The Historic Connection Between Trains and Water
Why Steam Locomotives Needed Water Towers
Trains and water have been intertwined since the beginning. Steam engines need water to function after all. Without water towers to keep the boiler full, you'd risk an explosion!
Railroads vs. Canals: The Pennsylvania Railroad and the Erie Canal
Nor can we forget that the iron horse frequently put existing canal networks out of business. The mighty Pennsylvania Railroad was born to combat the Erie Canal, and proved its value during winters when the canals froze solid.
Some of the most beautiful vistas feature a graceful bridge spanning a powerful river, like the memorable Hell Gate bridge that Lionel has rendered in O gauge multiple times over the years.
Trains Beneath the Sea: Introducing the Chunnel
As fascinating as all this is, let's take things a step further. Let's talk about trains under the water.
What Is the Channel Tunnel (Chunnel)?
I'm talking about Eurostar, and the 31.35 mile long tunnel under the English channel known as the Chunnel. I had the pleasure of experiencing this engineering wonder recently and wanted to share a little with fellow train enthusiasts like yourself.
Types of Trains That Use the Chunnel
There are three types of trains transiting the Chunnel.
- Eurostar passenger trains.
- LeShuttle service for road vehicles (put your car on a flatcar and be whisked away!)
- Freight trains.
Boarding the Eurostar in London
For a person transiting from London to Paris, the adventure begins at St. Pancras International Station in London.
Inside St. Pancras International Station
This beautiful train station on Euston Road handles immense volumes of traffic each day. For Americans used to underwhelming "Amshack" type stations, imagine a massive airport and you'll be much closer to the mark.
Security and Waiting Areas
You'll need your passport of course. St. Pancras services Eurostar routes to France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. There will be X-ray scanning of luggage of course, and body scans for security, as is typical of most large airports these days.
After you've passed through security, there are large waiting areas below the train platform where you can stretch out a bit, chat, and possibly do some duty-free shopping.
For those hungry while waiting, there are a few food options in the secure area while you wait.
Boarding Process and What to Expect
When boarding commences, be prepared for a mad dash. Your platform will be assigned. On your ticket, you will see the number of your coach, which helps in choosing which escalator or elevator (I'm sorry, lift) to use to get up to the platform. Just don't be trampled!
There is a general stampede up and into the train, so fast and densely packed that there was no time for photography. My advice? Get on the train first, then figure out what coach your seats are in. We left the station with people still sorting out where they were meant to sit.
Onboard the Eurostar: What the Experience Is Like
Luggage Storage and Travel Tips
Each coach features luggage racks at one end for passengers to stow their large baggage. There are overhead shelves for smaller carry-on bags. Eurostar allows two large bags and one carry-on for each passenger, but honestly that's a bit much. Try and pack lightly, as space on the racks goes fast.
Seating Classes and Comfort Levels
Coaches also feature a toilet, comparable to, if slightly larger than, what you would find on an airplane. In fact, much of the Eurostar experience felt like an airplane. The seats are decent enough in Standard, slightly better in Standard Premier, and decadent in Business Premier
If you're happy with the cheap seats on a commercial flight, Standard will be an upgrade.
Food, Drinks, and Amenities
For a typical London to Paris trip, expect a travel time of two hours and twenty minutes. You could sleep, read, use the onboard wifi to surf the Internet, or wander to the Cafe car.
Hot and cold meals are available, and a wide selection of beverages. Please note, you're not allowed more than four (!) bottles of beer during the journey. The ham and emmental cheese sandwich was fairly basic but tasty.
Traveling Through the Chunnel
Would you like to know the most disappointing thing about traveling through the world's second-longest underwater train tunnel? You might not notice!
It's hard to believe, I know. Leaving St. Pancras there are a number of tunnels the train will dip into as it heads toward Folkestone. There are no big signs or announcements, no steep angles downward, to let you know you've entered the Chunnel.
At some point you'll think "this is a longer tunnel than the last few" and before the thought finishes, you're popping out in Calais. My first hint we were in France? A text on my cell phone letting me know about roaming charges.
The French countryside rolls by quickly as the Eurostar climbs to its top speed of 186 MHP. The train makes a gentle curve south for Paris, and in no time at all you're pulling into the fabled Gare du Nord station, where you'll find SNCF trains arriving and departing constantly.
Arrival in Paris at Gare du Nord
Navigating the Station and Crowds
Well, almost into Gare du Nord. Eurostar passengers disembark on a long open air platform and walk into the station.
Mind the pigeons. The station is full of them, and they are well fed creatures, so don't look up.
Final Thoughts on the Eurostar Experience
For a train guy there's not much left to do at this point. The crowd will be sweeping you along, the speakers will be blaring arrivals and departures, and juggling luggage and a phone isn't easy.
Why High-Speed Rail Is a Unique Travel Experience
Take joy in knowing that you've managed to travel in decent comfort from London to Paris in under three hours by high-speed rail. It's a rare opportunity and one to cherish.