Eurostar Power Car to Headline Historic Derby Showcase

Alstom has announced that Eurostar Class 373 power car 3999 will headline The Greatest Gathering in Derby, offering a rare glimpse into high-speed international rail travel. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The event, set for August 1–3, 2025, will be held at Alstom’s historic Litchurch Lane site. It marks the largest gathering of modern and vintage trains and commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

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Alongside Eurostar, the festival will feature more than 100 exhibits. These include the Flying Scotsman, Class 390 Pendolino, and Derby-built Class 720 Aventra.

Eurostar power car brings history to life

Power car 3999, built in 1996 at Alstom’s Belfort plant in France, served as a spare unit. It has logged 38,000 km—significantly less than its counterparts, which have surpassed 7 million km.

Originally based at Temple Mills Depot, it will be shown to the public for the first time outside its international routes. After the event, the unit will be equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS) for future high-speed digital service.

Eurostar highlights cross-border innovation

Since 1994, Eurostar trains have connected London, Paris, and Brussels via the Channel Tunnel at speeds up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The e300 trains operate across three countries, adapting to four voltages and seven signalling systems.

Rob Whyte, Managing Director of Alstom UK & Ireland, noted that power car 3999 represents engineering ambition and international cooperation.

Hayley Farrar, Head of Engineering at Eurostar, added that sharing this unit allows the public to reflect on 30 years of European rail connectivity and innovation.

Eurostar’s presence emphasizes the importance of collaboration and progress in railway development. It also reinforces the role of sustainable mobility in shaping future travel across borders.

The power car will be transported by road from East London to Derby, joining a showcase of legendary locomotives. This event will mark the first time the public can visit the Derby factory in nearly 50 years.

Source: www.alstom.com

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