With an expected increase in coal traffic from the Latrobe Valley, 90 miles east of Melbourne, the railways electrified the section and eased the gradients during the 1950's. This was part of the 'Operation Phoenix' railway rehabilitation.
Twenty five 'English Electric' locomotives were purchased which became class 'L'. They were a 2200/2400hp unit, and suffered from being too light. At the time the W&W Branch had authorised the line to Traralgon for locomotives up to 16.5 ton axle load and the L class units were ordered accordingly. Unfortunately, _B__ class diesel-electrics, with a higher axle load, had been running through as far as Sale from the early 1950's. The L class units were eventually ballasted with extra weight: steel plate added to the underfloor areas.
The expected coal traffic never eventuated and electrification removed steam from the corridor. As well, the line was regraded for better loads in the Melbourne direction. This regrading also took place through the steam days.
The first two years of service saw a few teething problems with the overhead wiring and the operation of the units. Notable were:
The loco's were numbered 1150 - 1174. In the late 1970's some modifications were made to external cab fittings including a cab modified for better visibility.
By the mid 1980's, the engines were badly in need of overhaul and the entire overhead in need of rejuvenation. The introduction of new passenger units, class N, assisted in replacing the L class locos. The units were gradually removed from service and the line has subsequently had the overhead wires removed.
Many crews were unhappy to see the L's go, as the replacement engines, the _N__ class, never had the 'zip' of the old electrics.
For the railways, an isolated pool of locomotives were removed and the logistics of loco changes for through trains eliminated.
Some interesting electrification plans may have extended the life of these units. There was a plan to electrify between Melbourne - Geelong and Melbourne - Bendigo. In the 1970's both New South Wales and Victorian planned for electrification of the Melbourne - Sydney route.