Trains that rarely reach their top speed

[samuelmorris]

I'm pretty sure I've 'measured' that based on the comparative pitch of the traction motors in that section vs. a GPS measurement taken between Limehouse and Westferry and the speed the units reach between Shadwell-Bank in the tunnel is only around 40-42. It feels faster due to the quite sharp curvature of the track in certain sections. Fastest I think I've observed the units go is in the tunnel down to Woolwich Arsenal, but even so, I don't think the units are supposed to exceed 50 at any time, to my recollection.

 

[Bevan Price]

Shouldn't be any burning brakes as friction brakes only cut in at 7mph.

I wonder how many stocks are capable of higher speeds than declared but are kept slower because of cost or gearing. Back on the underground S stock comes to mind.

In the days before radar traps, etc., Class 156 could certainly reach at least 86 mph, and I believe Class 150 have also done similar speeds.

 

[Scotrail84]

In the days before radar traps, etc., Class 156 could certainly reach at least 86 mph, and I believe Class 150 have also done similar speeds.

I've been on one that got up to 85 between Fauldhouse and Addiewell.

Also been on a turbo the was tied up to a 150 that reached 100.

 

[sd0733]

Not seen them mentioned but do the 374s ever hit 200mph? Certainly don't in the UK but not sure about the continental bits.

 

[Mordac]

Not seen them mentioned but do the 374s ever hit 200mph? Certainly don't in the UK but not sure about the continental bits.

Not in France, as LGV Nord is the same speed as HS1. Dunno about Belgium.

 

[47421]

379s - West Anglia is generally max 80, short section 85 just north of Brox, also 85 or 90 by Whittlesford, but pretty sure no running above 90 on their booked services

 

[gsnedders]

Not in France, as LGV Nord is the same speed as HS1. Dunno about Belgium.

They could in France: the trains to Marseille on the final Angles to Marseille stretch could reach 320 km/h, but that's the only line Eurostar regularly goes that has a 320 km/h limit.

 

[Mordac]

They could in France: the trains to Marseille on the final Angles to Marseille stretch could reach 320 km/h, but that's the only line Eurostar regularly goes that has a 320 km/h limit.

I forgot that existed. My bad.

 

[davetheguard]

Everything on a preserved railway?

 

[Deerfold]

Everything on a preserved railway?

What's that a reply to?

 

[43096]

Everything on a preserved railway?

Ahem. Class 08s.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Not in France, as LGV Nord is the same speed as HS1. Dunno about Belgium.

I saw 319 km/h recently on the screen inside a 374 and at the exact same time my GPS was reading 199.4 mph. I have a contact inside Eurostar who specifically told me they do achieve this speed in short bursts, but obviously the TVM system combined with the pathing on the line prevents anything more than just those short bursts.