| 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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]
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
[edit]- ^ "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.