The Walkers/MTU/Hitachi Diesel Tilt Train consists of a 10 car consist. Each power car is powered by two German MTU engines, which apply power to the axles via a hydraulic gearbox as opposed to electric traction motors. The diesel-hydraulic method has been used in Germany for decades and was at one stage preferred over diesel-electric methods.

The livery uses silver, yellow and maroon as its prominent colours, to which the Electric Tilt Train has also adopted recently during overhaul.

The train will be able to complete the journey between Brisbane and Cairns in 27 hours, reaching speeds of up to 160km/h in some sections.

Much to the disgust of some, the government has chosen not to purchase sleepers for the Cairns Tilt Train. This will probably make the CTT ideal for short trips between Townsville and Cairns instead of the full Brisbane – Cairns runs.

One of the Diesel Tilt Train sets was out of action for more than a year and a half due to a derailment in 2005 at Avondale north of Bundaberg. The cars were progressively rebuilt at EDI Maryborough, and returned to service in 2007.

Unfortunately the Diesel Tilt Train was involved in a fatal level crossing accident on 27th November 2008 near Cardwell, Qld. DTD 5403 was written off in the accident, the drivers tragically did not survive the crash.

More information about the Cairns Tilt Train is available from QR’s offical site