Tilt Train
About the Tilt Train
The Tilt Train refers to the electric and diesel high-speed tilting train services that are operated by Queensland Rail along the North Coastline. The service operates from Brisbane to Rockhampton and Cairns. The electric tilt train started operating in 1997, and its top service speed is 100 mph (160 km/h). it is also capable of tilting five degrees in any direction and represents one of the fastest in the country. It has the maximum speed allowed in revenue services and runs on the North Coast line, serving the intermediate towns along the way which include Gladstone, Bundaberg, Gympie, and Maryborough. The electric tilt train operates in multiple unit configuration, which means the train is self-propelled and has many carriages joined together and operated by a driver using the multiple-unit train control. The highest speed that the train has ever achieved was in May 1999 when it reached 210km/hr under test conditions.
The electric tilt train has economy seating as well as business class seating along with visual entertainment on the main screen and in-seat audio entertainment. Passengers on the economy seat have a buffet-style galley and trolly service food service while those in the business class have passenger attendants and frequent trolly service.
While the electric train operates from Brisbane to Rockhampton, the diesel tilt train, on the other hand, operates from Brisbane to Cairns. The contract for two diesel tilting trains was awarded to Walkers in August 1999 with the trains designated for these operations. Unlike the electric tilt train, this one is a push-pull locomotive which means the configuration ensures they can be controlled from either end of the train regardless of whether or not there is a locomotive on each end. In November 2004, the Diesel tilt train derailed causing the injury of 157 people, and this led to the limiting of the speed to 62 mph (100 km/h). The services resumed operations at full speed in 2007 after the Automatic Train Protection was introduced and the tracks upgraded. An extra diesel tilt train was built in 2010 by Downer Rail, and this one has twelve carriages and two power cars.
The Diesel train has been painted with many liveries since it started operating. It was originally painted yellow, purple and silver but this changed during overhaul of The Spirit of Qld in 2010. The diesel tilt train has economy seating as well as business class seating along with in-seat visual entertainment on and audio entertainment with a television screen attached to the armrest of the seat. Passengers have access to trolley service foodservice, and there is also a club car service.