In 1993 V/Line leased out part of their line to new train operator West Coast Railways in Victoria. Along with this WCR purchased old locomotives off of v/line and restored them into top notch condition as well as purchasing old carriages. in 1993 during a deal with Bendigo city council they were able to acquire locomotive 711 from a park as long as it remained in Victoria with visits to bendigo. R 711 was converted to oil firing in a 5 year restoration with upgrades based off of what was happening with the Red Devil in Africa. R 711 was fitted with all new equipment including a lempor double blast pipe, a power reverse, rear view mirrors and diesel control stands allowing control of diesel(s). R711 made its first run in 1998 and continued doing weekend services for WRC on the westcoaster service to warrnambool. in 2004 WCR seized business due to bankruptcy and needing to repair all S and B class locomotives. R 711 and R766 where both transported to Newport workshops where 766 was converted to standard gauge and 711 was converted to a Victorian Railways era oil burner(still using same tank just controls restored to the Victorian railways era version), 711 was the third of 4 "Super R" locomotives to be made, there were 2 converted during the time of Victorian railways and 2 during the time WCR was in service.