 R 711 entered service on regular trains on 21 November 1998, and design refinements based on its performance in service were made to the subsequent conversion, with the exception of a diesel control stand, for R 766.For a number of years, the modified R class locomotives could be seen in regular operation between Melbourne and Warrnambool, keeping a fast 3 hour 13 minute schedule which included six stops along the route.In 2001, locomotive R 766 suffered a mechanical failure of its connecting rod assembly while running at .