Electric Tilt Train (Queensland Rail) - Australia
Electric Tilt Train (Queensland Rail)The Electric Tilt Train is the name for two identical high-speed tilting trains operated by Queensland Rail on the North Coast line from Brisbane to Bundaberg and Rockhampton which entered service in November of 1998.Electric Tilt Train HistoryIn 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.
After an extensive program, on 6 November 1998 Australia's first pair of tilting trains entered service on the Spirit of Capricorn between Brisbane and Rockhampton. With a journey time of seven hours, they shaved over two hours from the schedule operated by InterCity Express sets. In July 1999 a second daily service was introduced between Brisbane and Bundaberg.
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. This also makes it the fastest narrow-gauge train in the world.
In 2006 the electric sets underwent an $8.3 million refurbishment program at Mayne depot.
These tilt train sets undertook refurbishment over the course of 12 months with the addition of high visibility yellow doors, and a complete redesign 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. - The first refurbished set re-entered service in July 2016.
- The second refurbished set re-entered service in July 2017.
Electric Tilt Train Routes
RockhamptonCommencing in 1998, 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 service speed as the V/Line VLocity train which operates in Victoria. The train operates the on the North Coast line and serves the intermediate towns of Gympie, Maryborough West railway station, Bundaberg and Gladstone. The Electric Tilt Trains run in a multiple unit configuration.
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.BundabergA service from Roma Street to Bundaberg began in 2014.Electric Tilt Train Overview
In Service: November 6 1998 to PresentManufacturer: WalkersBuilt St: MaryboroughConstructed: 1997Number Built: 2Number in Service: 2Formation: 6 carsOperator(s): Queensland RailDepot(s): Mayne, GracemereLine(s) Served: North CoastMaximum Speed: Service: 160 km/h (99 mph)Record: 210 km/h (130 mph)Electric System(s): 25 kV AC Overhead linesCurrent Collection Method: PantographTrack Gauge: 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)QR Tilt Train Route - Brisbane (Roma Street)
- Caboolture
- Nambour
- Nambour
- Cooroy
- Gympie North
- Maryborough West
- Howard
- Bundaberg
- Miriam Vale
- Gladstone
- Mount Larcom
- Rockhampton
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