Tilt Train
{{Short description|High-speed tilting train service in Australia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{about|Queensland Rail's Tilt Train service in Australia|tilting trains in general|tilting train}}
{{Infobox rail service
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| operator = Queensland Rail
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| line_used = North Coast
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{{Tilt Train route diagram}}
Tilt Train is the name for two similar high-speed tilting train services, one electric and the other diesel, operated by Queensland Rail. They run on the North Coast line from Brisbane to Rockhampton (electric) and Cairns (diesel). Services commenced in 1998.
The name Tilt Train often refers to the electric train service between Brisbane and Rockhampton only.
History
=Rockhampton=
File:QR Tilt Train Roma Street.jpg
Commencing in 1998, the Electric Tilt Train operates from Brisbane to Rockhampton. With a top service speed of {{convert|160|km/h|mph|-1|abbr=on}} and the ability to tilt five degrees in each direction, the Tilt Train is one of the fastest trains in Australia, having a similar maximum allowed speed in revenue service to the V/Line VLocity and the Transwa Prospector railcar, that both run up to 160 km/h, and New South Wales XPT although the XPT is rarely able to achieve its maximum operating speed due to track condition and curvature. The train operates on the North Coast line and serves the intermediate towns of Gympie, Maryborough, Bundaberg and Gladstone. The electric Tilt Trains run in a multiple unit configuration. In May 1999, the tilt train achieved a top speed under test conditions of 210 km/h.{{cite web |url=https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/about%20us/Media%20Centre/Media%20Releases/Pages/20th-Anniversary-of-the-Tilt-Trains.aspx |title=20th Anniversary of the Tilt Trains |date=5 November 2018 |website=queenslandrail.com.au |access-date=14 July 2023 |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425030704/https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/about%20us/Media%20Centre/Media%20Releases/Pages/20th-Anniversary-of-the-Tilt-Trains.aspx |url-status=live }}
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.{{Cite web |title=Travel Options |url=https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/Planyourtrip/traveloptions |access-date=15 October 2023 |website=Queensland Rail Travel |archive-date=22 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322200800/https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/Planyourtrip/traveloptions |url-status=live }}
In 2016, Wi-Fi internet access was introduced to the service.{{Cite web |last=Probert |first=Oliver |date=30 October 2016 |title=Wi-Fi trial for new look Tilt Train |url=https://www.railexpress.com.au/wi-fi-trial-for-new-look-tilt-train/ |access-date=15 October 2023 |website=Rail Express |language=en-AU |archive-date=30 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330125448/https://www.railexpress.com.au/wi-fi-trial-for-new-look-tilt-train/ |url-status=live }}
=Cairns=
The Diesel Tilt Train, operating from Brisbane to Cairns, features a 2×2 premium economy class seating arrangement, 1×2 business class seating arrangement (Railbed), in-seat audio and visual entertainment and a TV screen attached to the headrest of the seat in front. A trolley service is available in the Railbed carriages, and a club car is available 24 hours. In October 2013, when the first refurbished set returned to traffic, the service was named the Spirit of Queensland.File:City of Cairns Diesel Tilt Train seating Platform 10 Roma Street Station Brisbane IMGP7764.jpgIn 2014, an additional train was delivered to replace The Sunlander between Brisbane and Cairns, meaning the only service on this 1,681 km route since that time has been the Spirit of Queensland.{{Cite web|url=http://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/Railexperiences/ourtrains/spiritofqueensland|title=Spirit of Queensland|website=www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au|language=en|access-date=2017-06-26|archive-date=30 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930103034/http://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/railexperiences/ourtrains/spiritofqueensland|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/Documents/Fact%20Sheets/QRT1003.4_TrainFactSheet_SpiritofQueensland.pdf|title=Spirit of Queensland|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-date=15 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615095806/http://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/Documents/Fact%20Sheets/QRT1003.4_TrainFactSheet_SpiritofQueensland.pdf|url-status=live}}
Awards
In 2009 as part of the Q150 celebrations, the Tilt Train was announced as one of the Q150 Icons of Queensland for its role as an iconic "innovation and invention".{{Cite web|url=http://statements.qld.gov.au/statement/id/64301|title=PREMIER UNVEILS QUEENSLAND'S 150 ICONS|last=Bligh|first=Anna|author-link=Anna Bligh|date=10 June 2009|publisher=Queensland Government|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524033717/http://statements.qld.gov.au/statement/id/64301|archive-date=24 May 2017|access-date=24 May 2017}}
See also
{{Portal|Queensland}}
Notes and references
{{Notelist}}
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/railexperiences/ourtrains/tilttrain Tilt Train]
- [https://www.flickr.com/photos/brisbanebuses/sets/72157632480007105/ Flickr gallery]
{{Public transport in Queensland}}
{{Higher-speed rail}}
Category:High-speed rail in Australia