Eurostar Class 373 Power Car 3999 Displayed at Alstom’s Greatest Gathering

Eurostar Class 373 power car 3999 is on public display at The Greatest Gathering, Alstom’s railway celebration taking place at its historic Litchurch Lane Works in Derby.

Built by Alstom in 1996 at Belfort, France, the high-speed power car is being showcased at the three-day festival running from 1 to 3 August 2025.

The event is part of Railway 200, a nationwide programme marking 200 years since the opening of Britian’s modern railway. With more than 100 rail vehicles spanning the past, present and future of the industry, The Greatest Gathering is the largest collection of rolling stock ever assembled in one place.

Power car 3999 is an example of international high-speed rail innovation. Part of the Class 373 fleet (also known as the Trans Manche Super Train (TMST) or Eurostar e300), the unit is designed to run at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h) and can operate seamlessly across three countries thanks to its multi-voltage systems and advanced onboard signalling.

Built as a spare unit and accumulating just under 38,000 km in service, 3999 has played a key support role in the Eurostar fleet, stepping in when other power cars undergo maintenance. Normally based at Temple Mills International Depot in East London, the power car is rarely seen outside its operational context.

Rob Whyte, Managing Director at Alstom UK and Ireland said:

We’re pleased to support The Greatest Gathering by loaning power car 3999 – offering the public a rare glimpse of a Eurostar unit that’s played a behind-the-scenes role in our operations. It’s a fitting way to reflect on three decades of international rail travel and our continued investment in sustainable high-speed connections.

The unit arrived in Derby by road shortly before the event and is now leading a high-speed showcase that includes the Alstom-built Class 390 Pendolino (390119 Progress) and the Class 43 diesel power car 432159—the fastest diesel locomotive in the world.

Once the event concludes, power car 3999 will be prepared for future high-speed service with the installation of European Train Control System (ETCS) equipment, part of Eurostar’s continued fleet modernisation.