Another Siemens Velaro operator ?? Eurostar !!!

[Nozomi4ever]

Hey guys,

Just came across this article. It 's about Eurostar getting new trains travelling at 320 Km/h by Siemens. Have a look!!

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Resources/Energy-saving-news/Consumer-driving/Eurostar-unveils-new-fleet-to-rival-short-haul-flights/(energysavingtrust)/787280

 

Train pictures of Prototype(Velaro D) http://paulbigland.fotopic.net/c1904512.html  (Train is in Hyde Park)

 

And a video about the order : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IJADuyfKXE&feature=player_embedded

[disturbman]

Well. This is quite a bold move on the part of Eurostar since the Velaro is still not authorized to use the tunnel.

[Tecchan]

Is the Eurostar line still busy?

 

With cheap airline ticket, I wonder...

[KenS]

I wouldn't be surprised if the contract has some clause saying its dependent on such approval. When you deal with that kind of money, often the purchaser has a lot of leverage in how deals are arranged.

 

And Eurostar really needed to do something to improve their image after the dabacle last year where snow caused four of their trains to get stuck in the tunnel.  Buying new trains is a way of saying "look, we're doing something to make riding with us better."

 

With DB testing the ICE3 in the tunnel this month, Eurostar also needs to be preparing for some serious competition.

[to2leo]

I have been on both the real Velaro and ICE 3.  I must say I really enjoy riding them and am excited about this deal.

 

I think France is mad that Eurostar, which is 1/3 owned by SNCF, have chose Siemens over Alstrom for the new order of trains.

 

On a more selfish level, I am sad that Eurostar has chosen the Velaro because so far only Arnold, Minitrix and Fleischmann (ICE-T) have developed the Siemens high-speed train set in n gauge.  And since I have all 3, I can honestly say 2/3 are not up to Kato standard of reliability and 1/3 is two to three times the price of a typical European set by Kato.

[quinntopia]

I have to say, that is going to be one beautiful train.  Call me shallow, but the 'looks' of trains are what often interest me the most  .  I've never been crazy about either the appearance of the ICE 3 or the current Eurostar, but this train set is awesome looking!  Nice job going to Pininfarina for the design Eurostar!

[angusmclean]

Well. This is quite a bold move on the part of Eurostar since the Velaro is still not authorized to use the tunnel.

 

If you mean the rule regarding the length of train/emergency exits, I have read that this is to be changed to allow other than Euorstars to use the tunnel.

 

Angus

[bikkuri bahn]

New York Times reports this is being being viewed with displeasure by the French:

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/08/business/global/08train.html?_r=1

 

The article makes much about "distributed traction" and French concerns about safety in the tunnel, but no mention of the fact that the French candidate, the AGV, is also a distributed traction model- poor writing, perhaps?

 

*mod- shouldn't this thread be in the Non-Japanese Prototypes section?

[Nozomi4ever]

New York Times reports this is being being viewed with displeasure by the French:

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/08/business/global/08train.html?_r=1

 

The article makes much about "distributed traction" and French concerns about safety in the tunnel, but no mention of the fact that the French candidate, the AGV, is also a distributed traction model- poor writing, perhaps?

 

*mod- shouldn't this thread be in the Non-Japanese Prototypes section?

 

Lol. In fact this thread is in the Non-Japanese Prototypes lol.

[westfalen]

The Eurostars date back to 1992, if they were Shinkansen they'd be well and truly ready for replacement by now.

[disturbman]

Is the Eurostar line still busy?

 

With cheap airline ticket, I wonder...

 

Quite. I think they are transporting even more passenger than ever since HS1 opened last year. They must be around 70% or more of modal share between Paris and London. But, I don't think this trains are going to be put on the existing liaisons between London and Paris or London and Bruxells.

 

The accepted view around the French Internet is that Eurostar is making its move to counterattack the DB on London to Kölln, Amsterdam and maybe Frankfurt lines. Selling to the Germans their own comfort.

 

Well. This is quite a bold move on the part of Eurostar since the Velaro is still not authorized to use the tunnel.

 

If you mean the rule regarding the length of train/emergency exits, I have read that this is to be changed to allow other than Euorstars to use the tunnel.

 

Well, they are speaking about changing the actual safety rules but it's still not done.

 

But I don't know really understand why the French politicians are reacting so violently on the subject. It's just 10 trains. It's not like it's going to kill Alstom.

[Nozomi4ever]

Is the Eurostar line still busy?

 

With cheap airline ticket, I wonder...

 

Quite. I think they are transporting even more passenger than ever since HS1 opened last year. They must be around 70% or more of modal share between Paris and London. But, I don't think this trains are going to be put on the existing liaisons between London and Paris or London and Bruxells.

 

The accepted view around the French Internet is that Eurostar is making its move to counterattack the DB on London to Kölln, Amsterdam and maybe Frankfurt lines. Selling to the Germans their own comfort.

 

Well. This is quite a bold move on the part of Eurostar since the Velaro is still not authorized to use the tunnel.

 

If you mean the rule regarding the length of train/emergency exits, I have read that this is to be changed to allow other than Euorstars to use the tunnel.

 

Well, they are speaking about changing the actual safety rules but it's still not done.

 

But I don't know really understand why the French politicians are reacting so violently on the subject. It's just 10 trains. It's not like it's going to kill Alstom.

 

Well, they are expecting the world to buy everything French. Airbus , ATR and Daussalt planes, Alstom trains. BTW, the Siemens Velaro already enjoys its global sales in Germany, Spain , Russia and China which means this train have no problems since its first customer ran it , Spain. So Eurostar will definitely thinks that the Siemens can offer a reliable train as it has no problems in performance. BTW, Alstom really needs to improve more on its products. The word "TGV " is getting outdated these days. Future high speed trains would rather be a true EMU powered like the Japanese Shinkansen than two slacking locomotives travelling at 300 km/h pulling the coaches called "TGV". I wonder what the French government want in the future? All countries in the world having Airbus planes flying in the sky? Hmmm 

[disturbman]

Well. The german ICE3 fleet was plagued with technical problems (I think it was some sort of faulty manufacturing) in the past few years. Problems which lead the DB to ask the SNCF to lend her some TGV sets to run on the LGV EE.

 

Plus, the last time I took one the train was vibrating like hell at cruise speed. It was quite painfull.

 

And, just in case, Alstom has developed (on his own) an EMU featuring the famous articulated structure so typical of the TGV. It's called AGV and was sold to NTV not so long ago. Alstom has also annonced it was going to develop an High Speed EMU without the articulated structure in order to offer a more complete range of High Speed product (and therefor have a better contender against Siemens' Velaro).

 

As far as planes are concerned, Airbus is still the leading aircraft deisgner/producer. So yes, I guess Airbus flies all around the world.

 

Like I said, I don't get it why french politicians are reacting like that. It's not the first time a non french train manufacturer wins a contract. Bombardier has been quite succesfull over the years and had won several contract for regional rolling stock.

[Nozomi]

Well Alstom's TGV successor AGV is off to a very slow start, only selling a few units to one customer (NTV of Italy).

 

Some politicians in France don't like the European Union competition laws. For them 'raison nationale' is always the best way.

 

In reality Alstom don't need to worry at all. SNCF will need to replace hundreds of TGV sets in the very near future!

[Nozomi4ever]

I 'd be glad if there 's an operator in Europe operating the A.K.A the Funny Face , N700. It tilts quite well. BTW, Japan is a very train-demanding busy place so they can never afford having accidents or faults! Trains are test up to maximum until they are really confirmed as "error-free" . I suspect all the Japanese went through heavy and tough stress testing.

[harukablue]

 

 

Some politicians in France don't like the European Union competition laws. For them 'raison nationale' is always the best way.

 

My knowledge of the EEC competition laws is very limited but I think that you have to openly have to offer the tender Euro Wide, i.e. Paris is full of MAN and Mercedes buses now but 15 years ago was 100% renault, the British Army use MAN trucks,the days of supporting your own "home grown" manufacturers in Europe are over,,

[westfalen]

I wonder what the French government want in the future? All countries in the world having Airbus planes flying in the sky? Hmmm 

I flew from Brisbane to Sydney earlier this year and the guy sitting behind in the last seat be turned out to work for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and he was talking with one of the cabin attendants about different types of aircraft. The attendant remarked that she lived by the rule "If it ain't a Boeing, I'm not going", to which he replied, "Ah, Airbus, the Hyundai of the skies".

[Guest ___]

Hey guys,

Just came across this article. It 's about Eurostar getting new trains travelling at 320 Km/h by Siemens. Have a look!!

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Resources/Energy-saving-news/Consumer-driving/Eurostar-unveils-new-fleet-to-rival-short-haul-flights/(energysavingtrust)/787280

 

Train pictures of Prototype(Velaro D) http://paulbigland.fotopic.net/c1904512.html  (Train is in Hyde Park)

 

And a video about the order : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IJADuyfKXE&feature=player_embedded

 

Now, that's a sexy train. Shame the new E5 or E6 does look like this.

[westfalen]

Hey guys,

Just came across this article. It 's about Eurostar getting new trains travelling at 320 Km/h by Siemens. Have a look!!

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Resources/Energy-saving-news/Consumer-driving/Eurostar-unveils-new-fleet-to-rival-short-haul-flights/(energysavingtrust)/787280

 

Train pictures of Prototype(Velaro D) http://paulbigland.fotopic.net/c1904512.html  (Train is in Hyde Park)

 

And a video about the order : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IJADuyfKXE&feature=player_embedded

 

Now, that's a sexy train. Shame the new E5 or E6 does look like this.

I'll go along with that.

 

I notice it's on rubber wheels, they might be going to get around the Eurotunnel safety regulations by driving across.

[Guest ___]

Hey guys,

Just came across this article. It 's about Eurostar getting new trains travelling at 320 Km/h by Siemens. Have a look!!

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Resources/Energy-saving-news/Consumer-driving/Eurostar-unveils-new-fleet-to-rival-short-haul-flights/(energysavingtrust)/787280

 

Train pictures of Prototype(Velaro D) http://paulbigland.fotopic.net/c1904512.html  (Train is in Hyde Park)

 

And a video about the order : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IJADuyfKXE&feature=player_embedded

 

Now, that's a sexy train. Shame the new E5 or E6 does look like this.

I'll go along with that.

 

I notice it's on rubber wheels, they might be going to get around the Eurotunnel safety regulations by driving across.

 

It's one of those new hybrid road trains, you know in case there's a traffic jam on High Sped 1, it can pop off the rails and continue down the motorway. That's called German progress.

[Nozomi4ever]

Hey guys,

Just came across this article. It 's about Eurostar getting new trains travelling at 320 Km/h by Siemens. Have a look!!

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Resources/Energy-saving-news/Consumer-driving/Eurostar-unveils-new-fleet-to-rival-short-haul-flights/(energysavingtrust)/787280

 

Train pictures of Prototype(Velaro D) http://paulbigland.fotopic.net/c1904512.html  (Train is in Hyde Park)

 

And a video about the order : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IJADuyfKXE&feature=player_embedded

 

Now, that's a sexy train. Shame the new E5 or E6 does look like this.

I'll go along with that.

 

I really love that train. It 's with a really beautiful design...

 

I notice it's on rubber wheels, they might be going to get around the Eurotunnel safety regulations by driving across.

 

It's one of those new hybrid road trains, you know in case there's a traffic jam on High Sped 1, it can pop off the rails and continue down the motorway. That's called German progress.

 

Lol! They must be lazy to install the bogies lol. How I wish the German progress will introduce the world 's first Velaro on tram tracks!! 

 

 

[Nozomi4ever]

BTW, Here 's the comparsion of different Velaros and the Original ICE 3

 

And of course.. A PDF file about the train itself! :)

http://www.siemens.com/press/pool/de/materials/industry/imo/velaro_d_en.pdf

[Guest ___]

First video: I'm amazed the Germans have it set up so that a railfan could get that close to a tunnel along an HSR mainline without much in the way of a barrier. I can't think of many places along the shinkansen aside from platforms where that is possible. Even on the NEC here in the states, there's pretty few places (at least between DC and NYC) where that's possible, and certainly not near a tunnel.

[bikkuri bahn]

Notice the car running on the road just above the tunnel, with what appears to be just a standard guardrail dividing it from the right of way?  I suppose there are no worries about cars driving off the side and blocking the tunnel, though the tunnel lip design seems able of blocking such an attempt.  Anyway, at least in the more rural areas, there seems to rather open access to high speed lines.  I suppose the Germans really do like to "follow the rules exactly" and expect everyone to do so.

 

Another view:

 

Different tunnel:

[ToniBabelony]

Notice the car running on the road just above the tunnel, with what appears to be just a standard guardrail dividing it from the right of way?  I suppose there are no worries about cars driving off the side and blocking the tunnel, though the tunnel lip design seems able of blocking such an attempt.  Anyway, at least in the more rural areas, there seems to rather open access to high speed lines.  I suppose the Germans really do like to "follow the rules exactly" and expect everyone to do so.

 

Well, you have to be incredibly stupid to walk on railway tracks, especially when you know trains are doing regular speeds at 80~200 km/h on normal tracks and 250~300km/h on high-speed dedicated tracks.