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.
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.