with electrification of the suburban network already on the drawing board (the first electrified lines opening in 1919), the formula_1 was designed for easy conversion to d tender engines in the event of electrification making them redundant. however, only two were modified in this way. ten were scrapped in 1924, followed by another four in 1925 and the sale of formula_1 704 to the state electricity commission of victoria. the remaining formula_1 locomotives remained in service on non-electrified outer suburban routes or found new roles as suburban goods locomotives or shunters. some were allotted to ballarat to work the short branch line to newlyn.