From 1990 V/line began designing specifications for a new railcar. These new vehicles were to replace older railcars built in the 1930's ( DERMS ) and some diesel hydraulic cars placed into service in the early 1970's ( DRC_ ).
Tests were run with a DRC to obtain rolling resistance and acceleration figures as a comparison for use in computer simulations. These figures were then used to compare and refine the power specifications of the new rail cars.
Even then it seemed the cars would end up being called 'Sprinters', despite opposition to the name.
The 'Sprinters' entered service between 1993 and 1995. They were built by the Goninan company in NSW and transferred to Victoria by rail.
Most were issued to service painted in the old V/line scheme of yellow and light blue trim. From 1995, the colours were changed to the 'Royal' V/line scheme of crimson and dark blue.
About ten cars were named between 1994 and 1996.
An unfortunate shunting accident saw 7019 destroyed at Spencer St in November 1996.
Despite the name 'Sprinter' and the class numbers 7000 onwards, it is still not known what this group is classed as. Until determined, the author has placed the vehicle group into the 'unclassed' section of the list.