• Our new ticketing site is now live! Using either this or the original site (both powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!

Incredible TGV Duplex Journey

Status
Not open for further replies.

Cuthbert 80

Member
Joined
25 Aug 2012
Messages
18
Location
London
Oh my goodness...sorry to be overly dramatic but mid-September of this year I went to Annecy(French Alps) and was the first time I've ever boarded a double-decker TGV Duplex.

Words can't describe how bloody incredible the journey was....from the high speed....to the breathtaking scenery from the Chambery mountains onwards. Because I was sitting in the lower deck(which is substantially lower to the ground than a normal train), the sensation of speed at 300 kmh was much greater and sometimes overwhelming compared to even a regular single deck TGV or Shinkansen. I have some proof with this short video I shot and hope I succeeded in capturing the crazy speed lol

[youtube]oC1wh8YBBxk[/youtube]
 
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R

RailUK Forums

radamfi

Established Member
Joined
29 Oct 2009
Messages
9,267
I have never thought of sitting downstairs on a Duplex or other double decker.
 

Cuthbert 80

Member
Joined
25 Aug 2012
Messages
18
Location
London
I have never thought of sitting downstairs on a Duplex or other double decker.

radamfi, do it next time.

For many years before, I wondered what it would be like to ride on a TGV Duplex specifically in the lower deck because I noticed how low the windows were to the ground which always made me suspect that the lower centre of gravity would greatly increase the sensation of speed. My suspicions were proved right when I boarded the Duplex for the first time recently.

It's a wonderful feeling going at 300 kmh in the lower deck of a TGV Duplex. You don't get that feeling of intense speed in the upper deck although you do get a better panoramic view of scenery...if that's your thing.
 
Last edited:

Peter Mugridge

Veteran Member
Joined
8 Apr 2010
Messages
17,829
Location
Epsom
It's not the lower centre of gravity that increases the sensation of speed; it's simply the visual effect of being closer to the ground.
 

Cuthbert 80

Member
Joined
25 Aug 2012
Messages
18
Location
London
New video I shot on my way back to London from Lille. Not quite as good as the TGV Duplex journey but this wasn't really a slouch!!

[youtube]tCLX4szKlJs[/youtube]
 

coupwotcoup

Member
Joined
29 Jul 2007
Messages
287
I've often used the Duplex from Paris to Perpignan but you never forget your first time.
Back in 1988 I first encountered a TGV - Rouen to Montpellier or Lyon (can't remember exactly) and having rarely, if ever, travelled over 100mph on BR at that time, the
sensation of building up speed was, quite amazing.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top