QR Tilt Train

The Tilt Train is a Queensland Rail train running the coast of Queensland, from Brisbane to Rockhampton and Cairns.

Route and Unit details

Brisbane to Rockhampton

Starting in 1997, the Electric Tilt Train ran from Brisbane to Rockhampton. With a top speed of 160 km/h (with an achievable speed of at least 210 km/h), and the ability to tilt five degrees in each direction, the Tilt Train became the fastest train in Australia. The train operates on the main North Coast Line and stops at a few major cities such as Gympie, Maryborough, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Rockhampton. The electric tilt trains run in a multiple unit configuration.

Rockhampton to Cairns (Brisbane to Cairns)

The original electric Tilt Train could only run as far as Rockhampton, because the tracks past there were not electrified, but its success led to a diesel version being developed in 2002, which could run to Cairns. In contrast to the Rockhampton Tilt, the Cairns Tilt is a push/pull locomotive based train, although the two are superficially similar in design to the untrained eye.

Facilities

Both Tilt Trains have unique facilities that most rail companies around Australia do not offer, or only offer in part.

*Rockhampton (Electric) Tilt Train-This train features 2x2 economy seating, and 1x2 Business class seating. It features mainscreen visual entertainment along with in seat audio entertainment. Economy class passengers have a regular trolley service and a buffet style galley to purchase food from, while business class has a trolley service and passenger attendants to tend to the needs of Business Class Passengers.
*Cairns (Diesel) Tilt Train- This train features a complete 1x2 Business class seating arrangement. It features in seat audio and visual entertainment, with a TV extending on an arm in the seat. A trolley service is available, and a club car is also available on board this Tilt Train service.

Current status

Due to a derailment of the Cairns Tilt Train in November 2004, all Tilt Train services were limited to a maximum speed of 100 km/h. This was in place due to needed track upgrades and the activation of ATP to allow for full speed operation. Full speeds returned and a new timetable was introduced on 18 June 2007.

The derailed Diesel Tilt Train #VCQ5 sustained a considerable amount of damage and some needed structural repairs. Thirty EDI Rail trade staff and twenty support staff are working on repairs expected to total almost $30 million. The Tilt Train "City of Townsville" was expected to be reassembled, tested and returned to Traveltrain in March 2007. Resources from Korea, Holland, Japan and Germany have the potential to delay the testing and delivery to QR.

Diesel Tilt Train Power Car DTD 5404 performed Driver Training and Design Acceptance Testing of WESTECT ATP Version 25 on the North Coast Line between Brisbane and Townsville from Thursday, March 30 to Saturday, April 8, 2006. The Locomotive was permitted to operate at speeds up to 100km/h in the Brisbane Suburban Area, 160km/h Caboolture to Rockhampton, and 100km/h Rockhampton to Townsville in accordance with existing speed boards. ATP Supervisory equipment was fitted to the Locomotive during Driver Training and On-Track testing. During the ATP On-Track testing period a series of tests will be conducted including overspeed, signaling and rollaway.

Electric Tilt Train Overhaul

Queensland Rail introduced Australia’s first pair of Tilt Trains in 1998. [QR EMU Tilt Train Beckhaus, John Australian Railway Historical Society Bulletin, December, 2001 pp472-477] The Electric Tilt Trains have operated on the Brisbane to Rockhampton corridor for over seven years, reducing travel times by around twenty per cent.

After 1.5 million passenger journeys, the two trains underwent an extensive $8.3 million refurbishment program at QR Mayne Depot in Brisbane. Minister for Transport, Paul Lucas said that, "The work will provide train travellers with a more comfortable and accessible travel experience and ensure the Tilt Trains continue to provide an efficient and reliable service." The first set to be overhauled, "The City of Maryborough", was withdrawn from service on January 30, 2006. The team at Mayne worked hard to maintain a tight eight week overhaul schedule.

A shortened Sunlander-style train replaced the affected Tilt Train service running as close as possible to the current Tilt Train schedule. Mr. Lucas assured people travelling during the refurbishment period they would not be inconvenienced. "The replacement train will run to the same timetable and offer a similar passenger experience. While there won't be business class seating, passengers will still enjoy video entertainment and have access to meals and refreshments."

The replacement service ran:
*Brisbane – Rockhampton: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
*Rockhampton – Brisbane: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
*Brisbane – Bundaberg: Tuesday and Thursday
*Bundaberg – Brisbane: Monday, Wednesday and Friday

The Tilt Train emerged from Mayne with a fresh new look. New carpet, flooring, seat covers and curtains were installed, Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) replaced existing Television Units, new reading lights were installed and upgraded audio-visual control units replaced existing units to improve headset sound clarity. High visibility handrails, seat-back grab rails, and signage designed to assist passengers with disabilities and to meet current Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements. Essential maintenance was also performed during overhaul.

"The City of Maryborough" was overhauled and returned to revenue service, working Tilt Train #Q301 to Rockhampton on Thursday, May 4, 2006. "The City of Rockhampton" was withdrawn from service for overhaul the same day.

ee also

*High-speed rail in Australia
*Tilting train
*QR
*Traveltrain

References

External links

* [http://www.traveltrain.com.au/traveltrain_services/Coastal_Services/tilt_train/Overview.asp Tilt Train Website]
* [http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/11/17/1100574541072.html?from=moreStories Sydney Morning Herald article on Tilt Train derailment]
* [http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?locomotive=Walkers/Hitachi%20Electric%20Tilt%20Train Electric Tilt Train Photos at RailPictures.Net]
* [http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?locomotive=Walkers/MTU%20Diesel%20Tilt%20Train Diesel Tilt Train Photos at RailPictures.Net]