QR Media Releases - for information

[ozbob]

20 June 2008

Major track works to improve the QR interurban rail network

Line closed Park Road/Dutton Park to Lindum
Friday 20 June ? Sunday 22 June 2008

QR wishes to advise passengers that QR interurban rail services between Park Road/Dutton Park and Lindum will be disrupted this weekend to enable major track work to deliver on our commitment to improve services to our customers.

QR Passenger Executive General Manager Paul Scurrah said QR had arranged buses to operate on all timetable services both inbound and outbound between Dutton Park and Lindum from 8.00pm Friday 20 June to last train Sunday 22 June 2008.

?We regret any inconvenience this disruption may cause our passengers,? Mr Scurrah said.

?In an effort to minimise disruptions, Cleveland train services will run altered, travelling from Park Road to Dutton Park, with buses stopping all stations between Dutton Park and Lindum.

?I urge people to allow an extra 30 minutes to get to their destination.

?There will also be connecting trains to Brisbane City and Cleveland, with TransLink Transit Officers and QR Customer Service Officers also on hand to assist people with their journeys.?

?This weekend?s track closure is to enable construction of the North South Bypass and Eastern Busway project to improve public transport for existing and future residents in Brisbane?s south-eastern suburbs,? Mr Scurrah said.

Mr Scurrah said QR apologised to passengers for any inconvenience caused by this temporary change.

?I would like to thank our customers for their patience while we build a better public transport system across south-east Queensland.?

Future line closures will continue over the next few years as QR delivers an extensive infrastructure plan to cater for the expected growth across the state?s south-east corner and to meet additional demand for services.

Under the Queensland Government?s South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program 2007-2026, the project is part of approximately $7 billion that has been committed to investigate, plan and build a better rail network, including 144 kilometres of new track and 44 new trains.

For timetable information please call TransLink on 131230, visit www.translink.com.au or for further information a QR customer service officer is available on 07 3606 5555.

ENDS

[ozbob]

QR Corporate Affairs

23 June 2008

Regional Queenslanders enjoy cut-price train fares to Brisbane

QR Traveltrain has released heavily discounted winter fares on the Bundaberg Tilt Train to Brisbane, making
a short weekend getaway easier and more accessible for regional Queenslanders.

The special offer includes passenger discounts of up to 30 per cent for all economy and business class
bookings made for the Bundaberg Tilt Train throughout winter, up to and including 31 August 2008.

Executive General Manager QR Passenger Paul Scurrah said QR Traveltrain released the discount to allow
regional customers and their families living within a few hours drive of Brisbane easy access to the city.

?A short weekend getaway is what everyone needs at this time of the year, whether they travel to Brisbane
to meet up with their family or visit colleagues for a business conference,? Mr Scurrah said.

?QR Tilt Train passengers can be certain they will find much to do in Brisbane this winter. One weekend
won?t be enough.

?There is so much to do in Brisbane ? from the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, to cruising the Brisbane River
on a Citycat, to indulging at one of Brisbane?s major shopping precincts ? Brisbane has it all.?

Mr Scurrah said the QR Tilt Train fleet is recognised as having the fastest narrow gauge trains in the world
and can travel from Brisbane to Cairns in just 24 hours, stopping at 28 regional centres along the way.

?Travelling on a QR Tilt Train in Queensland is unique ? you can leave worries of parking your car and
combating city traffic at home, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey with family and friends,?
he said.

?A QR Tilt Train journey is an excellent way to make a long car drive a short, exciting rail adventure where
you arrive at your destination within a few hours.?

The special 30 per cent discount fare will apply on all economy and business class bookings made
on the following QR Bundaberg Tilt Train services up to and including 31 August 2008.

? Tilt Train Southbound ? 5.15am from Bundaberg station Monday to Friday
? Tilt Train Northbound ? 5pm from Roma Street station Monday to Thursday
? Tilt Train Northbound ? 5pm from Roma Street station Friday and Sunday

Book your special discounted seats by calling QR Traveltrain today on 1800 TRAINS (1800 872 467).

[ozbob]

3 July 2008

Major track works to improve the QR Citytrain network

Line closed Petrie to Nambour/Gympie North
Saturday 5 July ? Sunday 6 July 2008

QR wishes to advise passengers that QR Citytrain services between Petrie and Gympie North will be disrupted this weekend to enable major track work to deliver on our commitment to improve services to our customers.

QR Passenger Executive General Manager Paul Scurrah said QR had arranged buses to operate on all timetable services both inbound and outbound between Petrie and Gympie North from the first train Saturday 5 July to the last train Sunday 6 July 2008.

?We regret any inconvenience this disruption may cause our passengers,? Mr Scurrah said.

?In an effort to minimise disruptions, buses will stop at all stations from Petrie to Gympie North, with connecting trains to Brisbane City.

?I urge people to allow an extra 30 minutes to get to their destination and Guardian Train services may also be affected during this time.

?TransLink Transit Officers and QR Customer Service Officers will also be on hand to assist people with their journeys.?

This work is due to the continuation of major track work and maintenance across the network aimed at improving QR?s service to customers.

Mr Scurrah said QR apologised to passengers for any inconvenience caused by this temporary change.

?I would like to thank our customers for their patience while we build a better public transport system across south-east Queensland,? he said.

For timetable information please call TransLink on 131230, visit www.translink.com.au or for further information a QR customer service officer is available on 07 3606 5555.

For more information: QR Corporate Affairs 07 3235 2180 / 0409 494 296.

ENDS

[ozbob]

7 July 2008

QR discounts Whitsunday train travel after airlines cut flights

Travel to the Whitsundays has become more accessible thanks to QR Traveltrain?s special discounted
fares, offering rail journeys from $99 one-way.

With savings of up to 40 per cent, discount fares apply to all Tilt Train services and The Sunlander
departures from Brisbane to the Whitsunday Coast, giving passengers easy access to the region. *

QR Passenger Executive General Manager Paul Scurrah said the discount fares were introduced after
several regular regional flights to the Whitsunday Coast were cut by airline operators.

?QR has reacted to this opportunity by reducing its standard fare structure to assist local residents and
tourists who are planning to travel to the Whitsunday Coast,? Mr Scurrah said.

?The discounted train fares are the perfect opportunity for travellers planning to visit the Whitsundays
region for the weekend or for an extended holiday.?

QR Traveltrain?s discounted Whitsunday Coast fares range from $99 between Brisbane and Proserpine
one-way in an Economy Class seat on The Sunlander, to $149 in a Business Class seat one-way on
the Tilt Train.

?The comfort and space in Business Class on our Tilt Train services is worth the extra few dollars for
the length of the journey,? Mr Scurrah said.

?Passengers can sit back, relax, and watch Queensland?s best scenery pass them by ? while the
friendly QR Traveltrain staff do the rest for them.?

QR Traveltrain?s Tilt Train services are the fastest narrow gauge trains in the world and can travel at
speeds of up to 160km/h, providing an efficient, comfortable and world-class standard of travel.

Onboard entertainment systems allow passengers to select from multiple video channels ? featuring
new release films, classic movies, comedy, kids entertainment and journey information ? or tune into a
number of audio channels offering a wide range of music styles.

Each passenger has access to a personal power point for plugging in laptops, hand-held computer
games or other personal electrical equipment.

The discounted Whitsunday fares also apply to economy travel on The Sunlander, where relaxation and
a great social atmosphere have made it one of Australia?s prestigious rail journeys and a firm favourite
with travellers between Brisbane and the tropical north.

?QR Traveltrain can also coordinate bus connections with Trainlink connections between Proserpine
station and Airlie Beach,? Mr Scurrah said.

For more information on this special Whitsunday rail fare offer call QR Traveltrain today on 1800 872
467, visit www.traveltrain.com.au or contact your local travel agent.

* All fares are non-refundable. Travel valid on all services on The Sunlander or Cairns Tilt Train from 12 July 2008 to 31 August 2008.

[ozbob]

11 July 2008

Ride the rails to see the whales at Fraser Coast

QR Traveltrain has released exclusive whale watching season rail fares, offering short haul Tilt
Train journeys between Brisbane and Hervey Bay from $103 return.*

The rail fares are discounted by 30 per cent, and are available in conjunction with whale watching
accommodation and tour packages, giving passengers access to close encounters with humpback
whales during their annual migration to temperate waters between Hervey Bay and Fraser Island.

Executive General Manager QR Passenger Paul Scurrah says the Fraser Coast has never been

easier or cheaper to access, thanks to QR Traveltrain?s special rail and holiday packages.

?With our tailored holiday packages, you can leave the car at home, pack up the kids, and head
north on the Tilt Train for an unforgettable whale watching adventure,? Mr Scurrah said.

?The whale watching season attracts thousands of tourists and locals between late July and early
November. Hervey Bay is the perfect location to experience one of the world?s wondrous creatures,
the humpback whale, in its natural habitat.?

From $463 per person twin share, QR Traveltrain is offering three and four day whale watching
packages. These include return Tilt Train journey from Brisbane to Maryborough and
accommodation at Mantra at Hervey Bay or the award-winning Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser
Island.

?Fraser Island offers direct access to the whales, where you have the perfect opportunity to come
face-to-face with these magnificent creatures,? Mr Scurrah said.

?In Queensland we are fortunate the humpback whales choose Hervey Bay as one of their
favourite spots to stop off as they migrate north each year.?

Mr Scurrah said travelling on QR?s Tilt Train was the easiest, fastest, and best way to get to the
Fraser Coast.

?Travelling by Tilt Train is a different experience from driving or flying ? it allows you to sit back,
relax, and enjoy the passing scenery with family and friends,? he said.

?Travelling by train instead of driving will help you arrive refreshed and ready to start your whale
watching adventure.?

For more information on discounted Tilt Train rail fares or QR Traveltrain whale watching
adventure packages, call Traveltrain today on 1300 853 090 or visit www.traveltrain.com.au

* Fare is applicable for travel from 1 August 2008 to 31 October 2008, excluding from 22 September to 3 October 2008 (inclusive). Discounted rail fare is only applicable in conjunction with whale watching accommodation and tour package bookings. Fares and tickets are non-refundable.

[ozbob]

Southern Queensland retains QR?s Silver Spike title

13 August 2008

Queensland-wide supremacy in the century-old art of manual railway tracklaying remains with a team from Southern Queensland after a thrilling grand final of the QR Silver Spike Competition at the Royal Queensland Show at the RNA Showgrounds today.

The defending champions held off the All Stars team by just six seconds before a vocal crowd on People's Day at the 'Ekka'.

The victorious fettlers from Toowoomba, Gatton, Glasshouse Mountains, Rockhampton and Sunrise Beach laid 13 metres of standard gauge track before jumping onto a four-wheeled pumpcar and racing to the end of the course in five minutes and 27 seconds.

Their jubilation was clear after judges confirmed their win by checking that their track met safety and technical specifications.

They also won the safety award as the team with the fewest penalties over the three days.
Since earlier this year 12 teams have competed in regional finals in Dalby, Biloela and Townsville to qualify for the right to compete at the Ekka over the last three days.

In the previous race today Northern Queensland beat Central Queensland by 20 seconds (five minutes and 44 seconds versus six minutes and four seconds) in a play-off for third and fourth place of the competition, which has been running at the Ekka since 1992.

Deputy Premier and Acting Minister for Transport Paul Lucas set the teams on their way by ringing a bell after master of ceremonies Richard Champion 'revved' up the crowd while theme song QR Men of Steel played in the background.

Minister Lucas said the Silver Spike showcased the strength and teamwork of the QR tracklaying workforce.
?This event not only preserves the century old tradition of manual tracklaying, it shows there are still plenty of fettlers around to demonstrate their might,? he said.

The four teams competing this year were:

? Southern Queensland (including members from Toowoomba, Gatton, Glasshouse Mountains, Rockhampton and Sunrise Beach)

? Central Queensland (including members from Sarina, Mackay and Moranbah)

? Northern Queensland (including members from Townsville, Ingham, Charters Towers, Hughenden and Cardwell)

? All Star team (with members from Chinchilla, Nudgee, Roma, Mackay,
Alpha, Yeppoon and Brisbane)

SILVER SPIKE BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The art of tracklaying in Queensland has been forged over more than a century since the first line was commissioned between Ipswich and Grandchester on 31 July, 1865. Based on teamwork, skill and strength, the tracklaying gangs pioneered new rail routes across the state, providing the lifeline for new communities and opening up new rural and mining industries.

QR?s Silver Spike Rail Race revives the century-old tradition of manual tracklaying in an exciting and entertaining spectator event, as teams of railway workers battle it out throughout Queensland.

In a test of strength and skill, the teams of six people lay 13 metres of standard track side by side in a race against the clock. Upon completion of the track, which must meet safety and technical specifications, the rail gangs jump onto a four-wheeled pumpcar and race to the end.

The first Silver Spike Rail Race was held at the RNA Show at the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds in 1992. Western Queensland was the inaugural winner.

A total of 12 teams have competed in their respective regional finals in 2008, held in Dalby, Biloela and Townsville.

The winning teams, competing in Brisbane, represent the best of the ?gun fettlers? from across Queensland.

Previous State Champions

2007 ? Southern Queensland (Toowoomba District Team)
2006 ? Southern Queensland (Toowoomba District Team)
2005 ? Southern Queensland (Toowoomba District Team)

ENDS

[ozbob]

Spoil Dad onboard a Steam Train this Fathers Day

What do you give the man who has everything for Fathers Day? Why not spoil Dad with a
journey on a really big train set.

QR?s Steam Train Sunday will help people celebrate a special Fathers Day on Sunday, 7
September aboard ?Old Faithful? - the BB181/4 1079 ?The Bety? steam locomotive.

Travelling in one of QR?s beautiful vintage carriages through inner Brisbane suburbs on the
Sherwood Loop, passengers will experience a bygone era.

QR Passenger Executive General Manager Paul Scurrah said Steam Train Sunday had never
been so popular and tickets for the Fathers Day special were selling fast.

?We offer families and train buffs a rare opportunity to experience just how far train technology
has come over the years,? Mr Scurrah said.

An initiative of QR?s heritage program, Steam Train Sunday takes passengers back to the
nostalgic days when the sights, sounds and atmosphere of an authentic steam train journey
held a very special aura.

Steam locomotive 1079 was built by Walkers Ltd of Maryborough, in 1956, and since 1970 has
travelled much of the state, as a special events locomotive for QR.

With three departures on Sunday, 7 September, ?Old Faithful? will head off from Platform 3 at
Roma Street station at 10am, 11.30am and 1pm.

During its one hour journey the train will travel via South Brisbane, Sherwood, and the
Exhibition loop, and back to Roma Street station.

Each departure has a capacity of 300 passengers and steam train fans and families are being
urged to book their tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets are priced at $15.40 for adults and $7.70 for children over four, $2.20 for children
under four, with a special family fare of $44.00 (2 adults and 2 children) also available.

Bookings are essential and places are strictly limited - please call Traveltrain Holidays on 1300
732 087 or visit your local QR Travel Centre to secure your seat.

For more information on upcoming Steam Train Sunday events visit www.citytrain.com.au

[ozbob]

23 September 2008

Rail deals the answer to rising fuel prices

Rail is proving an even more appealing option for travellers wanting to travel short or long
distances, with QR today announcing a 20 per cent discount on all Traveltrain services
between 13 October 2008 and 31 January 2009.

QR Passenger Executive General Manager Paul Scurrah said given the current economic
climate, people should consider rail as a transportation option when planning a trip.

?With petrol prices continuing to soar, this rail discount is an added incentive for everyone,
from backpackers, to retirees, to families with young children, wanting to experience the joy of
travelling by rail,? Mr Scurrah said.

The 20 per cent discount off the normal adult fare includes Traveltrain seats and berth prices,
as well as Queenslander Class (Queenslander Class promotion runs until 31 March).

For example, the discounted adult fare from Brisbane to Bundaberg onboard The Sunlander is
$52.80 and Brisbane to Rockhampton is $83.60 - discounts of $13.20 and $20.90 respectively.

?Rail offers travellers a stress-free alternative to spending hours in the car or waiting at the
airport and allows you to arrive at your destination completely relaxed,? Mr Scurrah said.

?Passengers can enjoy the air-conditioned comfort of the train as they watch the breathtaking
Queensland landscape as it passes them by.?

The discounts are available throughout Queensland, with the standby fare from Mt Isa to
Townsville now $87 instead of $124 - a saving of $37.

For more information on the Traveltrain 20 per cent discount offer please visit a QR Travel
Centre, your accredited travel agent, call 1800 TRAINS (872 467) or visit www.traveltrain.com.au.

-ENDS

[ozbob]

3 November 2008

Head out west on a home grown Aussie outback adventure

For those looking to spend the Christmas holidays a little closer to home, there has never been
a better time to travel with the family by rail, exploring the great Australian outback.

Recently awarded best ?Major Tourist Attraction? at the 2008 Outback Queensland Tourism
Awards, Traveltrain?s overnight relaxing rail journey aboard the Spirit of the Outback is a must
do on your Christmas list.

QR Passenger Executive General Manager, Paul Scurrah, said previous outback holiday
offers had proved exceptionally popular with customers.

?There?s no denying the magic of the Australian outback and the sell-out success of our recent
outback holiday packages is testament to the appeal of the rugged west,? Mr Scurrah said.
?To help meet demand this year we are offering two outback adventures for avid travellers and
families.

?Each holiday package offers a unique outback experience with the opportunity to meet true
blue Aussie characters and take in the rugged yet breathtaking beauty of the outback.?
?With a rail adventure your holiday begins the moment you board the train - mingle with fellow
passengers over a drink in the club car, or just sit back, relax and watch the scenery roll by.?

Mr Scurrah said the upcoming release of Baz Luhrmann?s film Australia could further fuel
interest in Queensland outback holiday adventures.

Travelling with Traveltrain, holidaymakers can choose between adventures to Longreach
onboard the Spirit of the Outback, or to Charleville onboard The Westlander.

Both packages include tours, allowing customers to really explore and experience the outback.

An overview of each package is outlined below:

Outback Colours and Winton Wonders

? First class accommodation onboard Spirit of the Outback
? 4 nights accommodation in Longreach
? Continental breakfast daily
? Entry to the Stockman?s Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Outback Museum
? Full day trip to Winton
? Sunset cruise on the MV Longreach Explorer
? $1,023 per person, ex Brisbane, Twin Share

Get Down and Dusty

? First class accommodation on board The Westlander
? Connecting coach from Charleville to Cunnamulla
? 2 nights accommodation in Cunnamulla, including breakfast daily
? Sunset river cruise on the Warrego River
? Farming demonstrations
? $869 per person, ex Brisbane, Twin Share

The Outback Colours and Winton Wonders and Get Down and Dusty outback offers are valid
for travel between 1 January 2009 and April 30 2009.

For more information, or to book, phone 1800 627 655, visit www.traveltrain.com.au or see
your local QR Travel Centre.

[ozbob]

25 November 2008

Time to let off some steam before Christmas

With just a few short weeks until Christmas it?s all aboard for the last Steam Train Sunday of the year
on Sunday 7 December with not one, but two steam trains on show.

For just $44 per family, it?s an ideal pre-Christmas gift with the family, taking a nostalgic trip back in
time onboard both ?The Yank? and ?Bety? heritage locomotives.

The journey will see the two locomotives joined together in a double-headed configuration to haul a
train of heritage carriages, offering you more steam for your dollar during each of the three departures
from Roma Street station.

QR Passenger Executive General Manager, Paul Scurrah, said the two-for-one Steam Train Sunday
deal was expected to draw big crowds, from rail buffs to families alike.

?On show in December is ?The Yank? - one of 20 steam locomotives imported from the United States
during World War II,? Mr Scurrah said.

After ?The Yank? retired from service in May 1968, it was restored by the QR Heritage Rollingstock
Maintenance team at Ipswich Workshops and returned to operation in May 2003.

?Travelling with ?The Yank? is the grand old lady ?Bety? - BB18? 1079, which celebrated fifty years in
operation in December 2006,? he said.

On Sunday 7 December ?The Yank? and the ?Bety? locomotives will head up the train together, with
three departures from Platform 3 at Roma Street station at 10am, 11.30am and 1pm.

Tickets are priced at $15.40 for adults and $7.70 for children over four, $2.20 for children under four,
with a special family fare of $44 (2 adults and 2 children) also available.

Bookings are essential and places are strictly limited - call Traveltrain Holidays on 1300 732 087 or visit
your local QR Travel Centre to secure your seat.

Over the past few months, Steam Train Sunday has consistently run at close to 90 per cent occupancy,
with up to 850 people each month enjoying the adventure of travelling onboard a steam train.
Travelling in one of QR?s beautiful vintage carriages, through the inner Brisbane suburbs on the
picturesque Sherwood loop, passengers can explore the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the bygone
steam train era.

An initiative of QR?s heritage program, Steam Train Sunday takes passengers back to the nostalgic
days of steam train travel and it is a great day out for people of all ages.

Each journey has a capacity of 300 passengers and steam train enthusiasts and families are
encouraged to book their tickets early to avoid disappointment.

[ozbob]

Some photographs of Steam Train Sunday 7th December, first trip.

Tennyson










Sprinted over to Graceville





Photographs R Dow 7th December 2008

[ozbob]

Second time around, some photographs at Sherwood











Photographs R Dow 7th December 2008

[ozbob]

Third and final trip at Sherwood for the day ..















Photographs R Dow 7th December 2008

[ozbob]

The Sunlander arriving (12noon) for departure to Cairns at 1.25pm.
Platform 10 Roma St



Photographs R Dow 11th December 2008

[ozbob]

QR wins rail maintenance contract worth up to $100m
2 February 2009

National transport & logistics company QR has won a contract worth up to $100m to provide maintenance services for Australia's interstate rail network.

In an eight year deal, QR will provide rail grinding services to the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), which manages interstate, standard (1.435 metres) gauge track and NSW freight lines including the Hunter Valley coal chain.

This is the largest external contract won by QR?s services business and increases its share of the national rail grinding market to 70 per cent from 40 per cent two years ago.

It also continues the expansion of QR Services which secured new business in Western Australia and Tasmania last year.

QR Services has a workforce of more than 5,000 and offers design, procurement, construction, maintenance and management services.

?Winning this contract in the open market is testament to our expertise, experience, technical excellence and leading edge technology but is not at the expense of our ability to service the Queensland rail network,? QR Chief Executive Officer Lance Hockridge said.

QR will grind approximately 3,000km of ARTC?s 10,000km network each year from Brisbane to Kalgoorlie, with approximately half of the work to be carried out in the Hunter Valley.

Last year QR Services won $20 million contracts to deliver rail grinding services for WestNet Rail in Western Australia and replace rail and sleepers in Tasmania for the Tasmanian Government.

Rail grinding extends the life of tracks and trains by using powerful machines to return tracks to their original shape, reducing vibration, fuel usage and wear and tear.

As QR?s Queensland network is predominantly narrow (1.067 metre) gauge, the rail grinding will be carried out by a dedicated Newcastle-based team using a new Loram machine imported from the United States.

The new machinery is more efficient and fully automated, predicting the best method to improve the track while removing the minimal amount of metal, and cutting grinding time by 75 per cent.

Rail grinding work is expected to start in June.

http://www.corporate.qr.com.au/Corporate/News_Room/Current/Press_releases/835.asp

[ozbob]

21 April 2009

QR unveils largest track maintenance machine in the southern hemisphere

QR is ready to roll out a new $28 million track maintenance machine, a 180m long, 740 tonne, fully automated behemoth which will grind train tracks in regional Queensland.

The US built and Australian assembled machine, the largest in the southern hemisphere will commence work on the Goonyella coal network later this month.

QR Services Executive General Manager Lindsay Cooper said the new machine would cut rail grinding maintenance time by up to 75 per cent, which allowed more freight and coal trains to use the network. ?QR is Australia?s largest rail infrastructure business, we have a network of more than 10,000km of rail and the responsibility and capability to maintain it,? Mr Cooper said.

?As well as maintaining the track we own and operate in Queensland, we are also providing similar services in other areas of the country.

?We were recently successful in securing a $100 million, eight year contract to provide rail grinding for 3000km of track throughout four mainland states, as well an additional contract for similar work in Western Australia.

?The purchase of this machine shows our confidence in the future of coal and freight hauling in Queensland; we want to provide an efficient, safe and well maintained network for all of our customers.? Rail grinding repairs the wear and tear on train tracks caused by trains carrying heavy loads over extended periods of time.

By effectively shaving the top of the train tracks to restore them to their original shape, the track lasts longer and locomotives and wagons running on the tracks use less fuel and have reduced wheel wear, resulting in large cost savings on maintenance and providing a safer and more economical railway. Everything about the Loram machine is big: the machine has 5 x 1000hp engines delivering a combined 5000hp of power (a family sedan has about 230hp), it has 80 x 30hp grind motors providing 2400hp of power to rectify and maintain the rail and it carries up to 90,000L of water for fire suppression and 48,000L of diesel to keep the machine running.

Onboard lasers and computer systems measure the track in real time, effectively allowing the minimum amount of metal to be removed from the top of the track to restore it to back to original condition. Because the machine produces sparks, it has sophisticated fire suppression equipment, including three tiered spark containment shields and foam injected water to pre-wet the track. Large extraction fans produce 15,000 cubic feet per minute of suction to capture all the waste metal and sparks in large hoppers on board the machine.

The machine also has a fully self-contained fire fighting operation including remote controlled fire cannons, hoses, a series of different water spray systems and fire fighting support vehicles. The Loram rail grinding machine will now move to Mackay where it is expected to be put to operational service from 18 May 2009.

[ozbob]

http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/AboutUs/MediaCentre/MediaReleases/Pages/Derailmentmediastatement.aspx

Derailment media statement

20/09/2010
"Queensland Rail has begun an investigation following the derailment of 11 empty wagons of a QR National freight train on the North Coast line at Babinda on Friday night.

"Work has begun immediately to recover the train from the line, however, the extent of track damage is yet to be determined. Wet weather has also affected recovery efforts.

"Queensland Rail is transporting customers by bus between Townsville and Cairns, while train services are continuing to operate between Townsville and Brisbane with minimal disruption for customers."

[ozbob]

http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/AboutUs/MediaCentre/MediaReleases/Pages/Centrallinefloodingclosure.aspx

Central line flooding closure

20/09/2010
"The central rail line between Rockhampton and Longreach is closed due to flooding in Central Queensland.

"The Spirit of the Outback train service has been terminated at Racecourse Creek in Alpha.

"Queensland Rail has made alternative travel arrangements for its customers on board this service, to minimise disruption to their travels.

"Buses will replace train services along the Central line between Alpha and Rockhampton. Buses will also transport customers from Rockhampton to Brisbane.

"The line will reopen once the flood waters have subsided.