Hi Geoff, thanks for coming and for making it through the night with minimal sleep (and coffee - I wouldn't let them plug any kettles in!). A huge thanks to everyone involved in helping make history - it will definitely be a night to remember.

A few FAQs I've seen:

How fast did it go?
We ran using a 'sawtooth' profile, accelerating at max power then coasting down by 5 mph, which is the most efficient way to drive this train. We chose 30-35, 35-40 or 40-45 mph depending on whether we were catching up any trains ahead. Remember that the Elizabeth line averages 40 mph from Paddington to Reading so having to apply the brakes (and waste energy) when catching something up was a problem. The path we found was the very first slot into London after midnight and the very last slot back out before the morning peak, so was definitely a case of threading the needle.

It would never reach 200 miles in realistic conditions?
Yes, because this was a stunt to try to push the train as far as possible and beat the world record. By running non stop with no heating, we were able to make it 4x more efficient than normal, which is pretty crazy given than it's the same train running at the same speeds (slightly faster even) as it would in service on the Greenford branch.

How far would it have gone if you went faster?
We reckon around 150 miles would be possible at full speed (60 mph), Vs the potential 260 miles we could have achieved at 30-45 mph.

How long would it take to recharge afterwards?
In theory around half an hour up to 80%, but charging all the way to 100% takes a very long time due to the batteries reaching their maximum voltage. Future iterations would charge in half this time.

I cheered when the 200 miles were passed but I cheered even louder when the GWR chap referred to passengers rather than customers.

I love that a D stock is still winging about 10 years after withdrawal, in fully electric mode and the motors still sound the same

Jon who is part of the team has a pinned comment ^ above ^ that answers some of your questions!

nb. It also amuses me that 'GWR' stands for Great Western Railway .. as well as 'Guinness World Record' !! 🙂

I'm not even a full minute in, and I'm just so delighted that you were invited along to this event, Geoff! 😃 It means we get to come along too, vicariously, but it's recognition of your standing within the community. Truly you are the train person's train person. 👍 Respect!

Congratulations GWR on setting the new record. Thank you Geoff for bringing this video to us.

I’m a bus nerd so it’s so good seeing fellow train nerds excited about this pure passion makes the best staff

What an unbelievably cool thing to pull an all-nighter for!
Of course, I send out my best wishes to the team behind this incredible project, really hope the battery electric trains are a success as they will undoubtedly push Britain’s Railways towards a brighter greener future.

definitely don't want to out nerd anyone here  but although the "world record" for a battery electric train was previously 131 miles, there were battery electric railcard in service in Germany for many decades. Powered by lead acid batteries they apparently managed a rather amazing 190 miles. I don't think I can post links but if you search for "Tech to replace Britain’s fuel burning railway" the section called "The very very long history of battery electric trains" gives more detail (and links to more)  and includes a historic video of this German marvel in action! GWR has beaten the "the flashlight express" at last so congratulations but with modern battery tech this is just the beginning!

I crossed over the bridge whilst this train was going past at Southall and thought why on earth there’s a 230 charging on the main line. Well done GWR 👏🏽

Next up, 500 kilometres (or 300 miles) on a single charge. They were so close to being able to achieve that, with a projected range of about 260 miles.

GWR have proven that a train with that battery pack can manage 200 miles, even with a battery with 25% to 30% degradation, as would be expected when the battery reaches end of life, perhaps after 6,000 recharge cycles, or roughly 10 years of running, if it's a modern LFP system.

Sodium batteries of today and our near future will be even more durable, and available for a significantly lower purchase cost.

Thanks for recording this event.

2:05 No need to worry about reflections until you don’t have one Geoff!! 👻

Thank you so much for this.
I recently had an argument with a man who said a battery powered railcar could NOT hold enough power to service the Belair line, here in Adelaide South Australia, because it is all uphill.  I don't think there will be any trouble, because the Belair line is only 22km long. 🤣

Why does Tim Dunn look and sound like a younger Richard Hammond.

While not taking away from GWR's achievement in setting a distance record, it is important not to forget that battery trains were experimentally run in 1931 and operated Dublin suburban services from 1932  to 1949, when the batteries were removed being life expired and the coaches used as hauled stock for another few years.
The trains were known as Drumm battery trains as the battery was developed by Dr James Drumm. The experimental train had been converted from a petrol railcar. Four units were built for regular service; Units A&B entering service 1932 and C&D in 1939.
It is quite incorrect therefore to suggest that battery trains were only experimented in the 1950s.

Congratulations to all involved. With Twyford being my local station it pleases me to think that this record was achieved on a train running within earshot of my home. Looking forward to seeing battery operated trains replacing the diesel trains on the Twyford to Henley branch line. 👏

Good work!   Also love the ‘Oxford Tube’ gag

Those battery unit mentioned that ran on the Aberdeen/Ballater line were introduced in 1958 and ran until the line closed in 1966, victim of Dr Beeching.  It and the diesel unit that shared the duties ran the 43¼ miles in just short of 1h 30 minutes calling at 13 intermediate stations. The line had very few level sections and gradients were mainly in the range of 1 in 70 to 1 in 350. Not bad for late 1950s technology.

Thanks Geoff and GWR; history in the making!

Congratulations Geoff being part of the world record breaking team.
I did love the irony of an S stock passing the upgraded older D stock and the D stock now surpassing in technologically it's replacement.