Eurostar: use of original 'classic line'

[railfan99]

On Eurostar recently, my train used the original French line for part of the journey, meaning a slower trip.

Why is this occurring?

 

[rvdborgt]

Engineering works.

 

[railfan99]

Engineering works.

How long has this been going on for and when will Eurostar revert to the high speed route all the way?

 

[rvdborgt]

AFAIK that was on a few days only (in any case on 2 and 3 November). You can see that clearly in the timetables, e.g. on bahn.de.

 

[mad_rich]

Eurostar quite often uses the classic lines on the continent when there's disruption or engineering.

In the UK it can't, as any diversions would be onto the third-rail network and the trains are no longer fitted with the equipment.

 

[Sir Felix Pole]

There has been a lot of track relaying going on over the last few years - LGV Nord is 30 yo after all. A new link from CDG Airport to the Amiens classic main line is also under construction which will mean further disruption in due course in order to connect it up.

 

[ainsworth74]

There has been a lot of track relaying going on over the last few years - LGV Nord is 30 yo after all.

Shame really, the ride suddenly becoming roller coaster like after you reach speed again after the tunnel feels like part of the experience of going to the Continent. Will be a bit boring if it's a smooth as HS1 now!

 

[AdamWW]

Eurostar quite often uses the classic lines on the continent when there's disruption or engineering.

In the UK it can't, as any diversions would be onto the third-rail network and the trains are no longer fitted with the equipment.

And more fundamentally the wrong loading gauge on 374s (which of course were never fitted with third rail equipment).

And maybe lack of AWS/TPWS?

 

[LkmtvMetatarsl]

Which route do Eurostar trains take on the French 'classic' lines?

 

[railfan99]

Mine on 1 November 2024 was on the old line from about 1336 to 1440, and passed through Hazebruck and I thought Arras. Apologies if my spelling is incorrect.

 

[30907]

Mine on 1 November 2024 was on the old line from about 1336 to 1440, and passed through Hazebruck and I thought Arras. Apologies if my spelling is incorrect.

That makes sense for a trip to Paris, certainly. Colleagues used Brussels services on the same day, I have asked.

There were similarly diversions via the classic line in Belgium recently. In each case, timetables were finalised and bookings opened "only" 2 months ahead.

 

[Ken H]

So what will be the plan when renewals will be needed on HS1 in UK?. Shove a Cl 37 on the front?

 

[Richard Scott]

So what will be the plan when renewals will be needed on HS1 in UK?. Shove a Cl 37 on the front?

Oh, now you're talking. Let me know and I'll go and get my tickets!! Maybe some 50s too as can get speed up a bit? Be rather rateable on load 18 or so!!!
Shame the French lines are electrified, could have had some of the old 67200s on the front!!

 

[martin2345uk]

So what will be the plan when renewals will be needed on HS1 in UK?. Shove a Cl 37 on the front?

I assume services just won’t run then. There’s really no alternative.

 

[signed]

So what will be the plan when renewals will be needed on HS1 in UK?. Shove a Cl 37 on the front?

None, the services probably won't run as both the 373 and 374s are uncouplable bar for rescue purposes

Though I agree a cl. 37 hauling a 373 would be fire to see.

Brings back to the early 00's when TGV Atlantique were hauled by dielsel CC72000 from Nantes to Les Sables d'Olonne before electrification. Still had to fool the software in allowing such a move

 

[SeanG]

Though I agree a cl. 37 hauling a 373 would be fire to see.

A semi regular occurrence when new

A Pair of Class 37 diesel locomotives numbers 37604 and 37603 with Eurostar set numbers 3311 and 3312 at Sevington in Kent. 17th March 2006 Stock Photo - Alamy

Download this stock image: A Pair of Class 37 diesel locomotives numbers 37604 and 37603 with Eurostar set numbers 3311 and 3312 at Sevington in Kent. 17th March 2006. - F08G2T from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors.

www.alamy.com

 

[zwk500]

So what will be the plan when renewals will be needed on HS1 in UK?. Shove a Cl 37 on the front?

Probably to use Ashford/Ebbsfleet and transfer to SE. It might even be the thing that gets them reopened! (Although I hope at least Ashford reopens sooner than HS1 would need renewal).

 

[Starmill]

Mine on 1 November 2024 was on the old line from about 1336 to 1440, and passed through Hazebruck and I thought Arras. Apologies if my spelling is incorrect.

Are you sure you didn't use the (very short) emergency connector at Lille Europe? Via Armentieres and Saint Omer?

 

[Trainbike46]

Probably to use Ashford/Ebbsfleet and transfer to SE. It might even be the thing that gets them reopened! (Although I hope at least Ashford reopens sooner than HS1 would need renewal).

Last Christmas, when the HS1 tunnel under the thames was flooded, all trains were cancelled all the way, though in principle the train could have run into Ashford (and ran back to the continent empty, as no facilities to handle that many passengers)

I suspect that when HS1 has to close for engineering works, there will simply be a day without services

 

[Starmill]

Last Christmas, when the HS1 tunnel under the thames was flooded, all trains were cancelled all the way, though in principle the train could have run into Ashford (and ran back to the continent empty, as no facilities to handle that many passengers)

I suspect that when HS1 has to close for engineering works, there will simply be a day without services

I think you're right that's the most likely option, although I'd point out that HS1 is more practical to close only part at a time depending on the work site as there is space to erect barriers between the open and closed lines. Also, given border control are posted workers at St Pancras, there is zero possibility of operating a departure from Ashford or Ebbsfleet on short notice when they aren't there. For an unplanned closure therefore there would never be any alternatives for trains and passengers would simply be diverted by other modes. This is inevitable.

 

[Bald Rick]

So what will be the plan when renewals will be needed on HS1 in UK?. Shove a Cl 37 on the front?

Most of it will be (and is) done overnight. There’s not much that needs longer blocks.

 

[geekylou]

I assume services just won’t run then. There’s really no alternative.

Aren't the Class 374s built to continental loading gauge as well so they wouldn't even fit on normal tracks?

 

[signed]

Aren't the Class 374s built to continental loading gauge as well so they wouldn't even fit on normal tracks?

Indeed

 

[ATS3]

So what will be the plan when renewals will be needed on HS1 in UK?. Shove a Cl 37 on the front?

Rail replacement bus. The UK way.

 

[Route115?]

What, and open up Ashford International!

 

[RT4038]

So what will be the plan when renewals will be needed on HS1 in UK?. Shove a Cl 37 on the front?

What, and open up Ashford International!

Neither. Being 'fully reserved' service, they simply will not advertise or sell tickets for, the day(s) that the renewal will take place, and not operate any trains. Passengers will have to travel on other days, or if the day is critical to their plans, by other modes. Not difficult.

 

[AdamWW]

Neither. Being 'fully reserved' service, they simply will not advertise or sell tickets for, the day(s) that the renewal will take place, and not operate any trains. Passengers will have to travel on other days, or if the day is critical to their plans, by other modes. Not difficult.

Pretty sure I've seen that on the ex Thalys routes - no alternative offered.

I don't suppose many people who would normally travel on a high speed train would be that interested in a replacement coach.

 

[rvdborgt]

Pretty sure I've seen that on the ex Thalys routes - no alternative offered.

I don't suppose many people who would normally travel on a high speed train would be that interested in a replacement coach.

Eurostar also don't offer alternatives when other trains are available. Currently, some of their services to Germany are cancelled and the ones that do run are limited to Aachen or Cologne. Passengers whose train is cancelled or partly cancelled get an e-mail that says you can either rebook to another train (with no extra costs) or get a full refund. They fail to mention what your options are if your train was the last connection of the day or if their next available service is only after 23/12 (e.g. to/from Essen or Düsseldorf). Of course this isn't compatible with current EU legislation but I suspect they prefer to wait until someone challenges them.

 

[RT4038]

Pretty sure I've seen that on the ex Thalys routes - no alternative offered.

I don't suppose many people who would normally travel on a high speed train would be that interested in a replacement coach.

If travelling on that day is critical, and all the airline capacity is taken up, then they may well have to avail themselves of the alternative scheduled coach services.

 

[AdamWW]

If travelling on that day is critical, and all the airline capacity is taken up, then they may well have to avail themselves of the alternative scheduled coach services.

I presume most people would just drive if the only remaining option was to go by road.