# Electric Tilt Train

The Electric Tilt Train is the name for two identical high-speed tilting trains operated by Queensland Rail for the Tilt Train service on the North Coast line from Brisbane to Rockhampton which entered service in November 1998.

## History

In March 1993, Queensland Rail issued a tender for the construction of two electric six-carriage tilting trains. In October 1994, a contract was awarded to Walkers, Maryborough with Hitachi to supply the electrical and tilting equipment. The Electric Tilt Train initially began tests on 12 August 1997 when it conducted its first run between Maryborough West and Gympie North Stations. This was later followed by tests from Maryborough to Roma Street on 25 October 1997 and first trial run to Rockhampton on 15 November 1997. November 1997 also saw the Train conduct the first testing involving its Tilting mechanism.
On 6 November 1998, Australia's first pair of tilting trains entered service between Brisbane and Rockhampton and was simply marketed as "Tilt Train". With a journey time of seven hours, they shaved over two hours from the schedule operated by InterCity Express sets. In July 1999, a second daily service was introduced between Brisbane and Bundaberg. As a result of the introduction of the Tilt Train service, the Spirit of Capricorn had its frequency reduced to one service per week on a Saturday from Brisbane to Rockhampton, with a Sunday service returning to Brisbane carrying passengers only when required. The Spirit of Capricorn service ended in May 2003 upon the introduction of the Diesel Tilt Train service to Cairns.
Using traction equipment based on the JR Shikoku 8000 series trains, the Tilt Train set an Australian train speed record of 210 km/h (130 mph) north of Bundaberg in May 1999, a record that still stands. This also makes it the fastest narrow-gauge train in the world.
The Tilt Train service is operated by 2 trains, with the trains made up of two three car sets forming 6 carriages. A driving cab is found at each end of the train, however usually the odd-numbered cab car will lead when in service and the train is turned to face the correct direction on either a loop or triangle to ensure this is the case. Sets 301/302 are named "City of Maryborough", whilst sets 303/304 are named "City of Rockhampton".
The sets have undergone refurbishments since their introduction in 1998. In 2006, the electric sets underwent an $8.3 million refurbishment program at Mayne depot. In 2015, the tilt train sets again undertook refurbishment over the course of 12 months with the addition of high visibility yellow doors, and a modification of the front ends. The traction packages were given a complete overhaul to extend the life of the tilt train. The trains also had Wi-Fi installed to enable wireless internet for passengers. The first refurbished set re-entered service in July 2016. The second refurbished set re-entered service in July 2017. Both of these refurbishment programs saw the introduction of a loco-hauled "Tilt Train Replacement Service" (known informally as the "Tiltlander") that was formed of spare L-series sitting cars and a dining car, with a M-series staff car and available power van. In mid-2023, a 14 month program began to perform heavy maintenance on the sets (with one set out of service at a time). Instead of a loco-hauled replacement service operating in lieu of the second service, a modified timetable was introduced with no Tilt Train service provided on a Wednesday and no service starting/ending at Bundaberg.

## Onboard

The Tilt Train consists of 1 Business Class carriage (Car A) and 5 Economy Class carriages (Cars B to F). The Business Class layout is the same as the previous InterCIty Express sets used on the Spirit of Capricorn, with a 2 x 1 seating configuration with large reclining seats. The Economy Class layout is in a standard 2 x 2 configuration. All carriages feature enclosed, aircraft style overhead lockers for hand baggage. A to-seat service is provided to passengers in both classes of travel, however the two galleys that stock the trolley service (located in Cars B and E) are available for passengers to purchase food and drink from directly. When the service was introduced, Business Class passengers were provided with a meal as a part of their ticket. This service was discontinued only a few years later, and Business Class passengers are now required to purchase food and drink as required (although a welcome drink is provided). A main-screen video and audio system is provided throughout the train in both classes of travel. Wheelchair spaces are found in Car A, along with an accessible toilet.

## Routes

vteQR Tilt Train :
Legend :
Commencing in 1998, the Electric Tilt Train operates from Brisbane to Rockhampton. The train operates on the North Coast line and serves several stations along the route, including Gympie, Maryborough, Bundaberg and Gladstone. The stopping pattern is the same as the Spirit of Capricorn service the Tilt Train replaced.