The QR Tilt Train

<-Back
The Tilt Trains, which joined the QR Fleet in 1998 were produced by one of Evan Deakins Industries companies, Walkers Ltd. Maryborough and also Hitachi of Japan. These trains are operated on the Brisbane to Rockhampton Corridor, cutting at least 2-3 hours off of the original trip via the Spirit of Capricorn or any of the other North Coast Long Distance Trains. This is mainly achieved through the introduction of tilting technology.

A pneumatic ram smoothly assists the body of the carriage to "tilt" into the curves and enhances passenger comfort as the train powers through the countryside reaching speeds up to 160km/h

The trains are also fitted out with Air Conditioning, reclining seats, on-board monitors, drivers cam, trip information highlight, seat entertainment points, on-board toilets and fully appointed galleys. Train drivers also have access to full computerised information about the performance of the train.

These stainless steel bodied trains continue the successful use of this material on all existing suburban and intercity rolling stock.

It also has been confirmed that a Diesel variation of the Electric Tilt Train will be put into service in the next few years between Rockhampton and Cairns. Walkers Ltd. Maryborough have scored the contract.

DEAN'S COMMENT

My mouth dropped the first time I saw one of these streamlined beauties. I reckon the colour scheme is very pleasing to the eye. What am I talking about, they're not just pleasing to look at they are absolute eye candy . The Tilt Trains, of which there are only 2 full trains (see below), are the most silent trains I have ever heard in my life. I've sat at Petrie Station before and had one go past, and I could only hear the clickety-clack of it passing the joints in the track. Also another thing, book at least 3 months in advance of going on a trip, because they are very popular.

TRAINSPOTTING TIP

If you would like to catch the Tilt Train on film, I would recommend the following spots around Brisbane and the Northern Suburbs. The shown times are approximations only: 

  • Roma Street Platform 10 - Just before departure time (Find out at QROTI)

  • Bald Hills Viaduct - Between 1:30pm and 2:30pm (Sit at road level)

  • Northgate Station  
    - North bound - After 10am
    - South Bound - Between 1:30pm and 2:30pm (Passes either Platform 1 or 3)

  • Caboolture Station
    - North bound - Stops to pick up passengers - Between 10:30am - 11am
    - South bound - Stops to drop off passengers - Between 1:00pm - 1:30pm

The QR Tilt Train near Beerburrum (Photo: ARHS-QLD)

The Tilt Train with 2830 & 2841 in the background at Rockhampton (Photo: David Johnson)

The Tilt Train at Bundaberg (Photo: David Johnson)

The Tilt Train at Rockhampton waiting for its morning departure from Rockhampton (Photo: David Johnson)

Tilt Train Crossing a Coal Train at Parnabal (Photo: Peter Cook)

The Tilt Train crossing a CoalTrain at Boonal (Photo: Peter Cook)

The Tilt Train at Rockhampton waiting for its morning departure from Rockhampton (Photo: David Johnson)

The Tilt train leaving Roma St on its promotional tour (Photo: David Johnson)

The Tilt Train on the North Pine River Bridge at Petrie (Photo: David Johnson)

TECHNICAL DATA

Running Numbers 301 - 304
First Delivery

1998

Line Voltage

25 kV

Line Frequency 50 Hz
Gauge Narrow Gauge (1,067mm or 3' 6")
Total Length 136m
Bogie Centres 16m
Bogie Wheelbase 2.25m
Wheel Diameter 810mm
Overall Width 2.837mm
Height over Roofline 3.615m
Height of Floor 1,200mm
Maximum Operational/Achievable Speed 160km/h (100 mph) /
210 km/h (131.25 mph)
Traction Rating 16 x 170 kW AC traction motors
Tare Weight Total 269t

-

Tare MC1 Car 44t

-

Tare T2 Car 47t

-

Tare M3 Car 43t

-

Tare M4 Car 43t

-

Tare T5 Car 47t

-

Tare MC6 Car 45t
Gross Weight Total 287t
Car Designations

-

Motor Cab Car MC
- Trailer Car T
- Motor Car M
Train Consist MC-T-M-M-T-MC
Total Seats

-

First Class 30

-

Economy Class 280
Max. Service Brake 1.05m/secē
Brake System Regenerative electric and electro-pneumatic disc brake
Traction System IGBT PWM 3 Level Inverters (8 off)
Climate Control 2 x 25kW per car
Max. Tilt Angle

NAMED LOCOMOTIVES

LOCOMOTIVE GIVEN NAME COMMENT
301 City of Maryborough  
302 City of Rockhampton  
<-Back

TOP

 

Data obtained from Queensland Rail Tilt Train Data Sheet