So, I bought a ticket at Southern Cross and asked about getting a job at V/Line, and the rep just said to go to the V/Line website, which I had already tried. I should've asked if there were any other ways to apply, other than via the website, especially starting at the bottom. I then waited for an hour and a half for the train to leave, during which time I watched the XPT CountryLink train leave for Sydney.

The diesel I went on was an N-class diesel with N-class carriages (see pic below). When the trip started, there was a very loud crying baby on the other side of the carriage. I think he was afraid of being on the train. Then I found out I accidentally got a one-way ticket to Shepparton!

When I got to Shepparton, I got another ticket, and no doubt the cashier thought I was strange (I took a trip to Shepparton and I already want a trip back). Also the train left almost straight away, so I couldn't explore Shepparton or have lunch there.

At least the seats were comfy!

So, of the three diesels running within Victoria, I'd say the Sprinter is my favourite to travel on, followed by the VLocity, followed by the diesel engines.

Sprinter:

VLocity:

A-Class diesel engine:

N-Class diesel engine (a.k.a Dog Bones):