Turbine at St Pancras

[Ardath]

Hi All
I was recently at St Pancras International to catch the EuroStar to Paris.
I heard a turbine spinning down, (from a distance), when some trains pulled in.
Can anyone shed any light on this as I now understand that all trains are electric?
I'd just assumed that the big red Thalys engines were the culprits as I could not see obvious overhead collectors as on the Eurostar engines.
Cheers, and TIA for any help, A.
edit: clarity.

[John H-T]

Welcome to the Forum Ardath. Can't help you, but I'm sure someone will.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

[21Aman]

They would all be electric trains picking up of the OLE the sound you heard was probably a traction motor blower( cooling fan) shutting down into the idling mode.Or could be a compressor doing the same.

[lesleyholly]

Originally Posted by Ardath

Hi All
I was recently at St Pancras International to catch the EuroStar to Paris.
I heard a turbine spinning down, (from a distance), when some trains pulled in.
Can anyone shed any light on this as I now understand that all trains are electric?
I'd just assumed that the big red Thalys engines were the culprits as I could not see obvious overhead collectors as on the Eurostar engines.
Cheers, and TIA for any help, A.
edit: clarity.

may have bieng a hst at ajasant platforms

[klordger1900]

Originally Posted by Ardath

Hi All

I'd just assumed that the big red Thalys engines were the culprits
edit: clarity.

I dont wish to sound flippant but what big red thingies go to St.Pancras these days, I thought that only eurostar trains had clearance and the ice train was dragged through the tunnel. Do the dutch have a direct service??

[Ardath]

Originally Posted by klordger1900

I dont wish to sound flippant but what big red thingies go to St.Pancras these days, I thought that only eurostar trains had clearance and the ice train was dragged through the tunnel. Do the dutch have a direct service??

Well spotted, klordger. My head is still in a spin from our two month tour of the UK (and Paris -- drove 9000 km, and took 13,000 photos).
I checked my photos and the "big red thingies" were only spotted at Gare Du Nord. I only heard this whine from behind the barrier out of sight of any trains at St Pancras, and when I saw the BRTs at GDN, I just did a mental burp and "saw" the same BRTs at SP. Yep, only Eurostar at SP afaics, So it must be the high speed (large?) cooling fans slowing down.
Thanks to all for the enlightenment, Cheers, A.