So 160 isn’t out of the question after all!
Even if the tracks are designed for 160kph, I feel like the only trains that can reach such speed are the new QTMP trains and the Tilt Trains. These trains may have some special suspension that allows the train to reach 160kph on 3’6" narrow gauge.
I raised this with a driver at QR in passing, and they mentioned that the NGRs are designed and perfectly capable of hitting 160km/h however they are limited to 140km/h. Not sure if they were referring to track limits or if QR adjusted the software to limit the actual top speed of the NGR sets (maybe both?). Anecdotally the NGRs seem to have a quieter and smoother ride on the 140km/h track section when compared to the IMU and SMU units.
Perhaps when there’s more 160km/h track on the network we will see both NGRs and QTMP units hitting those speeds one day 
1 Like
So that would mean that QR will break another world record: Fastest Narrow Gauge Commuter Train (NGR & QTMP at 160kph) after we broke another record Fastest Narrow Gauge ‘High-Speed’ Train (Tilt Trains & Spirit of Queensland at 160kph) 
1 Like
I can leave a cup of coffee sitting on the windowsill of an NGR and it will stay there no matter what, which is something I can’t do on a pair of IMU/SMUs (although the refurbished ones do have a smoother ride I’ve noticed.)
2 Likes
You were right on the money - on initial read through of budget papers today and noted the following:
$190.2 million towards implementing the European Train Control System Signalling Program: Phase 1 in the Brisbane Inner City Network.
$166.9 million towards European Train Control Systems Signalling technology between Beenleigh and Varsity Lakes.
3 Likes
CALL ME NOSTRALOTTUS THE WAY I GET THINGS RIGHT
3 Likes
I don’t remember seeing this before…
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/etcs-beenleigh-to-varsity-lakes
2 Likes
^ good find. I can’t remember seeing this before either. 
So I wonder if, when we have ETCS from Exhibition to Varsity Lakes, if we can finally start DOO in Qld?
As much as it would be a great move, I don’t think DOO is coming anytime soon, if ever.
Well ETCS L2 incorporates ATP. That is an important prerequisite for DOO.
My question is how much of the ETCS L2 area will be at GOA2. Obviously it’s planned within the tunnels to enable the platform screen doors, but whether that could/will extend to more of the network as well?
I know that the tunnels are more of closed environment than the rest which might not be as practical, but if it’s doable than surely it’s a worthwhile investment.
Stage 1. Shorncliffe to Moorooka
Stage 2. Beenleigh to Varsity
Part of FLGCR Moorooka to Beenleigh
Part of Beerburrum to Nambour duplication - all north of Northgate(?)
Then what stage will fit in the Airport line, and the Ippy/Springfield lines as that what pairs Shorncliffe line with??
Doombeen, Ferny & Cleveland can wait, right? 
Hmmmm…
It’s quite clear they want to prioritise Sector 1 to use every inch of space as much as possible, which makes me wonder: why not testing on the Kippa-Ring branch instead of Shorncliffe?
Anyways.
While I don’t know the rationale for the decision, I suspect one possible reason might be that the Shorncliffe line is a lower patronage line, therefore keeps the disruptions to a smaller number of passengers.
5 Likes
Yup.
In CRRDA’s own words:
Why was the Shorncliffe line selected for signalling system testing?
The Shorncliffe line was selected to pilot the system due to lower customer numbers compared to other parts of the network.
1 Like