RobShipway
Established Member
- Joined
- 20 Sep 2009
- Messages
- 3,337
As has been shown, the rules for CT access are more flexible than originally thought. Also the standard TGVs meet most of them (split train format, independent power to power cars, length long enough to straddle two exits..) anyway except possibly the last.
Also, the ability to run SNCF services to London would have been made clear when there was a shortage of 373-series units, such as when they started dying in the snow a while back, these could have been provided either on an ad-hoc basis or through rental of spare units to the Eurostar company.
Likewise, I assume that somewhere near Paris there's always a TGV ready to roll in case its needed to replace an in-service failure. I assume a 373-series unit likewise is lined up in case a Eurostar service fails.
Cross-compatibility would enable one unit to cover bth services, etc, allowing more efficient deployment of roling stock and better returns on capital.
I have a few Video125 DVD's and I believe it is either on the Paris - London Eurostar DVD or the Paris - Marseille DVD where you are aboard a TGV where it shows the depot just outside of the main station in Paris that there is normal a few in store.