New South Wales C set

The C sets were originally built as Series 3 K sets. The second order of K sets, which were Series 2, composed of 100 cars; 50 motor cars numbered C3551 to C3600, and 50 trailer cars numbered T4217 to T4266. The first 60 were built to the "Series 2" specification, but the remaining 40 cars (C3581–C3600 and T4247–T4266) were built under a new specification. A further 16 cars were later built; 8 motor cars numbered C3601–C3608 and 8 trailer cars numbered T4267–T4274. The Series 3 K sets (later C sets) featured chopper control as an interim measure due to delays with the Tangara program. They were also used to train and familiarise staff with the new (at the time) chopper technology. Following the successful implementation of chopper control, these features were installed on the Tangara and later V set carriages (DJM). The C set carriages were also the first on the suburban network to feature fixed seating (originally covered with fabric, since replaced with vinyl). The total for both orders was for 56 cars: ==History==

In service The first set entered service in July 1986, operating out of Mortdale Maintenance Depot, The chopper cars were originally classed as Series 3 K sets and for a while when they entered service, they ran together with the then-force ventilated K sets. This however caused problems in service as force-ventilated cars were fitted with camshaft control and led to jerking while accelerating. By December 1990, they had been separated into their own class retargeted as C sets; C42–C54. In January 1991, these were reformed as 6-car sets numbered C1–C8. One carriage, C3596 of set C5, was painted in a livery having its fibre-glass front being painted in CityRail colours, with the L7 logo. During the late 1990s, all were refurbished by A Goninan & Co as part of the CityDecker program. This saw the interiors refurbished with white walls and ceilings, grey floors and blue seats. Power cars received a destination indicator and had the yellow apron livery applied which includes a grey front with yellow over the bottom half. In 2001, the C sets were once again reformed into seven 8-car sets. A 6-car C Set was re-formed in late 2006 due to car T4262 being seriously damaged by an arson attack at Villawood in October 2006, however the full 8-car set later went back in operation. In July 2017, asbestos was found in the circuit breaker panels, which was inside the driver compartment of the C sets, with all withdrawn for inspection. From November 2017 until they were retired from service, all C Sets operated out of Flemington Maintenance Depot. Prior to their retirement, C sets operated on the following lines: • T2 Inner West and Leppington Line: Leppington or Parramatta to City Circle via Granville • T3 Bankstown Line: Liverpool or Lidcombe to City Circle via Bankstown • T8 Airport and South Line: Macarthur To City Circle via Airport or Sydenham Retirement , March 2021 Due to the extensive amount of work needed to keep the trains operational and the scarcity of parts, the C sets were gradually phased out from September 2020 to February 2021 with the first two sets to be withdrawn being C4 and C2, being replaced by B sets. Two C sets (C1 and C5) remained as standby sets for emergencies from their retirement until 30 April 2021. Over the course of 2021, C Sets were transferred from Flemington to the Chullora Disposal Sidings for scrapping. Most transfers were documented by train spotters: • On 8 February 2021, Sets C2 and C4 were transferred by Pacific National diesel locomotives 8144 and 8252. • On 13 May 2021, C6, C7, C8 were transferred by Pacific National diesel locomotives 8144 and 8234. Later the same day, C10 and C12 were transferred by Pacific National diesel locomotives 8234 and 8138. • On 12 July 2021, the final transfer was of sets C1, C3, and half of sets C5 and C9 undertaken by Pacific National diesel locomotives 8133 and 8155. These last carriages were C3586, T4252, T4254, C3588, (C1), C3599, T4265, T4273, C3607 (C3), C3596, T4262 (C5) T4268, and C3602 (C9). Until June 2025, these 12 carriages remained at Chullora due to the fulfilment of the previous scrapping contract via the scrapping of damaged XPT carriages, Only C3599 and T4265 has been scrapped in 2025 and 2026 so far alongside 123 V set carriages. == Preservation ==

In 2019, Transport Heritage NSW expressed no interest in preserving a C set for heritage. They also were recommended against the preservation of any K set carriages as well. In May 2021, two cars from set C11 were taken by Fire and Rescue NSW to their facility in Orchard hill for training purposes. These were class leader C3581 and T4272. In July 2021, the Sydney Electric Train Society (SETS) announced that they would be preserving four carriages for heritage. These carriages were C3584 and T4266 taken from C5 and T4274 and C3608 from C9. It was intended that they will be operational for tours operated by SETS, including the Great Northern Chopper Tour, which was initially scheduled for 28 August 2021, but was postponed due to COVID-19, with no new date announced since. The trip was planned to also go via the Bankstown Line, but now the line between Bankstown and Sydenham via Campsie is set to be part of the Metro North West & Bankstown Line run by Sydney Metro. The cars that were set aside for preservation by SETS are currently stored at the Auburn Maintenance Centre alongside retired S Set carriages C3861, T4983, T4003, and C3057. As of November 2025, SETS is currently working with Sydney trains to rehouse the stock and return the C Set to heritage service (to join SETS operational 86 class electric locomotives). ==Notes and references==