 They initially worked express passenger services including the "Brisbane Limited", "Intercapital Daylight" and "Melbourne Limited" and later the "Southern Aurora" and "Spirit of Progress".As newer locomotives arrived they were concentrated on the Main South line operating freight services.By April 1978, the Goulburn branch of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen had placed a ban on the 42 class operating as lead engines due to cab conditions.