While it might be going too far to suggest that Hughesy has a thing about trains, I like rail as an option for long-haul travel. Flying is quicker and definitely cheaper, but I've never liked or enjoyed flying.
A couple of recent experiences reminded me that there are alternatives to flying apart from the long-distance drive.
When Madam headed home in December 2004, she flew Cairns to Kansai. I made a shorter hop in the opposite direction to the Gold Coast. The Tilt Train looked like the way to go on the return journey.
When I settled on board, memories of earlier excursions from Roma Street came flooding back. The experience proved to be a civilised if an expensive way of getting from Brisbane to Bowen.
Between Bundaberg and Gladstone, the railway follows a substantially different route to the all-too-familiar highway. It does much the same from Rockhampton to Mackay
The trip was a reminder that rail travel is also an excellent way to see the countryside.
Our visit to Japan in 2008 reinforced that reminder. It also reminded me that a long-haul train offers comforts that you don't get in Cattle Class on your average budget airline.
The Shinkansen also brought in the speed factor, which is unlikely to be inflicted on Australian rail passengers anytime soon.