The N set would go better if it was a G Set . You don't see the Yanks hauling regularly rostered pass trains around with a two stroke pinch bar . I'm sure if they tried they could hire twin cab units with something better than a Briggs and Stratton under the lid .
I agree. Although you will need a power van as the G's don't have head end power (HEP). But it would be a useful stop gap. So 3300hp versus 2450 hp.
That would work out cheaper than trying to redesign a V Locity set. In reality V Line will need a whole new unit because the V Locity is not crash safe for a driver above 80kph. It is simply not worth boom gating minor farmers dirt tracks and country back roads that get minuscule road traffic. Plus this stuff takes forever to get done, eg; The Echuca line level crossing upgrade fiasco!
Better to use some modern fuel efficient locomotives that are crash safe and can easily pull a six car set at 130kph up and over the Kilmore Gap. In future they could buy in some Vossloh Type 68's, the 3700hp ones with HEP included. Plus some new carriages. These Vosslohs are rapidly building a reputation as a very powerful, efficient, and reliable unit across the UK.
Finally the N Class locos are reaching the end of their effective life, plus they are now underpowered by today's standards. Keep in mind they were rolled out
32 years ago to haul 3 - 4 car sets. Today on SG they pull 4 - 5 cars and a van, or 6 cars as a H set.