TILT TRAIN ENTERS TILTING' PHASE

Trials of the tilting mechanism' began this week on the new high-speed Tilt Train, Transport and Main Roads Minister Vaughan Johnson announced today.

Mr Johnson said testing in tilt' mode follows successful trialing of the train in conventional or non-tilt' position over the past month, including high-speed operations reaching 170km/h.

"Trials of the tilt mechanism' are taking place between Brisbane and Rockhampton this week as part of the detailed testing procedure for the trains," said Mr Johnson.

He said that tilting allows the train to go through curves 20-30 per cent faster than conventional trains, while maintaining high levels of passenger comfort and safety.

"An on-board computer provides information about the track which allows tilting of the train up to five degrees in either direction, giving optimum speed and passenger comfort through curves. The train will operate up to 160 kilometres an hour.

"These high-tech trains will bring a new level of speed and comfort for inner-city passengers between Brisbane and Rockhampton, as journey times will be reduced from 9 hours to seven hours," said Mr Johnson.

"Queensland Rail will be the first rail network in Australia to introduce Tilt Trains when passenger services start late in 1998," he said.

Mr Johnson forecast a jump of up to 25 per cent in patronage, to more than 200,000 passengers a year on this corridor. "Passengers on the new Tilt Train will travel in airline-style comfort, with videos, phones and faxes available on board."

Two six-car trains, valued at $62 million, are being built by Walkers Ltd in Maryborough under contract with a consortium of Evans Deakins Industries and Hitachi and Itochu of Japan. Associated track work, signalling and installation of extra safety measures at level crossings brings the total project cost to $106 million.