21 hours in Economy - The Inlander Train Townsville to Mount Isa, Queensland Rail

[@kylegleeson8638]

Nice video Rory! The Inlander is run as a hook and pull contract, like Journey Beyond's Ghan and Indian Pacific, any rail company can operate it. The reason for a 2800 is due to a Long End Leading ban imposed state-wide due to a collision in Central Queensland, to get the passenger carriages in Townsville the locomotive has to LEL roughly 15 kilometres along the NCL. A 2300 class (GT22LC-2 12 cylinder turbocharged 645 diesel engine) fitted with a toilet ran this service prior. The 2300 has better acceleration, which helps at the crossing loops along the Mount Isa Line which are limited to 25kph in either direction, even if it is on the main.

[@AnonyDave]

This is my other love of this channel. The people who happen to have the insider (or just better connections) knowledge of our transport system :)

[@lindavainomae3489]

I was wondering about the loco in Aurizon livery - so thanks for the information on how these services work.

[@kiranator]

big gleeso

[@කස්සා-ව9ච]

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[@jashugg]

As much as I love train travel, I don’t think I could do it sitting up overnight in that seat. I tried it on the Spirit of Tasmania once and that was bearable but that seat had plenty of legroom, recline and width. So thanks for this video, you did it so I don’t have to!

[@brilliantbutblue]

I agree with you!!

[@marks1056]

I did a cruise seat on the Spirit after the Ansett collapse, people all around me seemed to stay up all night doing everything but sleeping, definitely would not do it again...

[@brilliantbutblue]

@@marks1056 : LOL, glad you had a good trip👍

[@philipg6463]

That train is a museum relic. Hope it would be replaced and bring it into the 21st century. Great review and totally watchable.

[@wrestlcub]

It's heartening to know that Queensland will be investing in passenger rail. Thank you for another interesting video!

[@aussiejohn5835]

Rory, you have done it again, another entertaining, educational and honest train review. I have had many curtain wars on the NSW XPT trains with people who don't want any sunlight to invade their personal space. I wish they would travel at night and leave the scenery for me to enjoy. Looking forward to your next video Rory, stay safe.

[@Dalts1985]

Simple Fix, book an XAM Car A Daysitter Compartment; you’ll likely have the entire compartment too yaself…

[@aussiejohn5835]

@@Dalts1985 Thanks for the suggestion and I just might do that on my next XPT day journey.

[@trooperdgb9722]

Sorry about that...some of us are actually rather glare sensitive...

[@michaeldonahoo461]

Rory Ding can smell a power outlet at 100 paces!

[@RoryDing]

😂😂😂 power point is important

[@michaeldonahoo461]

@@RoryDing It is indeed, as are your videos. Keep doing them. Like your friendly style and the way you find and deliver good information!

[@Nae395]

Thanks for taking one for the team Rory. You would think they could lash out on some fresh milk 😊

[@brilliantbutblue]

Considering when loading the food/beverages they are literally carrying grocery bags from Woolies, could of picked some up whilst there👍

[@Nae395]

@@brilliantbutblue that's exactly what I thought. All of that packaged food was appaling. Those 250ml fresh milks would be so good.

[@adrianbanks4487]

Love the train clips Rory. Best thing to watch while Sydney has been in lockdown

[@alexdeng-grade5pianoexam942]

Same, kinda getting depression not being able to go outside as much

[@sheenabelle2816]

Same! We are almost at the end of it

[@debramage739]

Wonderful journey Rory, glad you could sleep well and no crying babies. 😆

[@rosefromoz694]

A great review Rory (as always) ...I wouldn't do it if you paid me! A very very long long time ago I was a Supervisor on the Dining Car...when this route had a full dining service plus sleeper cabins ah those were the days!

[@darwinitis]

Another excellent video Rory. The child who wished you luck with your YourTubing was a sweet country kid. They seemed very interested :)

[@axan50transportproductions]

Wow impressive video.I couldn't imagine Australia having such a beautiful landscape.

[@brentmcc6048]

I have been watching for a while now and regardless of all the negative comments I think you give a very extensive view of your journeys. As a person who worked for the NSW Railways for 27 years I do see the sad side of how the Australian Governments have reduced the great thing that rail could be and how it once was.

[@moestrei]

Must be a very sad aspect of the job. Govs should be ashamed of themselves. Imagine how much money they make out of mining and then this piss poor train service....what a joke.

[@desertdog8006]

@@moestreiyes. we are treated like sheep here

[@danielle7292]

I enjoyed the video Rory. They really need to improve the food situation on board though as it definitely detracts from the experience. Hope you found Mt Isa interesting too!

[@TCFan25]

Yes the small little details when it comes to cleanliness - esp the grime and small food particles caught between the tray latch and in between the seats is quite a put off! For a 21hr journey, you'd expect at least microwaved preheated meals or something instead of bloody sandwiches! Goes to show how much they care about bush rail.

[@mariobonanno2608]

Well done Rory . Great work in telling the truth about that horrible journey . They would have to pay me to ride in it . I’d rather drive than put up with the attitude of poor customer service displayed by that person who interrupted your filming.

[@okcantbelieveit294]

Not much spent on cleaning! Spent a number of years working in Mount Isa and loved it there!

[@arokh72]

Wow rory. Sounds like that trip could be used as a torture device :P Using such old rolling stock, and poor onboard service, plus such a slow service, it would seem that it's only a pax service as a last thought, and I'd imagine not protiable enough to upgrade the service. Being the same height as yourself, I get the pain of showers designed for short people :)

[@AlphaGeekgirl]

None of the things you mentioned would bother me much, but putting up with that chattering noise for 21 hours drive me to distraction.

[@davidlogan4329]

You're a great survivor, Rory. Fancy there being no sleeper service or a proper dining car.

[@AviationforAustralia]

Good Video again! When you said "lets go!" You didn't seem thrilled that you would be spending 21 hours in economy lol

[@jeniallenby8389]

thank you for sharing this journey. I have wonderful memories of a sleeper car trip on that route, I stayed awake most of the night enjoying the stark beautiful landscape outside the huge window :)

[@rais1953]

Not for me Rory. If the train is as slow as that I'd drive. They really should do a better job with food than those cold sandwiches and a sprinkling of cereal. Nothing would prevent them from installing a freezer and a couple of microwaves. They have power points.

[@Nukacola38]

Aww yes! 21hours for you = half an hour entertainment for me! Great video as always mate.

[@brilliantbutblue]

Yeah l prefer just 28:00 thanks, glad Rory did the trip so we don't have to👍

[@darinbryant7224]

Hello Rory. Love the videos. Live in Townsville and I did the Inlander 2020 when with COVID the 1/2 lounge was out of bounds. Trip from Mt Isa was long in one seat, but still the way to go. I noted the arm rest were mentioned here. As a larger gentleman they do hinder movement. On the spirit of the outback this year I couldn’t sit in the dining area. But COVID scare had very small numbers so I ate in the twin room using the pull down sink as the tray rest. I am curious on the business plan. Some not so squeezed travel inland would be good. Cheers for the vid.

[@robertchinnock8017]

I live here in townsville now and remember when you could travel thru the old station and there was a take away store at the station.

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[@BeyondNegativeOfficial]

Wow impressive I didn't knew you were gonna upload finally i have waited for this Video! This train is way cleaner then the Westlander to be honest

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Great review mate. The scenery out the window is just spectaclar. look forward to the next one.

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[@magpie1862]

Queensland Rail need to consider canning these routes if they’re not going to take the customer experience seriously by offering proper meals.

[@Jarms48]

Wow, this is a shadow of what it once was.

[@Class_38]

I loved all your Queensland Rail train Reviews Rory Keep up the great work you do :)

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@BinkBricks]

Great review Rory! I think the train looks just ok and I probably wouldn't spend 21 hours on it optionally. The sandwich would be good for lunch but even I couldn't do it for dinner, smart idea to bring those noodles. Breakfast looked just ok too, it could fill me up. It was nice that they served fresh fruit on this train too. Absolutely great review and I can't wait for more amazing content like this!

[@christophermoore753]

im glad you bought your own food along as well otherwise would be starving with only have a tiny amount. good review again, maybe older style seats have more comfort than newer seats.

[@brentonsandercock2926]

Thanks Rory for your usual enjoyable commentary...I've been on that train in 1990 travelling from Mt. Isa to Townsville. I hope to do it again soon later this year.

[@TCFan25]

Hope to do it again 😆... love the enthusiasm

[@conniepurnell4496]

I really love watching your journeys thankyou 😍

[@davidbennetts616]

Thanks again Rory, for another informative video. I recall travelling on that service many years ago when it did have hot meals provided and sleeping cars. The burgers served were delicious. It seems that the carriage you rode in was most likely a former first class one, with 2 + 1 seating. You made comments on a previous video about the lights being left on overnight, so I'd recommend passengers use eyeshades, which I always take on overnight flights. The food is a bit spartan, and in limited quantity. It's a pity they don't provide a limited supply of hot food, for purchase which could be kept frozen or chilled on board and heated in a microwave. Anyway, it's good that you recognise QR for still providing a service to these outback towns with limited population. Other states aren't so lucky, at least we in NSW seem assured also of retaining long distance trains with new ones being ordered to replace the XPT and Xplorer services. It's not the network it once was, but still better than many other states.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for your comment Yeah I just wish the new XPT could still have the sleeper or at least the Railbed seats that’s used on the spirit of Queensland 😀

[@jane-BKK]

Yes, you looked tired but this clip is very well-explained....well done !

[@superplatypus]

Blind wars haha that made me laugh, another wonderful review the facilities look good too.

[@AnonyDave]

Always great videos on these almost forgotten services :) Glad to hear that they're looking to improve it. Also you seemed to have a nice interaction with some possibly new, young fans! If I can ever get away from Canberra again, that trip is definitely higher on my list than before. Looks like a rather beautiful, even if barren landscape to watch.

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Hi Rory. The seats do look comfy, but identical lunch and dinner ?... that's a real letdown. I can understand with such low passenger numbers, it's not worth having a hot meal service, but I do think they could provide something hot for dinner. ... even if it's microwaved . ( It could be kept frozen in an onboard freezer). As for breakfast, surely even a mini muffin or a slice of toast/ raisin bread wouldn't be that costly to include. Definitely a relaxing scenic way to see the outback 👍

[@BinkBricks]

I know what you mean with the food, but I usually almost have a sandwich for lunch so it would be for me no difference. But for dinner it is insufficient.

[@CityGunzals]

Hey Mate, I love your Videos! I'm just wondering, You posted a Community Post about a month ago stating what reviews you have coming up. I was really excited when I saw the Australind on that List because I kind of want to go on it when Lockdown is over. So, I just want to ask, When will you upload the Australind review as well as some of the other reviews in that post? Once again, I look forward to your Videos every Thursday and I can't wait to see what you have in-store for the future.

[@RoryDing]

There won’t be an Australind at this stage, the service was in maintenance when I was in wa, the train was replaced by bus :(

[@CityGunzals]

@@RoryDing Oh OK. All Good.

[@RoryDing]

@@CityGunzals but I’ll try to enter wa again later this month

[@CityGunzals]

@@RoryDing OK. Love your Videos Man! Can't wait for next Thursday!

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[@bernardfitzgerald6117]

Great experience shared.Thanks Rory.Does one have to supply ones own towels? And its ironic that the 'many staff' have sleeping accomodation where they can lock themselves away from the customers!

[@RoryDing]

I don’t think they provide towels I did bring my own 😅

[@amtrakharry]

Another great trip report Rory! Those crying babies would drive me nuts :) I don't if I could handle a trip like as I'm not that young anymore :) The scenery looked great though... Thank you for sharing this trip with us... :):):)

[@bent444]

Instant Noodles are best when you drain the water first then add the flavouring, Just my Opinion haha. Loved the video Rory great job. Oh and I was No.69 to like this video ☺

[@RoryDing]

True haha but I prefer the soup so 😂😂 And thank you!! ☺️

[@HenrysAviation]

Once again another informative, interesting and detailed review. 10/10.

[@dwblurb]

Nice review, Rory. Clearly not a tourist train as most Australian long distance services have become, it seems like an adequate service. Good on Queensland for continuing with what is, financially, undoubtedly a loss making venture

[@aydothetrainbuff]

Another great one Rory! I like how the Inlander uses Aurizon owned power vs QR power for other trains, also nice to see a 2800 class leading as opposed to the usual 2301D

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[@adamc8753]

Great video. Loving the Queensland train reviews.

[@mattk183]

The Staff onboard have better accomodation than the passengers, they get a whole room to themselves, while passengers only have a seat

[@TransportVideosAU]

Excellent Video Rory, your becoming very popular with the laid back people of South East Queensland 😊.

[@gidget9101]

And Victoria love train travel

[@iheggis86]

Great video! QR policy seems to be cram everyone together so our staff don’t have to clean so much (not that it appears they do), those seats are in a dire need of deep cleaning … shame, after a ticket check they should allow passengers to spread out. … really appreciate you doing these videos Rory!

[@desertdog8006]

Yes ... we allow public servants to be our masters rather than hold them to account.

[@worland322575269]

Nice Video, Rory! I have to admit, you do an amazing job with your videos. As a fellow videographer, I salute you!

[@marko1855]

Rory, thanks for another great video. They are very personal, and takes us into your world, and the anecdotes are fantastic. “Asians make the best noodles”. Great comment. Not sure anyone can dispute that :-)

[@cyrilmurphy7152]

Enjoyed this presentation

[@tishamorgan8388]

I an in New Zealand and enjoy watching your trips. I also enjoy all the incidental info you include, well done Rory!

[@brianbuzzen]

No way would I do that trip with the current carriage set up. Would really like to see a Platinum Ghan review , cheers.

[@Mikelennon78]

I don't know what is more discussing, Townsville or the filthy train. LOL. Always a beautiful view, when waving Brownsville, goodbye.

[@susanhunt8373]

Thank you again Rory for such an in depth review. Glad you took extra food😊

[@ayushshrivastav6514]

Always love to watch your videos bro. Love from India 🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@kippen64]

The grot was a bit off-putting. Had a look at the menu online. 😭 As a coeliac, would have to take my own food.

[@vk2ycj]

Absolutely fantastic Rory. I enjoyed the video, the commentary and the stories along the trip. Another trip for my bucket list - thanks so much. Jamie C.

[@ian7463]

I honestly enjoy your trips, I also like hearing the history of the rail😊 in Queensland. And great news the services will keep going in the years to come.

[@soulotraveller]

Rory, I'm pretty sure you passed through my home town of Charters Towers just a couple of days(?) before I took off on The Inlander Eastbound myself to film my own travel vlog. I've been following you for a while, really nice to see the old Inlander shown some love. I ride it often. My Dad took me on the journey out to the mighty Isa when I was a young lad, and just last year I took my niece on the same journey. It sure has changed a lot over the years. I have fond memories of travelling in the sleeper cars and still remember dining in the restaurant car. It's a shadow of what it once was, but it's great that it's still running and very pleased to hear of the planned replacements. I absolutely agree that the seats are far more comfortable than the Spirit of Queensland premium economy. I need a railed on that train if I'm on for a long haul, as the seats just get way too hard and uncomfortable after a while.

[@dingdingimatram]

I've watched and enjoyed so many of your reviews I decided to join as a platinum member. Keep up the amazing reviews.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you Troy ☺️☺️☺️

[@Ben-xe8ps]

I don't understand why all the passengers have to be squashed into car A while car B remains empty. I know that car B is held in reserve should there be an air conditioning problem in car A (is the air conditioning really that fragile?), but as the seats in car B are unsold why not let the passengers spread out over the two cars? So long as the total number of passengers does not exceed the seating capacity of car A (the car with less seats) so that they could all be moved into one car in case of an air conditioning failure, why not let them spread out? I thought that crew member did not have a customer friendly attitude in telling you to leave car B. I agree with you that it is nice that they provide a 'basic' meal for all passengers included in the price of the ticket. At least that makes sure nobody starves! However, the problem is tht they don't really offer anything else substantial for purchase. That chicken sandwich looked nice and what a pleasant surprise to see white bread rather than the brown bread sandwiches which have become the norm here in the UK. As you may have guessed I prefer white bread. I think I would have liked that sandwich. The idea of having the same sandwich for both meals is not good. In this case I wouldn't have minded as the sandwich was something I think I would have liked, but what if it had been something that I disliked? I assume there was no choice and no vegetarian option. The breakfast was OK as well but again the quantity was unsatisfactory. I don't really see the purpose of that lounge, although you did make use of it. It would be nice if some of the area occupied by the lounge could be used for a buffet counter service of more food including hot food. They don't need a kitchen as such, just refrigerated storage, hot water and a microwave or two (in case one should break down!). Does everybody in Australia sleep that early? 2115 is a child's bedtime. Are there airline style individual overhead lights?

[@RoryDing]

I guess the reason they don’t let people use car B is they don’t need to clean that carriage after arrival 😂 And the lounge is good because it’s much quieter than sitting in Car B, i agree they should find ways to improve the food. All they need is a freezer and a microwave 😂 From my memory it does have reading lights. I’ll have to check out again the next time I travel.

[@jeffwilliams5671]

Well done on another great video and review. Love your style. Great to hear you give a compliment to the staff member as well. Well played sir.

[@whophd]

Ah good memories! I was in Townsville between doing all the QR trains (Inlander, Westlander and Spirit of the Outback) and went and watched James Bond: Spyfall in Townsville during an overnight connection. And now James Bond is out again :-) I’m super sorry you don’t get to use the incredible sleeper cabins anymore. I just watched your video and discovered they were removed in 2015! The single sleeper is DELIGHTFUL and you get a big single window all to yourself. The air-conditioning and quiet ride is magnificent on these, and you can’t believe how old they are. There’s no need to replace them! Just gives us more of the same please.

[@bogan-slayer7469]

Subscribed! Exactly the type of commentary I like, that is to the point, informative, basic facts and tips. Well done. Good luck with your channel.

[@shreychanchad2325]

Amazing journey 💙 Thanks rory...

[@FederationOfLight]

It's a shame they don't have a proper train. What an amazing view all the way, but you have to sit, cramped in squalor to see it. I'd rather pay much more and have an old-school cabin train. Those seats and trays look absolutely gross. Even if they just ran a decent tourist train once per month or something for a better experience, at least we could book it. I for one will not ever be getting on that train. Thanks for taking the time to make the video though. Thumbs up!

[@michaelhall8586]

Nice! I think I would die if I had to rely on that food though haha

[@bronnyd7654]

Thanks Rory. Great video. 💜

[@maureen8966]

Hi Rory thank you for video love looking at different towns

[@robertfletcher3421]

I have always been impressed with QR maintaining regional services.

[@driftingintoretirement]

Nice video Rory

[@blueybrisbane9411]

Currently watching the video thumbnail look really good

[@darylsmith9155]

Great video as always Rory. Keep up the great work, and looking forward to seeing more, cheers.

[@LEMMYLEMON]

Amazing Video! I am so into these overnight train videos 😁. And congratulations on 19K, your channel is probably one of my favourites 😁

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😀😀😀

[@Code_breaker_]

🏈 Cool video. ✔ 30 12 2023

[@Bruski68.]

Great vid Rory, this is one journey I'll not be going on, unless they do a lot of upgrading to it

[@caddywampus]

So excited to watch this, thank you 😁

[@lindavainomae3489]

Another great train review Rory - thanks. The scenery is stark and beautiful and it is such good news that Queensland Rail is committed to these inland services. Its amzing how the train almost seems to pull into the big mine when you arrive in Mt Isa. Even if no hot food, how hard would it be to offer a different sandwich for dinner - but you were well prepared for that😀. I noted that the loco was in Aurizon livery - does Aurizon have the contract to haul this service or is the loco leased to Queensland Rail I wonder?

[@RoryDing]

Thank you!! I’m not an expert on locos, but someone just commented about the loco, scroll down the comment section and you’ll find it 😁

[@lindavainomae3489]

@@RoryDing Aha - yes! You have some very knowledgeable fans!

[@frederickbonilla4238]

EXCELLENT VIDEO Rory

[@Aprilsraven629]

Rory hope all is ok...missing your videos hope to see more soon...

[@gregli4520]

看到康师傅果断用中文留言啦😃 Thanks for wonderful content !!!

[@Coolwow437]

Love the video I'm from Townsville next time you should visit castle hill lookout in Townsville city. Great view

[@RoryDing]

Yes I‘ve been there really good view I could see the stadium and magnetic islands 😁

[@Coolwow437]

@@RoryDing Townsville is so underrated honestly they say it's boring it's not 😬😁

[@rileycummaudo8612]

Great Video

[@daniellefko6527]

I really enjoy that one.

[@danshelly2028]

Brilliant. Love it!

[@කස්සා-ව9ච]

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[@sallymay24]

Very informative ..so good …I always think if you really needed food I wonder if you could order Uber eats to the stations and pick it up as the train arrives hahah

[@RoryDing]

I don’t think those towns even have Uber 😂😂😂 but great concept 😋

[@firdyk]

Great review Rory , 😊

[@mspalmboy]

Thank you for your brilliant and informative video. I've only been (multiple times) on the electric tilt train between Brisbane and Rockhampton. It would be terrific if all Qld Rail country trains were electric, resulting in less emissions than stinky diesel. I was also shocked to see that luggage is weighed on this service, as I've never seen this on the Brisbane to Sydney train or the Brisbane to Rockhampton tilt train. Thank you and best wishes.

[@RoryDing]

Hi Phil, thank you for watching, agree with being electric! My luggage was also weighed on the cairns to Brisbane diesel tilt train service. It was 21kilos, the staff told me it was company policy and they made me took out some stuff to make it under 20 kilos 😂😂

[@TCFan25]

Don't get all green and sooky about 'stinky diesels'... they do the job well considering how much it cost to install electrified lines to areas that don't need/justify it.

[@notavailable4926]

Happy birthday RoryDing Travels very interesting video i have to go on it

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@jrand33]

Happy Birthday RORY!!!!!!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@michaelmacdonell4834]

Crikey, man! I would not do that trip, not in that accommodation, as much as I love train travel. You are either devoted to your calling or utterly crazy. Or both.

[@AlphaGeekgirl]

Rory, what did you do once you arrived in Mount Isa, where did you stay, and how long did you stay before you returned? It would be great if you have any recommendations of what to do or where to stay when you reach your destinations.

[@RoryDing]

I was exhausted after filming for 2 straight days so slept for the rest of they day then the second day I did a mining tour 😊 I then flew on Rex to cairns the day after

[@johnwhorfin5150]

thnx rory. great stuff

Nice video. I thanks for what youre sharing 👍

[@කස්සා-ව9ච]

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[@anthonysaffioti9048]

Holy cow! Brave lol Pretty desolate ride there buddy out to mount Isa!

[@terranceparsons5185]

You certainly have a big appetite Rory! Those sandwiches would do me until dinner!

[@rmk7641]

I like the way you provide us vegetarians an opportunity to skip your evaluation of the meat/chicken dish served on board! :-). Very thoughtful of you! Thanks!