Class 395 'Javelin' high speed train acceleration 0-90mph Ashford to Dollands Moor 750v DC

There isn't much opportunity to sample the Hitachi built Class 395 'Javelin' trains at full speed on the old southern 750 volt third rail 'DC' network, but here we sample a unit heading from Ashford to Folkestone running alongside HS1. The start from Ashord is limited to around 30mph, but once onto the Kent main line, the 395, does its best to accelerate towards the maximum line speed limit of 100mph. Unfortunately 90mph is the best we see, as the Class 395 control software limits the power draw from the limited 750 DC supply. At the end of the video, look out for some Siemens Desiro City Class 717's waiting to be be transferred to London for commissioning.

If the Class 395's were able to use the adjacent HS1 tracks, they would easily hit 140mph (225km/h) and in much less time than it takes us to accelerate to 90mph on this uphill stretch of track that climbs in part as steep as 1 in 250.

[DeRepear]

Yes they really do accelerate this slowly on DC power. Try it out on Train Sim World. The difference when you switch over to AC is stark!

[GWAYGWAY]

This is the old track and not the HS1 which runs alongside. It has the standard stopping trains on that line and still manages to be fast enough . It is Ashford to Ebbsfleet and St Pancras that is the high speed part, the javelins are allowed to go much faster to make time up if late to keep the Eurostars at speed, but they are normally 140mph

[botiratayev]

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[bb-]

I've realised, if it wasn't for their insane bodyweight, they would accelerate ridiculously fast on third rail, perhaps if they weighed as much as a class 465 (i assume anyway, since their likely programmed on be super quick, hence the rapid acceleration to 60mph on AC)

[thetelephoneprankster]

Is there any reason why these trains can't go back onto HS1 after Ashford to run at full speed until just before the tunnel and then re-join the classic lines? I know there is a link to the tunnel from the classic lines so I have always wondered whether this is possible or not

[jstman]

Once I saw 70mph, I be like: Now that's California highway speeds....

[bb-]

Either the driver wasnt fully accelerating, or the acceleration suffers majorly on DC

[botiratayev]

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