Having been on these trains IRL I knew they performed much better on AC power but actually driving them really put it into perspective. I had a run in off the rails mode from Paddington to Slough and the better acceleration was immediately noticeable. It wasn't long before I had reached it's top speed of 110mph, and leaving the power at notch 4 it maxed out at 122 by around Southall! I then brought it back down to coast at 110 to maintain a vague sense of realism. Coming into Slough the better braking was noticeable too, it feels much more responsive.
Electrostars are quicker under the wires because on DC there is a thing called Current Limit Index which means they can’t work to their full potential.
Ah I see. I has just assumed it was simply because a third rail couldn't supply as much power, but I guess there's more to it than that.
Power is Voltage x Current - so to get the same power from a lower voltage you need higher currents - which is very undesirable and may overheat the rail and pickup shoes. This is why many high power DC overhead locos will start with both pans up and then drop one as the current drops. 374s also run with 4 pans up on 1500V DC to avoid overheating the pans
You mean attempting a normal GWR Commuter service London to Reading final destination is Newbury/Bedwyn
387s don't go to Bedwyn - those are 5 car 80x for terminators - or IIRC some of the Exeter - London stoppers call there.
I wasn't trying to recreate any specific service. Just wanted a quick run on a route I know 387s traverse in real life.