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Class 373 EUROSTAR HS1 EMU UNITS

The British Rail Class 373 Eurostar or TGV TMST train is a high speed electric multiple unit (EMU) that operates Eurostar's high-speed rail service between Great Britain and Continental Europe i.e. France and Belgium via the Channel Tunnel. Eurostar Class 373 Eurostar EMUs work of 25 kV AC overhead power lines via pantograph. Each Eurostar train consists of two 10-car units coupled together with a motor car at each driving end. The Class 373 Eurostar formation is DM-MSO-4TSO-RB-2TFO-TBFO. Class 373 Eurostar trains have a maximum speed of 186 mph (300 km/h). The Class 373 Eurostar units were built in 1992-1993 by GEC-Alsthom/Brush/ANF//De Dietrich/BN Construction/ACES.

A history of Class 373 HS1 EMUs

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Class 373 (Class 373/1 units)  Eurostar high speed electric multiple units no. Class 373 Eurostar Unit power car 3211 (above) and Class 373 Eurostar Unit power car 3220 (below) at St Pancras International Station

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Power cars Class 373 (Class 373/1) Eurostar units 3107 and 3218 in Paris Gare du Nord Station

 

Electric multiple unit EUROSTAR Class 373 3003 at the front at Paris Gare du Nord (with 3004 named "Tri-City-Athlon 2010")

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Eurostar trains at Paris Gare du Nord, Class 373 electric locomotive 3213 on the right

 

High speed electric multiple units: EUROSTAR Class 373 locomotive 3017 at the rear and SNCF THALYS 4343 on the adjacent track at Paris du Nord Station

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Class 373 Eurostar EMU power cars 3202 and 3004 in London's St Pancras Station

 

Eurostar Class 373 Eurostar train in St Pancras

 

Class 373 (Class 373/2) power car unit 3308 in the workshops of York NRM (is it going to be put on display?)

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Eurostar Class 373 373308 3308 North Pole in York NRM

 

The very old and the relatively new in locomotive design!

Class 373 Eurostar 3308 was built by GEC ALSTROM in 1995

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A history of Class 373 HS1 EMUs

The Class 373 is the original Eurostar train: a high‑speed, tri‑voltage, fire‑hardened TGV‑derived EMU built 1992–1996 for international services between London, Paris, Brussels and beyond. It remains one of the most technically complex and historically significant train classes ever to operate in Britain.
Below is a full, structured history synthesised from authoritative sources.

What the Class 373 Is

The British Rail Class 373, also known as the TGV‑TMST (Trans‑Manche Super Train) and now branded Eurostar e300, is a high‑speed EMU designed specifically for Channel Tunnel operations. It is part of the TGV family, but built to a smaller British loading gauge, with extensive fireproofing and multi‑system electrical capability.

Development and Construction of the Class 373 EMUs (1989–1996)

Origins of the Class 373 EMUs

  • In December 1989, contracts were placed for 31 TMST sets to operate through the Channel Tunnel.

  • The design had to meet unprecedented requirements:

    • Three electrical systems (25 kV AC, 3 kV DC, 750 V DC third rail)

    • Three signalling systems (TVM‑430, KVB, TBL)

    • Three platform heights (UK, France, Belgium)

    • Strict fire‑survivability standards for tunnel operation

Manufacturing of the Class 373 EMUs

Construction was shared across four countries:

  • GEC‑Alsthom La Rochelle & Belfort (France)

  • Brugeoise et Nivelles, Bruges (Belgium)

  • Metro‑Cammell, Washwood Heath (UK)

Build period of the Class 373 EMUs

  • Constructed: 1992–1996

  • Total built: 38 full sets (31 “Three Capitals”, 7 “North of London”)

Entry Into Service of the Class 373 EMUs

  • First passenger service: 14 November 1994 (London–Paris/Brussels).

  • The Class 373 instantly became the UK’s fastest train, with a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) in service.

  • It also set the British rail speed record of 334 km/h (208 mph).

Operational History of the Class 373 EMUs

Three Capitals Sets

  • 20‑car formations (two 10‑car half‑sets)

  • Used on London–Paris and London–Brussels services

  • Seating: 750 as built, 758 after refurbishment

North of London (NoL) Sets

  • Shorter 16‑car formations

  • Intended for services to Manchester, Glasgow, etc.

  • Never used in regular international service; stored at North Pole depot

  • Seating: 558

Key operational features

  • Designed so each half‑set can separate in the Channel Tunnel in an emergency.

  • Multi‑system capability allowed seamless running across UK, French and Belgian networks.

  • Originally equipped with third‑rail shoes for London Waterloo access; removed after HS1 opened.

Technical Characteristics of the Class 373 EMUs

Power and Traction

  • Traction motors: 12 × Brush TM2151B asynchronous AC motors

  • Power output:

    • 25 kV AC: 12.24 MW

    • 3 kV DC: 5.70 MW

    • 750 V DC: 3.40 MW

Electrical systems

  • 25 kV AC overhead

  • 3 kV DC overhead

  • 1.5 kV DC overhead

  • 750 V DC third rail (removed after 2007)

Construction

  • Steel-bodied vehicles with GRP nosecones

  • Articulated trailer cars sharing bogies

  • Length: 394 m (Three Capitals)

  • Weight: 752 t empty

Refurbishment and Mid‑Life Extension of the Class 373 EMUs

  • 2004–2005: First major refurbishment (interiors redesigned).

  • 2008–2015: Mid‑Life Extension (MLX) programme, including interior upgrades and new Eurostar branding.

  • Rebranded as Eurostar e300 after the introduction of the Siemens Class 374 e320 fleet.

Withdrawal and Current Status of the Class 373 EMUs

  • Successor: Class 374 (Siemens Velaro e320).

  • Many Class 373s were withdrawn and scrapped as the e320 fleet expanded.

  • As of the latest sourced data, 11 sets remain in service, with 17 scrapped.

  • Remaining sets operate mainly on Paris and Brussels routes.

Significance of the Class 373 EMUs

The Class 373 is historically important because it was:

  • The first high‑speed train to operate in the UK

  • The train that opened the Channel Tunnel era

  • A unique tri‑voltage, tri‑signalling, fire‑hardened design unmatched in complexity

  • The longest and (for many years) fastest train in UK service

It represents a landmark in European railway integration and remains one of the most iconic EMUs ever built.

 

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docspics images of Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays photos of Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays photographs of Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays pictures of Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays © Dr Phil Brown * Treyn Railway Holidays to France, Italy and Spain from Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays Booking tickets for Great Railway Journey luxury Rail Trip holidays Train travel in Europe Rail holidays from Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays to the USA & Canada luxury train through the Rocky Mountain Canadian rail railway holidays through the Rockies US Cities by train from Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays  Continental rail holidays to France Germany Italy Austria Switzerland Glacier Express Treyn Holidays from Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays from Eurostar to Paris Brussels Avignon Turin Turino Rome Roma Florence Firenze TGV fast trains Railway travel holidays special steam excursions from Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays Travelling by train always seems a pleasure, especially if through wonderful scenery  to Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays in England, Scotland, Wales or on holiday in the rest of Europe! The railway trip from Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays involves seeing or travelling behind a 'real' steam locomotive in action and there is nothing like the sight and sounds of a steam train to invoke feelings of nostalgia in some of us to Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays even more luxury by having a special trip out on a steam dining train! England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland top class hotels in Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays dining out travel tours top tourist destinations tourist information on Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays weekend breaks mini-breaks family holidays restaurants touring coach trips from Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays continental tours cruise ships pleasure cruises summer breaks spring breaks continental winter breaks European winter holidays spring holidays summer holidays European Rail tours Railway travel holidays special steam excursions from Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays A great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains European Rail tours US and Canadian Railway travel holidays special steam excursions to Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays A great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains Travelling by train from Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays always seems a pleasure, especially if through wonderful scenery either in England, Scotland, Wales or on holiday in the rest of the railways of Europe! The railway trip involves seeing or travelling behind a 'real' steam locomotive or heritage diesel in action on a special trip from Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays Booking Eurostar Continental Rail Travel Tour Tickets Stuttgart Brussels Eurostar Brussels from Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays by TGV to Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International Stratford International, St Pancras International Paris Gare du Nord Paris Gare de Lyon Paris Gare de L'est Paris Gare Montparnasse by Eurostar from Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays London to Paris, Eurostar London - Brussels Eurostar London to Lille deals bargain city breaks Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays Great Railway Journey holidays in Italy, Spain and France by TGV booking from Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays Booking Eurostar Continental Rail Travel Tour Tickets to the Continent  eg Paris Brussels Avignon or railway tours across France, Holland, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia, Asia or China for a travel spectacular Class 373 Eurostar EMU rail tour holidays

Good trainspotting 'TRAINSPOTS' Good trainspotting and photographic locations  Barnetby Station, North Lincolnshire  *  Carlisle Station  *  Clapham Junction Station, London  *  Colton Junction, south of York  * Coventry *  Crewe Station  *  Doncaster Station, South Yorkshire  * Grantham * Hellifield station - Carlisle to Settle line * Lancaster station  * Leicester station * Newcastle Station  *  Northallerton Station  *  Nuneaton Station  * Peterborough *  Sheffield Station  *  Stratford Station, East London * Tamworth * Warrington Bank Quay station * Wigan North Western - WCML *  York Station

See other TOPS classes of diesels and electrics * Class 01 * Class 02 * Class 03 * Class 04 * Class 08 * Class 09 * Class 10 * Class 11 * Class 14 * Class 20 * Class 24 * Class 25 * Class 26 * Class 27 * Class 31 * Class 33 * Class 35 * Class 37 * Class 40 * Class 43 * Class 44 * Class 45 * Class 47 * Class 50 * Class 52 * Class 55 * Class 56 * Class 57 * Class 58 *  Class 60 * Class 66 * Class 67 * Class 68 * Class 70 * Class 71 * Class 73 * Class 76 * Class 77 *  Class 84 * Class 86 * Class 87 * Class 88 * Class 90 * Class 91 * Class 92 * Derby Lightweight * Class 101 * Class 108 * Class 114 * Class 117 * Class 120 * Class 121 * Class 122 * Class 127 * Class 141 * Class 142 * Class 144 * Class 150 * Class 153 * Class 155 * Class 156 * Class 158 * Class 159 * Class 165 * Class 166 * Class 170 * Class 172 * Class 175 * Class 180 * Class 185 * Class 195  * Class 196 * Class 197 * Class 220 * Class 221 * Class 222 * Class 252 * Class 313 * Class 315 * Class 317 * Class 319 * Class 320 * Class 321 * Class 322 * Class 323 * Class 325 * Class 331 * Class 332 * Class 333 * Class 334 * Class 350 * Class 357 * Class 360 * Class 365 * Class 373 * Class 375 * Class 376 * Class 377 * Class 378 * Class 379 * Class 380 * Class 387 * Class 390 * Class 395 * Class 414 * Class 423 * Class 442 * Class 444 * Class 450 * Class 455 * Class 458 * Class 460 * Class 465 * Class 466 * Class 489 * Class 507/508 * Class 700 * Class 730  * Class 755 * Class 800 * Class 801 * Class 802 * Class 803 *  Class 805 * Class 3000 *

INDEX of My IMAGES OF PRESERVED STEAM LOCOMOTIVES

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