Diesel Tilt Train
| Diesel Tilt Train | |
|---|---|
 Diesel Tilt Train at Dakabin in 2020 | |
 RailBed class | |
| In service | 2003–present |
| Manufacturer | EDi Rail |
| Built at | Maryborough |
| Constructed | 2003 |
| Refurbished | 2014 |
| Number built | 3 |
| Number in service | 3 |
| Formation | Push-pull diesel + 7 cars |
| Operators | Queensland Rail |
| Depots | Mayne |
| Lines served | North Coast |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99 mph) |
| Prime mover(s) | German MTU |
| Transmission | Hydraulic |
| Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
The Diesel Tilt Train is the name for three high-speed tilting trains, operated by Queensland Rail on the North Coast line from Brisbane to Cairns, as part of its Spirit of Queensland service.
History
In August 1999, Walkers was awarded a contract to build two diesel tilting trains to operate services from Brisbane to Cairns.[1] In contrast to the Electric Tilt Train, the diesel Tilt Train is a push-pull locomotive based train, although the two are externally similar. In October 2013, the first two sets were refurbished.
In November 2004, a Diesel Tilt Train derailed and injured 157 people. All services were limited to 100 km/h (62 mph) until track was upgraded and Automatic Train Protection was implemented allowing full speed operation to resume in June 2007.
In October 2010, Downer Rail was awarded a contract to build a third diesel tilting train with two power cars and 12 carriages to replace the locomotive hauled stock on The Sunlander. All work was performed in Maryborough.[2][3][4] In October 2014, the third set was delivered and entered service.
Interior
The Diesel Tilt Train features 2×2 Economy class seating and 1×2 RailBed class seating. All seats include an audio and visual entertainment system. A trolley service is provided in RailBed class, and an onboard cafe is available on all journeys.[5] Wi-Fi internet access is not available.
Liveries
The original livery was yellow, purple and silver in colour, which was retained until the Spirit Of Queensland had a major overhaul in 2010.
In 2010, designs by Torres Strait Islander artist Alick Tipoti were painted on one side of the carriages,[6] while the work of Aboriginal artist of the Waanyi people, Judy Watson, was featured on the other side.[7]
Notes and references
- ^ "Bundaberg Tilt Service Hits Airline as Cairns Tilt Contract Signed" Railway Digest September 1999 page 16
- ^ World class trains for Queensland supporting 800 Maryborough jobs Archived 15 October 2017 at the Wayback Machine Minister for Transport 27 October 2010
- ^ Spirit of Queensland Archived 2013-08-18 at the Wayback Machine Queensland
- ^ Queensland's famed Sunlander gets makeover Archived 2013-12-28 at the Wayback Machine Rail Express 21 August 2013
- ^ "Travel Options". Queensland Rail Travel. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
- ^ "Alick Tipoti". The Australian Art Network. 2021. Archived from the original on 5 December 2021. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
- ^ "Indigenous art turns Tilt Train into moving canvas". Architecture & Design. 9 May 2011. Archived from the original on 5 December 2021. Retrieved 5 December 2021.