast two turntables. One turntable handles broad gauge locomotives. The other handles standard gauge locomotives. This dual setup is critical. It accommodates the different track gauges used throughout Victoria’s rail network.
In May 1999, V/Line Freight was sold. The Dynon Workshops became part of Freight Victoria. Ownership remained with VicTrack. When Pacific National acquired Freight Australia in August 2004, the lease transferred to them. From September 2008 to June 2016, Downer EDi Rail operated roads 5 to 11 of the facility. This operation was part of a Victorian Locomotive fleet maintenance contract with Pacific National. Pacific National fleet maintenance then moved to the UGL facility at Spotswood.
V/Line took over roads 2 through 6 in October 2019 for weekday interpeak storage. Bombardier V/Line Maintenance has operated roads 1 through 4 since July 2010. They also manage the nearby fuel point. Bombardier will soon become part of Alstom.
Interestingly, between 2005 and 2006, the Dynon Workshops were not only used for maintenance. Three XR and three XRB class locomotives were actually built here. This highlights the workshops’ capacity for both repair and construction.
In mid 2021, V/Line upgraded roads 6 through 8. They did this to maintain Vlocity trains. These upgrades specifically focused on the standard gauge vehicles in the fleet. Roads 6 and 7 are dual gauge. Road 8 is broad gauge only. Plans are in place for further upgrades. These include broad gauge storage and maintenance roads. Further freight facility upgrades are also planned. The estimated completion date for these projects is 2024.
The Dynon Workshops continue to evolve. They adapt to meet the changing needs of Melbourne’s rail network. This facility ensures the smooth and efficient operation of trains across the state.
Today, the Dynon Workshops stand as a testament to Melbourne’s rich railway heritage. They represent the ongoing commitment to maintaining a reliable and modern rail system. As you move on, remember the vital role this place plays in keeping Melbourne moving. It keeps the trains running. It connects communities. Thank you for joining me on this journey through the heart of Melbourne’s railway history at the Dynon Workshops.