This is a power van with exhaust fans and part of the PHN (power van coding) class—standard gauge joint stock that ran from Sydney-Melbourne. Six PHN vans were manufactured from 1961. The Southern Aurora, an overnight express consisted of two trains. One owned by NSW one by Victoria. The Southern Aurora was first-class throughout and featured dining facilities and sleeper accommodation. On 7 February 1969, the train was involved in the Violet Town railway disaster, a collision with a double diesel-hauled freight train that resulted in eight deaths. With declining patronage, the Southern Aurora and spirit of progress were combined into one train called the Sydney/Melbourne Express.
The Southern Aurora would eventually run for the last time on 2 August 1986.
Power Van is part of the Eveleigh Paint Shop series.