Sunlander - 60 years June 2013

[ozbob]

From Cairns Post 5th April 2013 page 10

Celebrations set for train's milestone

Celebrations set for train's milestone

A QUEENSLAND icon will spread a little birthday joy when it turns 60 this year. Queensland Rail's Sunlander train will offer special customer fares for travel in June, the month of its official birthday June 4.

The train has transported more than three million passengers and Queensland Rail Travel general manager Carol-Anne Nelson said it has fostered plenty of fond memories.

"Everywhere I go throughout Queensland, people tell me about the journeys they remember, travelling home for holidays," she said. "It was a popular honeymoon trip during the baby-boomer postwar years.
People never forget their first Sunlander trip, no matter how young or old they are."

June travel discounts include a 25 per cent discount for the first 60 bookings in Queenslander class, 60 per cent off adult economy fares and $60 seats on June 4.

[ozbob]

http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/TrainHolidays/Pages/HolidaySpecialDetails.aspx?hps=245

Making its journey into history

It was the year of Queen Elizabeth's coronation; Sir Edmund Hillary's scaling of Mt. Everest and The Sunlander passenger train. It commenced on 4th June 1953 this new airconditioned train was hauled by a diesel locomotive and by eliminating the need to change steam locomotives every 300kms due to the limited amount of coal they could carry, the transit time to Cairns was reduced from 45 to 41¼ hours. The seats in the sitting cars were reclinable allowing an opportunity for sleeping or relaxing. The steel carriages provided a much smoother ride and the air-conditioning proved a popular means of transport in Queensland's climate.

Each of the carriages had chilled water fountain dispensers, and onboard showers, a new luxury for travellers who previously had to endure long days being covered in coal dust with limited washing facilities on the train.

The Sunlander has made the journey from Queensland's tropical capital of Brisbane to friendly Cairns for sixty years. This overnight journey weaves along Queensland's east coastline, providing views of ever-changing natural scenery, such as the craggy, volcanic peaks of the Glasshouse Mountains to vast sugar cane plantations.

The 1,031 mile (1,681km) journey, which meanders along the Queensland Coast to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Wilderness takes approximately 31 hours to complete.

[ozbob]

Slim Dusty -- The Sunlander 1955

[ozbob]

Sunlander Rockhampton Townsville Cairns 1988

[ozbob]

I had some great journeys on the Sunlander in my early Army days.  Movements for training etc. were usually by rail.  Quite an adventure rail from Melbourne to Townsville  and Cairns and heading south again for leave and movements.  Overnight on the Spirit ex Melbourne, sometimes the Intercapital Daylight to Sydney, rarely the Southern Aurora, The Brisbane Limited to Brisbane out of Sydney.  Usually a day or so in Brisbane before departure from Roma St.  Had refreshment rooms on the departure platform (what is now platform 3) many a pleasant session there too prior to heading up north on the ' narrow gauge ' ...

[ozbob]

The Sunlander-Paul Kelly & Joy McKean.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Wasn't the Queenslander up and running before the Sunlander was?

[ozbob]

Now you're talking.  My type of train was introduced in 1935, the Sunshine Express!  Wood panelled carriages and steam hauled.  Like being on gigantic pub crawl with steam .... 

Not sure when the ' Queenslander ' was introduced but it was after the commencement of the Sunlander.   Now just the Queenslander class on the Sunlander.

[ozbob]

Dining carriage interior, Sunshine Express, c.1935. Image courtesy of Queensland Rail

http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/great_railway_journeys_of_australia/home

[ozbob]

The Sunlander Dining Car, 1978. Image courtesy of Queensland Rail

http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/great_railway_journeys_of_australia/home?result_6095_result_page=2#slideshow-gallery

[HappyTrainGuy]

Not sure when the ' Queenslander ' was introduced but it was after the commencement of the Sunlander.   Now just the Queenslander class on the Sunlander.

Yeah 2 different trains that were merged back in the early or mid 90's IIRC. The Queenslander had the dark blue/light blue livery with more of the perks until the steel body carriages came around.

[ozbob]

The Sunlander replaced the Sunshine Express. 

[Old Northern Road]

Pretty sure the Queenslander was introduced some time in the early 80's.

[ozbob]

Pretty sure the Queenslander was introduced some time in the early 80's.

Thanks, yes.  The Queenslander made its inaugural run on the 20th April 1986  (ref. J. Kerr, Triumph of Narrow Gauge).

[SteelPan]

Dining carriage interior, Sunshine Express, c.1935. Image courtesy of Queensland Rail

http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/great_railway_journeys_of_australia/home

GGGEEE as a society we've gone backwards - look at that quality setting...now, you get a micro-zapped rubber chook and a drink in a plastic cup...but, it's all World Class!  Soon, you won't even be able to get a sleeper, the New "Worlder Class" Tilt Sunlander won't have 'em...there under consideration, yeah, by the flying pink pigs heading south committee...

Happy Birthday Sunlander - gotta get one more trip on you before you enter the history  books....

[HappyTrainGuy]

Really. The 80's. I recall travelling on it waaaaaay before that. Really the 80's?... although alot has happened in that time which is just past a quarter of a century ago. Hopefully I'm not losing the plot yet haha.

[ozbob]

Yes, 80s the Queenslander commenced.  I cannot recall all my journeys on the Sunlander, but I just know they were terrific!!   

[ozbob]

The Senior --> Sunlander turns 60

[ozbob]

From the ABC News click here!

Historic Sunlander train to make tracks

Historic Sunlander train to make tracks
By Paul Robinson

Queensland Rail (QR) is preparing to retire the historic Sunlander passenger train service.

The 60-year-old Sunlander train travels along the Queensland coast and will go out of service in the next year.

QR spokesman Martin Ryan says it will be replaced by an upgraded high-speed tilt train.

"The tilt trains are coming on board later this year and they'll be having world-class product - a new rail sleeper bed, which is one of the first of its kind and also an upgraded premium economy class," he said.

"The old Sunlander will be retired - she turns 60 on June 4 - we'll be doing a lot of work and working with our tourist officers to see how we can grow and have people have a chance to experience the traditional old rail service."

[Fares_Fair]

From the ABC News click here!

Historic Sunlander train to make tracks

Historic Sunlander train to make tracks
By Paul Robinson

Queensland Rail (QR) is preparing to retire the historic Sunlander passenger train service.

The 60-year-old Sunlander train travels along the Queensland coast and will go out of service in the next year.

QR spokesman Martin Ryan says it will be replaced by an upgraded high-speed tilt train.

"The tilt trains are coming on board later this year and they'll be having world-class product - a new rail sleeper bed, which is one of the first of its kind and also an upgraded premium economy class," he said.

"The old Sunlander will be retired - she turns 60 on June 4 - we'll be doing a lot of work and working with our tourist officers to see how we can grow and have people have a chance to experience the traditional old rail service."

In other words, it won't be any faster given the predominant single line track, and winding curves.

[Stillwater]

No doubt the state government will make great play of the fact that they are bringing into service a 'revolutionary tilt train capable of speeds around 200 km per hour etc and unparalleled comfort' when the reality is that, through the Sunshine Coast, there are sections where it will have to chug along at 70 km per hour - no better than the steam trains of yesteryear.  Just when are we going to focus on the track, particularly when the Sunlander has to pass down the middle of a street in Rockhampton and roll across a rail bridge at Bundaberg at just 15 km per hour without breaking or accelerating for fear that the structure will be compromised?

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Media release 4th June 2013



Australia:  Happy 60th Birthday Sunlander!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has highlighted 60 years of operation of the great Queensland Rail long distance passenger train - the Sunlander today..

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Rail was the transport mode that opened up Queensland and Australia. Long distance passenger rail services are now few in Australia.  Queensland has continued with long distance passenger rail and provides a number of services besides the Sunlander, namely the Inlander, Westlander, Spirit of the Outback, and Tilt Train services on the North Coast Line."

"The Sunlander has been operating 60 years today.  What a testament to the longevity of rail!"

"Happy Birthday to the Sunlander!"

References:

1. http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/TrainHolidays/Pages/HolidaySpecialDetails.aspx?hps=245

2. Sunlander - 60 years June 2013 http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9827.0

3. Slim Dusty The Sunlander 1955

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

QRNational's 2190D + 2479D haul #3C37 (The Sunlander) between Babinda & Cairns.

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Qld's Sunlander train on track to celebrate 60 years

[ozbob]

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.610524478965916.1073741827.139321872752848&type=1

[Golliwog]

Anyone know if the steam train that was waiting on the loop at Mayne below the FG flyover this morning (around 8:40-8:50 or something like that) had anything to do with this? That's all I could think of.

[petey3801]

Anyone know if the steam train that was waiting on the loop at Mayne below the FG flyover this morning (around 8:40-8:50 or something like that) had anything to do with this? That's all I could think of.

Nah, the steamer was just returning to the Ippy Workshops after a few runs over the weekend.

[Golliwog]

Anyone know if the steam train that was waiting on the loop at Mayne below the FG flyover this morning (around 8:40-8:50 or something like that) had anything to do with this? That's all I could think of.

Nah, the steamer was just returning to the Ippy Workshops after a few runs over the weekend.

Ahhhk cool. Got a few second looks from surprised passengers on my train.

[ozbob]

Cheap tickets available for a farewell ride on the Sunlander ..

--> http://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/Bookyourtrip/Railbookings/Pages/Bookonline.aspx

RAIL SEAT SALE

Available for sale from 11 January - 25 January 2014, unless sold out before. For travel between 13 January - 31 March 2014, subject to change and availability. One-way $29 fares available for all travel sectors on Economy seats only on the Rockhampton and Bundaberg Tilt Trains and Sunlander services. Bookings must be made outside of 48 hours prior to departure.

Bookings made online must select 'E-Now' option. Bookings are instant purchase only, no hold bookings can be made.

Changes to bookings are not permitted. Fares are non-refundable and non-transferable. No other concessions are available with this offer. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No discount applies to the RailBus services connecting to and from these services i.e. Whitsundays, Hervey Bay and Yeppoon coach services.

[Stillwater]

Hummm.... is it feasible to contemplate a RailBOT excursion to, say, Bundaberg and back over a weekend - spending a bit of money there (meals/accommodation) to contribute to that community's recovery from the floods?

[James]

One problem with a weekend trip would be that the Sunday Sunlander comes through around 6:54am, and the earliest Tilt arrives at 3:30pm in the arvo. May be better to go up on the 4:55pm Tilt on Friday afternoon.

I have looked at (my own) logistics of taking the Sunlander up to/back from Cairns, but at this point the train timings just don't line up well given that I am at work from the 28th of January onwards Monday - Thursday, and accommodation on the Cairns end would likely cost more than the return trip.

[SurfRail]

I'm looking at doing Queenslander class up and back but it appears that it is only being offered on one of the return trips per week until the end of March, and not the one most useful to me. 

If it reverts to both trains for the last few months of operation then I will try to grab a journey over the ANZAC Day weekend as I am on leave the preceding 2 weeks anyway.  May have to duck into the travel centre at Central during lunch.

[minbrisbane]

^ I've always liked KTM's booking system, it's a little clunky, but fantastic!

[SurfRail]

Booked my return trip for the end of April.  Queenslander Class all the way in both directions.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Tickets go on sale for a piece of history

Queenslanders can now book to ride the 60-year-old Sunlander train for its final service on New Year's Eve before it retires, making way for the state-of-the-art Spirit of Queensland trains.

Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson Minister said tickets are now on sale for passengers interested in being part of history.

"Tickets are expected to sell fast for the Sunlander's final journey along the Queensland coastline between Brisbane and Cairns," Mr Emerson said.

"The retirement of the Sunlander train is the end of an era for Queensland Rail andwe can celebrate one of Australia's longest running and most spectacular rail journeys.

"Long distance passenger services from Brisbane to Cairns are changing as a result of our $200 million investment to build and refurbish three Spirit of Queensland trains, keeping our election promise to revitalise frontline services."

Mr Emerson said the Sunlander train service had provided more than 3 million passengers with a unique rail journey.

"The final service Sunlander train will make its departure travelling northbound from Brisbane to Cairns on Sunday, December 28 and will return southbound Cairns to Brisbane for its official final journey on Wednesday, December 31," Mr Emerson said.

"We are also running special historical departures with Queensland Rail historian Greg Hallam on selected dates, sharing with passengers some of our most memorable stories since the Sunlander was first introduced in 1953.

"The first Spirit of Queensland joined Queensland Rail's fleet in October 2013, with two additional units in service before the Sunlander's retirement in December.

"The Spirit of Queensland fleet will include state-of-the-art rail-bed seating and entertainment, along with a high speed, smooth and comfortable ride."

For more information or to book online visit www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/sunlanderfarewell or call 1300 655 826.

[techblitz]

Any seat, any sector, any day now just $61.00*

The Sunlander's retirement will mark a significant milestone in Queensland's rail history. At 61 years of age, The Sunlander is well renowned both nationally and internationally as an iconic rail adventure with more than 3 million customers travelling since 1953.

There is much to reminisce about The Sunlander, from the freshly made scones in the dining car, the world class cuisine made from local produce featured in Queenslander Class to the enjoyable conversations in the club car as travellers socialise with other customers onboard.

Sale Dates: 19 July - 2 August 2014
Travel Dates: 21 July - 31 December 2014

http://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/Experiences/Packages/Pages/SunlanderSpecials.aspx

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Passengers enjoy Queensland's Sunlander train as locomotive makes final journey

[pandmaster]

This was on earlier tonight: the penultimate episode of 7:30 QLD.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-28/all-aboard-as-sunlander-approaches-end-of-the-line/5927314

[ozbob]

Farewell Sunlander.  Final trip to Cairns tomorrow ... has been on the news here in Melbourne on 3AW.

Had many enjoyable trips on the Sunlander over the years.