Eurostar high speed train

Eurostar trainEurostar is an international network of high-speed railway line between Paris and London (50 km tunnel under the English Channel), and Brussels. Eurostar railway line starts in London and goes  through Kent to the British end of the Channel Tunnel. From February 2009 there is also a daily service moving from Ashford International station to Bressels. The trains can reach a speed of 300 km/h and currently the fastest journey  between station Paris Gare du Nord and London St Pancras is 2h15. Eurostar has huge importance for international transport from Kent

Eurostar history

Eurostar owes its origin to the British-French project of tunnel under the English Channel. In 1987, the International Project Group (IPG) was created with the aim of establishing the requirements for high-speed rail running in the Channel Tunnel. It soon became clear that the TGV technology suited to this ideal, Hhowever, the French TGV trains was not an option because the train to ride from Paris to London had to meet a number of conditions:

  • Train should be able to ride with three different power systems (including third rail) and four signaling systems
  • Inputs to the wagons should be adapted to the different heights of the platforms that are located at different distances from the rails
  • Apart from pantograph, which can be used in France and Belgium, the train should also be fitted with special system used for receiving power from the third rail as it is in England

In December 1989 ordered the first 30 trains, and then eight more, however Eurostar debut was delayed because of problems related to exceeding the budget during the construction of the tunnel. Finally, 1 September 1995, launched commercial exploitation of 15 trains.

Eurostar Trains

Eurostar serviceEurostar has been defined by professionals, not without reason, as the most complex train that has ever been built, which can be seen by looking at technology and safety measures taken. Unlike the earlier TGV, Eurostar drive asynchronous motors which achieve more power especially at high speeds. In England, the tracks are arranged closely than, for example, in France and Belgium, so trains have to be narrower. Retractable footers at the entrance had to be adapted to various height of platforms in France, England and Belgium. The train has very good braking system and stops from a speed of 300 km/h in one minute and five seconds on the distance of 3 km. Eurostar carriages 18 having a length of 393 meters, so it is the longest high-speed train in the world.

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