Due to the introduction of the TR class, DQs 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008 were withdrawn from service, and would require heavy overhauls and other work before being available for use. with the rest to follow. By late 2015, with the failure of the TR class to be able to operate on the Melba Line, the serviceable DQs were forced to continue on Melba Line services. They also remained in use as yard shunters in Burnie and Devonport. The poorer than expected availability on the TR's has seen DQ's make occasional trips east/south. DQ 2008 has been reinstated to cover locomotive shortages. In 2017, it was confirmed that DQ 2007 would be converted into a driving trailer to a driving trailer for the Railton to Devonport cement trains to replace DV 1. In mid-2019, 2007 was converted and re-numbered DV2, replacing DV1 (Y7).
