Based at Lithgow depot they were purchased principally to haul coal trains over the Blue Mountains line.
Following the Illawarra line being electrified in 1986, 85s began to operate coal trains from Lithgow through to Port Kembla.
They also occasionally hauled coal services from Glenlee Colliery on the Main South line to Port Kembla and Rozelle.
[3] A combination of National Rail electing to use diesel locomotives on electrified lines and a move to an open access model in New South Wales resulting in electric traction being priced out of the market saw the need for electric traction drop.
[6] Two were sold for preservation, 8501 to the Sydney Electric Train Society and 8507 to the Dorrigo Steam Railway & Museum.