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This article is about the rolling stock. For the actual service between Brisbane and Rockhampton, see Tilt Train.

Electric Tilt Train
"City of Maryborough" at Roma Street station
Interior
In service1998–present
Manufacturer Walkers Limited
Built at Maryborough
Constructed1997–1998
Entered service6 November 1998
Number built2
Number in service2
Formation6-car sets
TTD1–TTT–TTM+TTM–TTT–TTD2
Fleet numbers301/302 and 303/304
Operators Queensland Rail
Depots Mayne, Gracemere
Lines served North Coast
Specifications
Car body constructionStainless steel
Train length136 m (446 ft 2 in)
Car length
  • 23.4 m (76 ft 9 in) (TTD)
  • 22.3 m (73 ft 2 in) (TTT, TTM) [1]
Width2,837 mm (9 ft 3.7 in)
Height3,615 mm (11 ft 10.3 in)
Floor height1.2 m (3 ft 11 in)
Wheel diameter810 mm (32 in)
Wheelbase
  • Per bogie: 2.25 m (7 ft 5 in)
  • Between bogie centres: 16 m (52 ft 6 in)
Maximum speed
  • 210 km/h (130 mph) (record)
  • 160 km/h (99 mph) (service)
Weight
  • 44 t (43 long tons; 49 short tons) (TTD1)
  • 45 t (44 long tons; 50 short tons) (TTD2)
  • 47 t (46 long tons; 52 short tons) (TTT)
  • 43 t (42 long tons; 47 short tons) (TTM)
Traction system Hitachi PWM 3-level IGBT– VVVF
Traction motors16 × Hitachi 170 kW (230 hp) 3-phase AC induction motor
Power output2.72 MW (3,650 hp)
Deceleration1.05 m/s2 (3.4 ft/s2) (service)
Electric system(s) 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead lines
Current collector(s) Pantograph
UIC classificationBo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′
Braking system(s) Regenerative electric and electro-pneumatic disc brakes
Track gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The Electric Tilt Train is the name for two identical high-speed tilting trains operated by Queensland Rail for the Tilt Train service on the North Coast line from Brisbane to Rockhampton which entered service in November 1998.

History

In March 1993, Queensland Rail issued a tender for the construction of two electric six-carriage tilting trains. In October 1994, a contract was awarded to Walkers, Maryborough with Hitachi to supply the electrical and tilting equipment. [2] The Electric Tilt Train initially began tests on 12 August 1997 when it conducted its first run between Maryborough West and Gympie North Stations. This was later followed by tests from Maryborough to Roma Street on 25 October 1997 and first trial run to Rockhampton on 15 November 1997. [3] November 1997 also saw the Train conduct the first testing involving its Tilting mechanism. [4]

On 6 November 1998, Australia's first pair of tilting trains entered service between Brisbane and Rockhampton and was simply marketed as "Tilt Train". With a journey time of seven hours, they shaved over two hours from the schedule operated by InterCity Express sets. [5] [6] [7] In July 1999, a second daily service was introduced between Brisbane and Bundaberg. [8] As a result of the introduction of the Tilt Train service, the Spirit of Capricorn had its frequency reduced to one service per week on a Saturday from Brisbane to Rockhampton, with a Sunday service returning to Brisbane carrying passengers only when required. The Spirit of Capricorn service ended in May 2003 upon the introduction of the Diesel Tilt Train service to Cairns.

Set 301/302 in the original 1998 livery at Roma Street Station

Using traction equipment based on the JR Shikoku 8000 series trains, the Tilt Train set an Australian train speed record of 210 km/h (130 mph) north of Bundaberg in May 1999, a record that still stands. [9] [10] This also makes it the fastest narrow-gauge train in the world. [11]

The Tilt Train service is operated by 2 trains, with the trains made up of two three car sets forming 6 carriages. A driving cab is found at each end of the train, however usually the odd-numbered cab car will lead when in service and the train is turned to face the correct direction on either a loop or triangle to ensure this is the case. Sets 301/302 are named "City of Maryborough", whilst sets 303/304 are named "City of Rockhampton".

The sets have undergone refurbishments since their introduction in 1998. In 2006, the electric sets underwent an $8.3 million refurbishment program at Mayne depot. In 2015, the tilt train sets again undertook refurbishment over the course of 12 months with the addition of high visibility yellow doors, and a modification of the front ends. The traction packages were given a complete overhaul to extend the life of the tilt train. The trains also had Wi-Fi installed to enable wireless internet for passengers. [12] The first refurbished set re-entered service in July 2016. [13] The second refurbished set re-entered service in July 2017. Both of these refurbishment programs saw the introduction of a loco-hauled "Tilt Train Replacement Service" (known informally as the "Tiltlander") that was formed of spare L-series sitting cars and a dining car, with a M-series staff car and available power van. In mid-2023, a 14 month program began to perform heavy maintenance on the sets (with one set out of service at a time). Instead of a loco-hauled replacement service operating in lieu of the second service, a modified timetable was introduced with no Tilt Train service provided on a Wednesday and no service starting/ending at Bundaberg.

The standard formation of Electric Tilt Trains from 6 November 1998.
The standard formation of Electric Tilt Trains from 6 November 1998.

Onboard

The Tilt Train consists of 1 Business Class carriage (Car A) and 5 Economy Class carriages (Cars B to F). The Business Class layout is the same as the previous InterCIty Express sets used on the Spirit of Capricorn, with a 2 x 1 seating configuration with large reclining seats. The Economy Class layout is in a standard 2 x 2 configuration. All carriages feature enclosed, aircraft style overhead lockers for hand baggage. A to-seat service is provided to passengers in both classes of travel, however the two galleys that stock the trolley service (located in Cars B and E) are available for passengers to purchase food and drink from directly. When the service was introduced, Business Class passengers were provided with a meal as a part of their ticket. This service was discontinued only a few years later, and Business Class passengers are now required to purchase food and drink as required (although a welcome drink is provided). A main-screen video and audio system is provided throughout the train in both classes of travel. Wheelchair spaces are found in Car A, along with an accessible toilet.

Routes

Carriages
QR Tilt Train [14] [15]
Legend
Brisbane
( Roma Street)
 Caboolture
Landsborough [a]
Nambour
Cooroy [a]
Gympie North
Maryborough West
Howard [b]
Bundaberg
Miriam Vale [b]
Gladstone
Mount Larcom [b]
Rockhampton Spirit of the Outback
St Lawrence [b]
Carmila [b]
Sarina [b]
Mackay
Proserpine
Bowen [b]
Home Hill [b]
Ayr
Giru [b]
Townsville The Inlander (Queensland Rail)
Ingham [b]
Cardwell [b]
Tully [b]
Innisfail
Babinda [b]
Gordonvale [b]
Cairns Kuranda Scenic Railway
Electric Tilt Train route

Commencing in 1998, the Electric Tilt Train operates from Brisbane to Rockhampton. The train operates on the North Coast line and serves several stations along the route, including Gympie, Maryborough, Bundaberg and Gladstone. The stopping pattern is the same as the Spirit of Capricorn service the Tilt Train replaced.

Notes and references

  1. ^ a b Except train Q311, served only if reservations have been pre-booked
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Served only if reservations have been pre-booked
  1. ^ Hunter, Ross (21–23 May 2000). "Tilt Trains - The Queensland Experience". Adelaide: Conference on Railway Engineering. Archived from the original on 25 December 2022. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  2. ^ "Tilt EMUs Ordered for Brisbane – Rockhampton Run" Railway Digest November 1994 page 14
  3. ^ "20th Anniversary of the Tilt Trains". www.queenslandrail.com.au. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  4. ^ "TILT TRAIN ENTERS TILTING' PHASE". Ministerial Media Statements. Archived from the original on 31 January 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  5. ^ Beattie, Peter (1 November 1998). "All aboard Australia's first Tilt Train". Ministerial Media Statements. Queensland Government. Archived from the original on 29 February 2012. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  6. ^ "Australia enters the Tilt Train era" Railway Digest December 1998 pages 22–25, 40
  7. ^ Bredhauer, Stephen (30 December 1998). "Australia's Biggest Rail Investment". Ministerial Media Statements. Queensland Government. Archived from the original on 29 February 2012. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  8. ^ "Bundaberg Day-Return Tilt Service Commences" Railway Digest August 1999 page 15
  9. ^ QR Limited (1999). Annual Report June 1999 (PDF). Brisbane: QR Limited. p. 53. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 September 2009.
  10. ^ "QR Tilt Train Sets Australian Rail Speed Record" Railway Digest June 1999 page 15
  11. ^ "World's fastest on narrow tracks – National – www.smh.com.au". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 19 August 2017. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
  12. ^ "Tilt Train Maintenance". queenslandrailtravel.com.au. Archived from the original on 22 June 2017. Retrieved 24 June 2017.
  13. ^ "Free Wi-Fi on new look Tilt Train". Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 24 June 2017.
  14. ^ Queensland Rail Travel - Network Map
  15. ^ Queensland Rail Travel - Timetable (PDF) effective 17 July 2023

External links

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