The design is very similar, almost identical to the NGR by the looks of it, just with slightly rearranged seating. I’m quite a fan of the single seats and will definitely use them.
Still disappointed that QR seemingly don’t intend to build a dedicated intercity unit any time soon. Something like the new D set in NSW with upgraded seating, armrests, bike storage, etc. I have spent 2 hours in an NGR seat before when our train got delayed and it wasn’t very nice after about an hour.
I know we are heavily limited with a small track and loading gauge but if they want to start classifying Gold/Sunshine Coast services as ‘intercity’ (as per SEQ Rail Connect) it would be nice to have an interior to match.
Inbuilt USB C ports are a nice touch though, hopefully there’ll be provision for luggage storage like the older IMUs have.
Hopefully they can do something about the seat cushioning. Modern fire standards preclude a bit of what could be done previously, but I suspect a lot of it is cost-driven.
The appallingly uncomfortable seating on the Perth A and B sets is a major weakness in their system which we’ve at least managed to avoid until the NGRs.
Anyone know where the mock-up is? Somewhere in Geebung?? Be good to have a bo-peep. It is good to note the extreme attention now to DSAPT compliance. We really burned them over the NGR fiasco, and the effects still linger on. Driving the Commission of Inquiry, I consider one of the best efforts by RBoT. This has set this QTMP up properly. Well done all who helped.
Thanks. Hope we can catch the train to Sunshine and perhaps a short walk to the mock-up. Someone on the BTQ committee can perhaps liase with TMR/QR and arrange an escorted visit?
Thinking about the order 65 six car trains, do you think it is enough? I would like to see the order increased to 100 six car trains, to make up for the deficit with the NGR’s (25 six trains less that what was originally the intention of 100 six car trains) and 10 six car trains for extra-contingencies.
It kinda makes for a good call-back to old British Rail regulations (trains in the UK don’t need yellow fronts anymore…) while adding a good amount of colour to the train.
I stand corrected, Channel 7 briefly showed some seat maps on display at the Geebung site which indicate that the 2-1 seating configuration will run the entire length of the train. No overall capacity loss but it will mean more people have to stand on busy services.
I think we are still at the point in which said decision can be reversed because I can assure you: even with a wider aisle people won’t be moving away from the door vestibules.
