SE Trains Highspeed service

[whole diary]

[Electric train]

Used the new Hitachi trains from St Pancras to Ramsgate today 1Hr 20mins far better that the old 2Hr 30mins.  The trains are quite comfortable, comfortable ride even at 140 mph and at the more sedate 90 mph on the normal network, the acceleration even of third rail is good.   2 x 2 seating mostly airline style with some tables, two let downs no sockets for laptops (although the journey times are shortish) and neither the outward or return had a refreshment service.  The train managers were (the two I had) helpful and friendly which makes a change for some of the SE Trains staff I have come across.

[JayMac]

Didn't think that the class 395 run above 125mph on HS1^▸ (High Speed line 1 - St Pancras to Channel Tunnel) unless they are making up time.

[devon_metro]

Used the new Hitachi trains from St Pancras to Ramsgate today 1Hr 20mins far better that the old 2Hr 30mins.  The trains are quite comfortable, comfortable ride even at 140 mph and at the more sedate 90 mph on the normal network, the acceleration even of third rail is good.   2 x 2 seating mostly airline style with some tables, two let downs no sockets for laptops (although the journey times are shortish) and neither the outward or return had a refreshment service.  The train managers were (the two I had) helpful and friendly which makes a change for some of the SE Trains staff I have come across.

Many other passengers on out if interest?

[Electric train]

Not sure of the top speed, but compared to the normal SE trains ............. fast very fast

Quite a few passengers not as loaded as I have seen the Ramsgate via Faversham but then the HS^▸ (High Speed (short for HSS^▸ (High Speed Services) High Speed Services)) stops at less places and it is slightly more expensive (^4 on my return ticket)

[Chafford1]

Didn't think that the class 395 run above 125mph on HS1^▸ (High Speed line 1 - St Pancras to Channel Tunnel) unless they are making up time.

Yes, rather disappointing isn't it! 

[John R]

Bear in mind that the time saving is 30 secs for every 10 miles run at 140mph over same run at 125mph.  So on a journey of this length the maximum speed is more symbolic, and probably not worth the additional energy involved in accelerating up from 125 to 140.

But I agree that the symbolism of being the only domestic services to run above 125mph is significant. After all its only 34 years since commercial services started running at 125mph. Now we have three trains designed for 140mph trains, of which only one runs above 125mph and that's only if it's late. It could only happen here, couldn't it.

I'd also be a bit miffed if I were a Eurostar driver running a couple of minutes late and having to dawdle behind a domestic service pootling along at 125mph. (or 200kph as they would think of it on that line.)   

[devonian]

Caught the HS1^▸ (High Speed line 1 - St Pancras to Channel Tunnel) Service from St Pancras to Ashford over the snowy period. With Victoria and Charing Cross closed and the St Pancras route being the only train into Kent, I was the only one in the carriage. It was late - 2213 but having caught Charing Cross trains at that time, they are often full and standing. The weather was probably the major factor here.

I did find though that it was hard to find SE services at St Pancras on arrival from the Circle Line. Plenty of signs for EMT^» (East Midlands Trains - about) and FCC^▸ (First Capital Connect) and Eurostar, but I had to ask to find SE services, tucked away around the corner. I've never used St Pancras before so more than likely just me - but I'm sure there'll be others out there.

As an aside, from the South West, St Pancras is far better connection. Newton Abbot to Ashford is now doable in 3hrs 45. Much better than 4hrs 30. And all for the same price!

Will be interested to see loadings under normal conditions.

[Electric train]

I did find though that it was hard to find SE services at St Pancras on arrival from the Circle Line. Plenty of signs for EMT^» (East Midlands Trains - about) and FCC^▸ (First Capital Connect) and Eurostar, but I had to ask to find SE services, tucked away around the corner. I've never used St Pancras before so more than likely just me - but I'm sure there'll be others out there.

St Pancras has gone from a sleepy great big train shed with 2 trains departing and 2 arrive per hour to effectively 4 major stations in one, I do think the escalators up to the SE HS1^▸ (High Speed line 1 - St Pancras to Channel Tunnel) platforms are facing the wrong way, better signage is needed, I am attending a course with one of the International Stations managers I mention this to him.  The HS1 platforms are bereft of facilities a coffee stall would be a good addition to their barrier line concourse