Eurostar has refurbished its Class 373 trains, rebranding them as e300s. They are operating alongside the Siemens Class 374 e320s on cross-Channel routes, including to the south of France as well as other traditional routes.
Eight of the trains have been treated, with the rest either stored, or scrapped, although one has been hired to Thalys..
Italian design-house Pininfarina, which designed the interiors for the e320s, has created the interiors for the older trains. They are being equipped with WiFi and on-board entertainment systems as per the ‘374s’ to create, what Eurostar said, is “the same look and feel has been used for the e320 for consistency.”
During the refurbishment, Eurostar issued photography which unveils the scale of the behind-the-scenes operation taking place in at SNCF’s depot just outside of Lille Europe station.
The refurbishment – fast facts
- Each train measures 400 metres – that’s longer than the Shard is tall – and is made up of two power cars, 16 passenger coaches and two bar buffets.
- Per train:
· Around 30,000 new parts are installed
· 2,800 parts are completely repainted
· 2,086 new lights are fitted
· 1,800 parts are completely overhauled
· 100 new digital screens are installed
· 22 bogies (a structure which takes the wheels) are overhauled. Each one has two axles, controlling 4 wheels).
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Comments
Peter Hodges - 01/12/2019 21:06
I travelled in a non refurbished Eurostar carriage a few weeks ago. I could not believe how uncomfortable the seats were. I notice that seats are not on the list of improvements. Not a pleasant experience.
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Vader van Thomas - 03/12/2019 01:43
Recently I was twice confronted with a last-minute replacement of a new train by a refurbished old train. Not a pleasant experience. The airco system of the old train was not improved. Hence: an extremely strong jet of ultra-dry air coming to you from vents at the level of your arms.
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Peter Hodges - 01/12/2019 21:07
I travelled in a non refurbished Eurostar carriage a few weeks ago. I could not believe how uncomfortable the seats were. I notice that seats are not on the list of improvements. Not a pleasant experience.
Reply as guest
Peter Hodges - 01/12/2019 21:07
I travelled in a non refurbished Eurostar carriage a few weeks ago. I could not believe how uncomfortable the seats were. I notice that seats are not on the list of improvements. Not a pleasant experience.
Reply as guest
Peter Hodges - 01/12/2019 21:08
I travelled in a non refurbished Eurostar carriage a few weeks ago. I could not believe how uncomfortable the seats were. I notice that seats are not on the list of improvements. Not a pleasant experience.
Reply as guest
Peter Hodges - 01/12/2019 21:09
I travelled in a non refurbished Eurostar carriage a few weeks ago. I could not believe how uncomfortable the seats were. I notice that seats are not on the list of improvements. Not a pleasant experience.
Reply as guest