I really don’t think you’e going to persuade any substantial number of people on to a long distance train these days without at least being able to get a coffee and something decent to eat. The level of service available on the Westlander is not something I would support putting more money into to continue.
Also, if new long distance powered trains are ordered, either multiple unit or locomotive, I think it’s essential that they be bi-mode so they can make use of the fairly extensive electrification we have in Queensland for some part of their journey.
For the three locomotive hauled services, only Spirit of the Outback runs under what I would call ‘extensive’ electrification, from Roma Street to Blackwater (Blackwater to Emerald has the struts but has been de-sparked since the track from Gladstone to Blackwater was sold/leased off). The Westlander only has Roma Street to Rosewood. The Inlander has none.
But for fleet consistency, I have no objection to bi-mode operation. But the benefit really only exists for one of the three inland services.
Edit: the Diesel Tilt Train should definitely have been able to take advantage of wires all the way to Rockhampton, but alas it was not the case.
Stadler and their Valencia factory (formerly Vossloh) has manufactured multiple narrow gauge locos for South Africa and they also produce dual-mode traction for the UK, which shares our tight loading gauge as well.
Shouldn’t be too difficult to ask them for something similar.
