VFT?HST

["Ross (Goldie) Goldspink" <goldicom@powerup.com.au>]

I had the pleasure of a return Brisbane Rockhampton tilt train trip last
week.

Tilting aside, the ride of this set at 160k is better and quieter than I
remember the IP, Prospector and any other train I've ridden at 100k (I
haven't tried the XPT), and this on 3'6" mainly low speed track.  I am half
deaf but could still maintain a conversation at normal volume from window
seat one side to window seat the other.  Writing at any speed was no
problem, and there was never any risk of the beer spilling!

The real disappointment is the relatively few opportunities the train can
maintain maximum speed.

I did travel business class (discretional respect for a bad back).  Service
was superb, food airline standard - at the upper end of quality, and the
drivers accommodating when it came to a visit to the pointy end.  The driver
is constantly working accelerating and decelerating to get the best speed
for the track conditions/speed limits.

I started the trip somewhat skeptical about what would be found - I am now
convinced of the technology.

If an inter capital hi speed train of similar standard is ever run on tracks
to match its performance, I have no doubt it will capture a large share of
the airline market and generate new market share from the curious and
dubious.

The tilt?  There are two modes, proactive and reactive (no, they don't call
them that, it's just a good way to describe them).  In the proactive mode is
computer controlled and tillt actually commences before the curves are
entered and each coach individualy tilts relative to its position on the
curve.  From the drivers cab this anticipation can be seen but it isn't
"felt", and can not be sensed back in the train.

I have a motion sensItive bum, after a career flying for a living.  The most
significant sensation I felt was the "pitch change" as the train crested
rises.  Not felt further back was the "snatch" into curves felt in the
driver's cab   - transitions really do need to be eased for high speed
trains.

The reactive mode does not bear consideration.  In this mode the train tilts
as a whole, based on centrifugal sensing in the leading coach.  If the
leading coach comes out of a curve in one direction into one the opposite
the trailing coaches could go into "opposite camber'  - quite uncomfortable.

Goldie