Eurostar Routing

[higthomas]

I have been looking through my rail atlas and was wondering what routes I have travelled and came to wonder along what route would I have travelled on Eurostar, both pre and post CTRL section 1? (Assuming I didn't use any diversions, of which I have no idea.

 

[Crossover]

Last time I did Eurostar in 2011, we went from Ebbsfleet Int and I seem to recall kind of 'going round the back of' Ashford. I know we followed the classic lines to a fair degree too

 

[user15681]

Pre CTRL section 1:
Eurostar would have left Waterloo and gone over the Nine Elms flyover to reach the line from Victoria. It would then go past Wandsworth Road and Clapham High Street stations, before going through Brixton and heading to Shortlands via Herne Hill and Beckenham Junction. From Shortlands it would head through Bromley South, before diverging at Bickley. From there, Eurostar would go through Orpington, Sevenoaks down to Ashford via Paddock Wood. At Ashford, it could either call at the International platforms or 'go round the back' on the through roads. Then on to the Channel Tunnel.

Post CTRL section 1, pre CTRL section 2:
Same as above, except... the trains at Shortlands would go through Bromley South but on the Chatham lines. Eurostar would NOT diverge at Bickley, but instead go through Swanley, before joining the Chatham main line, through Farningham Road and heading towards Fawkham Junction, a spur specifically for Eurostar to join CTRL (HS1) at Southfleet Junction and then onwards as now.

I believe sometimes Eurostar was diverted between Brixton and Shortlands via the Catford Loop.

 

[yorksrob]

Pre CTRL section 1:
Eurostar would have left Waterloo and gone over the Nine Elms flyover to reach the line from Victoria. It would then go past Wandsworth Road and Clapham High Street stations, before going through Brixton and heading to Shortlands via Herne Hill and Beckenham Junction. From Shortlands it would head through Bromley South, before diverging at Bickley. From there, Eurostar would go through Orpington, Sevenoaks down to Ashford via Paddock Wood. At Ashford, it could either call at the International platforms or 'go round the back' on the through roads. Then on to the Channel Tunnel.

Some of the Eurostar services would go via Swanley, Maidstone East and Ashford. The section between Otford and Sevenoaks via Bat and Ball was also available for diversions.

 

[user15681]

Some of the Eurostar services would go via Swanley, Maidstone East and Ashford. The section between Otford and Sevenoaks via Bat and Ball was also available for diversions.

I had a feeling they did, but wasn't sure so thought best to leave it out and let someone else confirm it. Thanks for adding that!

 

[Kentish Paul]

Just to clarify things.

The "going round the back of Ashford" in 2011 as mentioned by Crossover is just the train staying on HS1 as it is not timetabled to stop at Ashford. Also it goes through the centre of Ashford (not the back) first by tunnel and then by viaduct. The viaduct being 15 metres (approx) north of platform 6 at Ashford station.

The gradient change from tunnel to viaduct forces a speed limit of 270Kmph as opposed to 300Kmph either side.

Pre HS1, non stop Eurostars went through the middle roads at Ashford station at 85/90 mph on the 3rd rail. (not sure of the speed limit then).

As said above all the routes from Waterloo to Ashford on the "classic" lines were cleared for Eurostars. (probably one that wasn't:cry.

It still amazes me today that most passengers waiting on platform 6 pay no attention at all when a Eurostar erupts from the tunnel at 160mph and roars past platform 6 sounding like a jet fighter. Most are staring at mobile phones etc.

 

[yorksrob]

I'd notice if a VEP turned up !

 

[Kentish Paul]

I'd notice if a VEP turned up !

So would I! I still do a double take when i see the one in Clapham yard.

 

[craigwilson]

It still amazes me today that most passengers waiting on platform 6 pay no attention at all when a Eurostar erupts from the tunnel at 160mph and roars past platform 6 sounding like a jet fighter. Most are staring at mobile phones etc.

I always paid attention! I was always annoyed that I never had my camera on me at the moments one rushed past!

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