Diesel Tilt Train
The Diesel Tilt Train is the name for three high-speed tilting train services, operated by Queensland Rail on the North Coast line from Brisbane to Cairns.
| Diesel Tilt Train | |
|---|---|
 Diesel Tilt Train at Dakabin Station in 2020 | |
| In service | 2003 - Present |
| Manufacturer | EDi Rail |
| Built at | Maryborough |
| Constructed | 2003 2014 |
| Number built | 3 |
| Number in service | 3 |
| Formation | Push-pull diesel + 7 cars |
| Operator(s) | Queensland Rail |
| Depot(s) | Mayne |
| Line(s) served | North Coast |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99 mph) |
| Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
History
In August 1999 a contract was awarded to Walkers for 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.
Following a derailment of the Diesel Tilt Train in November 2004 that injured 157 people, all services were limited to 100 km/h (62 mph) until track upgrades and the introduction of Automatic Train Protection allowed full speed operation to resume in June 2007.
In October 2010 Downer Rail was awarded a contract to build a further diesel tilt train with two power cars and 12 carriages to replace locomotive hauled stock on The Sunlander. The existing two diesel sets will be overhauled and extended to 10 carriages. All work was performed in Maryborough.[2][3][4] The first refurbished set entered service in October 2013. The third and brand new set was delivered and entered service in 2014.
Liveries
The Diesel Tilt Train has undergone many different liveries painted on the side of the train. The original paint scheme was yellow, purple and silver in colour. This only changed once The Spirit Of Qld (Queensland) had a major overhaul in the mid 2010s. Some liveries of the Spirit Of Queensland include: Aboriginal Art Work, Produce. The liveries of the train are often seen as Iconic to the Train. Although the diesel tilt train has now had its livery since its refurbishment, the colours and paint scheme of the engine are well known.
Routes
The diesel Tilt Train features a 2×2 economy class seating arrangement, 1×2 business class seating arrangement, in-seat audio and visual entertainment and a TV screen attached to the seat armrest. A trolley service is available, and a club car is part of the consist of this Tilt Train service. In October 2013 when the first refurbished set returned to traffic, the service was named the Spirit of Queensland.
In 2014, the additional train was delivered to operate as a replacement for The Sunlander between Brisbane and Cairns, meaning the only service on this route is the Spirit of Queensland.[5][6]
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 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
- Spirit of Queensland Archived 2013-08-18 at the Wayback Machine Queensland
- Spirit of Queensland factsheet Archived 2013-12-04 at the Wayback Machine Queensland Rail