Tilt Train
The Tilt Train is the name for two similar high-speed tilting train services, one electric and the other diesel, operated by Queensland Rail on the North Coast line from Brisbane to Rockhampton and Cairns.
 Diesel Tilt Train in September 2016 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Passenger train |
| Former operator(s) | Queensland Rail |
| Route | |
| Start | Brisbane |
| End | Bundaberg Rockhampton Cairns |
| Line(s) used | North Coast |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | Diesel Tilt Train Electric Tilt Train |
History
Rockhampton
Commencing in 1997, the Electric Tilt Train operates from Brisbane to Rockhampton. With a top service speed of 160 km/h (100 mph) and the ability to tilt five degrees in each direction, the Tilt Train is one of the fastest trains in Australia, having the same maximum allowed speed in revenue service as the V/Line VLocity, Transwa Prospector railcar and New South Wales XPT although the XPT rarely operates above 120km/h(75mph) due to poor track conditions . The train operates on the North Coast line and serves the intermediate towns of Gympie, Maryborough, Bundaberg and Gladstone. The electric Tilt Trains run in a multiple unit configuration. In May 1999 the tilt train achieved a top speed under test conditions of 210km/hr driven by Greg Roberston.
The Electric Tilt Train features 2×2 economy seating, and 1×2 business class seating, mainscreen visual entertainment along with in-seat audio entertainment. Economy class passengers have a regular trolley service and a buffet style galley food service, while business class has a frequent trolley service and passenger attendants to tend to the needs of the passengers.
Cairns
The Diesel Tilt Train, operating from Brisbane to Cairns, features a 2×2 premium economy class seating arrangement, 1×2 business class seating arrangement (Railbed), in-seat audio and visual entertainment and a TV screen attached to the headrest of the seat in front. A trolley service is available in the Railbed carriages, and a club car is available 24 hours. In October 2013 when the first refurbished set returned to traffic, the service was named the Spirit of Queensland.
In 2014 an additional train was delivered to operate a replacement The Sunlander between Brisbane and Cairns, meaning the only service on this 1681km route since that time has been the Spirit of Queensland.[1][2]
Awards
In 2009 as part of the Q150 celebrations, the Tilt Train was announced as one of the Q150 Icons of Queensland for its role as an iconic "innovation and invention".[3]
References
- "Spirit of Queensland". www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
- "Spirit of Queensland" (PDF). Retrieved 26 June 2017.
- Bligh, Anna (10 June 2009). "PREMIER UNVEILS QUEENSLAND'S 150 ICONS". Queensland Government. Archived from the original on 24 May 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2017.