Electric Tilt Train

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

Electric Tilt Train
"City of Maryborough" at Roma Street station
Interior
In service1998–present
ManufacturerWalkers Limited
Built atMaryborough
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
OperatorsQueensland Rail
DepotsMayne, Gracemere
Lines servedNorth 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
  • Service:
  • 160 km/h (100 mph)
  • Record:
  • 210 km/h (130 mph)
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 systemHitachi 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 collectionPantograph
UIC classificationBo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′
Braking system(s)Regenerative electric and electro-pneumatic disc brakes
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The Electric Tilt Train is the name for two high-speed tilting trains, operated by Queensland Rail on the North Coast line from Brisbane to Bundaberg and Rockhampton, as part of its Tilt Train service.

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 West 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. Simply marketed as the "Tilt Train", the journey time was reduced from nine hours to seven hours. In July 1999, a second daily service was introduced between Brisbane and Bundaberg. In May 2003, the Tilt Train service completely replaced the Spirit of Capricorn service.

Set 301/302 in the original livery at Roma Street station

In May 1999, the Electric Tilt Train set an Australian train speed record of 210 km/h (130 mph) north of Bundaberg, using traction equipment based on the JR Shikoku 8000 series trains. The record still stands and makes it the fastest narrow-gauge train in the world.[5][6][7]

The sets have undergone several refurbishments over the years. 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.[8] The first refurbished set re-entered service in July 2016.[9] 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.

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

Interior

The Electric Tilt Train consists of 1 Business Class carriage (Car A) and 5 Economy Class carriages (Cars B to F). The Business Class layout is in a 2 x 1 seating configuration with large reclining seats, the same as the previous InterCity Express sets used on the Spirit of Capricorn service. The Economy Class layout is in a 2 x 2 seating configuration with regular reclining seats. All carriages feature enclosed, aircraft style overhead lockers for hand luggage. A to-seat trolley 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 part of their ticket. The service was discontinued only a few years later, and Business Class passengers are now required to purchase food and drink (although a welcome drink is provided). An audio and video 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
Tilt Train[10][11]
Brisbane
(Roma Street)
 Caboolture
Landsborough[a]
Nambour
Cooroy[a]
Gympie North
Maryborough West
Howard[a]
Bundaberg
Miriam Vale[a]
Gladstone
Mount Larcom[a]
Rockhampton

The Electric Tilt Train operates the Tilt Train service from Brisbane to Bundaberg and Rockhampton along the North Coast line. The service calls at several stations along the route, including Gympie, Maryborough and Gladstone. The stopping pattern is the same as the previous Spirit of Capricorn service.

Notes and references

  1. ^ a b c d e 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. ^ QR Limited (1999). Annual Report June 1999 (PDF). Brisbane: QR Limited. p. 53. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 September 2009.
  6. ^ "QR Tilt Train Sets Australian Rail Speed Record" Railway Digest June 1999 page 15
  7. ^ "World's fastest on narrow tracks – National – www.smh.com.au". The Sydney Morning Herald. 17 November 2004. Archived from the original on 19 August 2017. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
  8. ^ "Tilt Train Maintenance". queenslandrailtravel.com.au. Archived from the original on 22 June 2017. Retrieved 24 June 2017.
  9. ^ "Free Wi-Fi on new look Tilt Train". Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 24 June 2017.
  10. ^ Queensland Rail Travel - Network Map
  11. ^ Queensland Rail Travel - Timetable (PDF) effective 2 September 2024
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