InterCity Express (Queensland Rail)

Walkers-ABB InterCity Express (ICE) are a model of electric multiple unit used by Citytrain in South East Queensland, Australia. They were built for a North Coast Line service between Brisbane and Rockhampton, the 'Spirit Of Capricorn'. The trains are now used on commuter rail services in South East Queensland.

History

Spirit of Capricorn

Queensland Rail introduced the ICE sets in 1988, for use on the North Coast Line between Brisbane and Rockhampton. The service was named the 'Spirit Of Capricorn' and boasted 2+1 seating and a trolley service. It reduced the journey time by a few hours when first introduced. In 1998, the faster QR Electric Tilt Train replaced most 'Spirit of Capricorn' services, which were reduced to once a week from 1998 then discontinued on 24 May 2003, when the diesel Tilt Train service to Cairns was launched. The ICEs were transferred to Citytrain for interurban services on the Nambour and Gympie North Line.

The trains have recently undergone a makeover, adding new high-visibility lights, yellow doors, upgraded toilets and a changed to squared-off windows on the cabs, instead of the original wrap-around windows.

Present use

Since 2003, ICEs have been used by Citytrain for interurban services exclusively on the Nambour and Gympie North Line. They no longer operate on the Gold Coast Line; despite their origin as long-distance trains and their higher standards of comfort (greater than the IMU sets), the narrow width, positioning and hinged...
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