British Rail Class 373
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British Rail Class 373 "Eurostar" | |
---|---|
In service | Built 1992-1996 In service 1993 - Present |
Manufacturer | GEC-Alsthom |
Family name | TGV |
Number built | 31 trainsets (Three Capitals) 7 trainsets (North of London) |
Formation | 20 cars (Three Capitals) 16 cars (North of London) |
Capacity | 750 seats (Three Capitals) 558 seats (North of London) |
Operator(s) | Eurostar SNCF |
Specifications | |
Car body construction | Steel |
Car length | 18.7 m |
Width | 2.81 m |
Maximum speed | 334.7 km/h (Record) 300 km/h (Service) |
Weight | 752 t (Three Capitals, empty) 815 t (Three Capitals, loaded) 665 t (North of London) |
Power output | 12.2 MW (25 kV) 5.7 MW (3000 V) 3.4 MW (675/750 V) |
Electric system(s) | 25 kV AC 675/750 V DC 3000 V DC 1500 V DC |
Track gauge | Standard gauge - 4 ft 8½ (1,435 mm) |
The British Rail Class 373 or TGV-TMST train is an electric multiple unit that operates Eurostar's high-speed rail service between Britain, France and Belgium via the Channel Tunnel. Part of the TGV family, it has a smaller cross-section to fit within the constrictive British loading gauge, was originally able to operate on the UK third rail network, and has a lot of fireproofing in case of fire in the tunnel. This is both the second-longest—394 metres (1,293 ft)—and second-fastest train in regular UK passenger service.