How comfy are GWR's new trainset? Corwall to London Train Trip
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Date: 2024-01-09
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Comments and reviews: 35
-pfield39
Excellent video. I desperately wanted to like these trains. However after a few shortish trips on those awful seats I am of the opinion that they are inadequate even as short range commuter trains. Whether it was the DfT or the train operator who approved the seat design, whoever was ultimately responsible should be required to commute 2 hours each way daily as punishment! The lack of a walkthrough facility on the long ones, no buffet area and the over bright lighting also convince me that they are totally unsuited for long distance travel. The HSTs were luxurious in comparison. Shows how little the DfT and the rail companies regard their customers. I prefer travelling from the London area to Cornwall by train, however I will in future take the car as I really don't want to endure the torture of those seats.
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Excellent video. I desperately wanted to like these trains. However after a few shortish trips on those awful seats I am of the opinion that they are inadequate even as short range commuter trains. Whether it was the DfT or the train operator who approved the seat design, whoever was ultimately responsible should be required to commute 2 hours each way daily as punishment! The lack of a walkthrough facility on the long ones, no buffet area and the over bright lighting also convince me that they are totally unsuited for long distance travel. The HSTs were luxurious in comparison. Shows how little the DfT and the rail companies regard their customers. I prefer travelling from the London area to Cornwall by train, however I will in future take the car as I really don't want to endure the torture of those seats.
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-robtyman4281
The trouble with alot of newer long distance trains in the UK is the lack of legroom - seats with insufficient space between the seat in front, pathetically small and quite flimsy fold up tables, and seats that are just abit too firm for sitting in for two, three, four or more hours. Firm seats are ok for shorter distance or commuter trains but not really good enough for long distance travel.
Compare seats on our fast trains with those in France, Germany or indeed many other European countries and you'll see what I'm talking about. We haven't quite managed the 'comfort' factor with seats on newer fast trains yet, and tbh this is pretty important to get right. We should look at what the newer Eurostar trains have got right and use this as a benchmark for our own domestic fast trains.
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The trouble with alot of newer long distance trains in the UK is the lack of legroom - seats with insufficient space between the seat in front, pathetically small and quite flimsy fold up tables, and seats that are just abit too firm for sitting in for two, three, four or more hours. Firm seats are ok for shorter distance or commuter trains but not really good enough for long distance travel.
Compare seats on our fast trains with those in France, Germany or indeed many other European countries and you'll see what I'm talking about. We haven't quite managed the 'comfort' factor with seats on newer fast trains yet, and tbh this is pretty important to get right. We should look at what the newer Eurostar trains have got right and use this as a benchmark for our own domestic fast trains.
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-amesavis
you know what they ought to do, pretty boy, since these trains are so empty they should put in things like coat racks between the seats and more leg room. also a vending machine at the end, and in flight entertainment in the seats like an airplane. why don't they put in the tv screens? they should also make little private rooms like on airplanes where you can lie down. I mean I don't care if there's an electronic sign, but I do think the space needs to be reimagined and not just to do the sardine can thing. you young folks always wear tennis shoes, you have so many, always it is a new pair. those british trains are so homely, i mean the engines. and the horns are so bad. do you know why the trains of europe have terrible wimpy horns and no bell? seems so unsafe and effete.
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you know what they ought to do, pretty boy, since these trains are so empty they should put in things like coat racks between the seats and more leg room. also a vending machine at the end, and in flight entertainment in the seats like an airplane. why don't they put in the tv screens? they should also make little private rooms like on airplanes where you can lie down. I mean I don't care if there's an electronic sign, but I do think the space needs to be reimagined and not just to do the sardine can thing. you young folks always wear tennis shoes, you have so many, always it is a new pair. those british trains are so homely, i mean the engines. and the horns are so bad. do you know why the trains of europe have terrible wimpy horns and no bell? seems so unsafe and effete.
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-simonwilliams5427
One of the, lovely aspects of older British trains was their seats. interior ambience. made train travel a delight. I'm going back to the compartments era and then right though the HSTs. and I loved those trains. as did we all. so why the dreadful seats on these new Hitachi wonder trains? It's appalling. yes I hear it might have something to do with fire resistence. well here in New Zealand the long distance train seats are very good, as they are in Europe and on the North East Corridor of the US. so fire resitance is a smoke screen. They are bad seats and they should not be. Another thing. If the British designed and built HSTs were so good. and they were. why are the new trains not British?
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One of the, lovely aspects of older British trains was their seats. interior ambience. made train travel a delight. I'm going back to the compartments era and then right though the HSTs. and I loved those trains. as did we all. so why the dreadful seats on these new Hitachi wonder trains? It's appalling. yes I hear it might have something to do with fire resistence. well here in New Zealand the long distance train seats are very good, as they are in Europe and on the North East Corridor of the US. so fire resitance is a smoke screen. They are bad seats and they should not be. Another thing. If the British designed and built HSTs were so good. and they were. why are the new trains not British?
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-chrispower5136
Class 800s are dire and a very bad poor replacement for the 125 Hst intercity train.
Avoid GWR trains now and travel Megabus instead as cheaper and much more comfy and pleasant.
Seats are like sitting on breeze blocks.
Trains are cheap looking and plastic and falling apart.
Carriage incredibly noisy and vibrates.
No buffet or on train service.
Trains we paid for with first class upgrade, the train wouldn't couple up so only half a train turned up, heating wasn't working and no on trolley service.
Overall dreadful and very poor service and avoid these trains full stop at all cost.
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Class 800s are dire and a very bad poor replacement for the 125 Hst intercity train.
Avoid GWR trains now and travel Megabus instead as cheaper and much more comfy and pleasant.
Seats are like sitting on breeze blocks.
Trains are cheap looking and plastic and falling apart.
Carriage incredibly noisy and vibrates.
No buffet or on train service.
Trains we paid for with first class upgrade, the train wouldn't couple up so only half a train turned up, heating wasn't working and no on trolley service.
Overall dreadful and very poor service and avoid these trains full stop at all cost.
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-lucrolland7489
These older HST125 are being sold to Scotsrail. In Sctoland, they have introduced the new Hitachis and they are not pleasant at all. Not having seats better then Ryanair. Even the new CAF trains running by Northern to Manchester have the same poor seats. We miss the old Alstom that are still running between Helensborough and Edingburgh. Recently, we travelled from Brest to Nantes with the new regional trains and their seats were so ergonomic and comfortable, but I suppose that this is an areaa where the British companies could learn a lot.
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These older HST125 are being sold to Scotsrail. In Sctoland, they have introduced the new Hitachis and they are not pleasant at all. Not having seats better then Ryanair. Even the new CAF trains running by Northern to Manchester have the same poor seats. We miss the old Alstom that are still running between Helensborough and Edingburgh. Recently, we travelled from Brest to Nantes with the new regional trains and their seats were so ergonomic and comfortable, but I suppose that this is an areaa where the British companies could learn a lot.
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-grahamariss2111
I think there is little wrong with these trains beyond a seat upgrade however the reality is that they are with there lack of buffet car better they are better suited to cross country routes and shorter journeys just like the one that 4 coach HST was doing. GWR should push the dept of transport to procure a 125 mph electro diesel locomotive to put at each end of 8 Mk5 coaches (and a single locomotive with 3 coaches plus a driving trailer for shorter lighter routes) they would have a true successor to the HST.
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I think there is little wrong with these trains beyond a seat upgrade however the reality is that they are with there lack of buffet car better they are better suited to cross country routes and shorter journeys just like the one that 4 coach HST was doing. GWR should push the dept of transport to procure a 125 mph electro diesel locomotive to put at each end of 8 Mk5 coaches (and a single locomotive with 3 coaches plus a driving trailer for shorter lighter routes) they would have a true successor to the HST.
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-justinadcock4536
The bike storage is rubbish compared with the older HST sets. And they say you can put luggage in the bike storage. Do you know how irritating it is when you find a bike space with suitcases in, and GWR with their IETs are encouraging it! I live on the GWR and am so disappointed with those trains. In fact the only train I-ll say I hate (with me not caring about other U. K. trains. So the fact they were a scam as well (U. K. politics cock up) makes them a whole lot worse.
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The bike storage is rubbish compared with the older HST sets. And they say you can put luggage in the bike storage. Do you know how irritating it is when you find a bike space with suitcases in, and GWR with their IETs are encouraging it! I live on the GWR and am so disappointed with those trains. In fact the only train I-ll say I hate (with me not caring about other U. K. trains. So the fact they were a scam as well (U. K. politics cock up) makes them a whole lot worse.
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-stevecooksley
This is the problem when you don't have competition - they can make the trains as uncomfortable and profitable as they like. People will still have to use it as there is no alternative. If there were two or three different operators on the same route and one offered comfortable seating and a cafe/bar, then the others would have to step up to the plate or slash their prices to remain competitive.
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This is the problem when you don't have competition - they can make the trains as uncomfortable and profitable as they like. People will still have to use it as there is no alternative. If there were two or three different operators on the same route and one offered comfortable seating and a cafe/bar, then the others would have to step up to the plate or slash their prices to remain competitive.
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-CKLee-rs4kl
So, the seats; its the fire retardant foam that makes the seating so uncomfortable; it is unyielding and after some usage, the foam compacts -- which is even more uncomfortable. On commercial airline seats it is the same except for first class, where the airline usually selects a better foam cushion and that is wrapped with a fire retardant covering before the decorative covering is fitted.
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So, the seats; its the fire retardant foam that makes the seating so uncomfortable; it is unyielding and after some usage, the foam compacts -- which is even more uncomfortable. On commercial airline seats it is the same except for first class, where the airline usually selects a better foam cushion and that is wrapped with a fire retardant covering before the decorative covering is fitted.
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-sylviaelse5086
I think governments are in error when they make seats uncomfortable in the name of safety. If defeats the purpose if people find the trains too unpleasant to travel in, and use a more dangerous mode of transport (car) instead. Has fire historically been that much of a problem in trains anyway, particularly when people can decamp to adjacent carriages?
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I think governments are in error when they make seats uncomfortable in the name of safety. If defeats the purpose if people find the trains too unpleasant to travel in, and use a more dangerous mode of transport (car) instead. Has fire historically been that much of a problem in trains anyway, particularly when people can decamp to adjacent carriages?
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-dgattenb
the 800's for GWR, terrible seats, far to harsh light and every time I have been on them its been a high pitch hmm. the 3 rd coach is where they forced the diesel engine into. no buffet cars. but they do have buffet cars in the lner ones. the trolly service is a joke as normally gets jammed in one car due to the bags and humans getting in the way
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the 800's for GWR, terrible seats, far to harsh light and every time I have been on them its been a high pitch hmm. the 3 rd coach is where they forced the diesel engine into. no buffet cars. but they do have buffet cars in the lner ones. the trolly service is a joke as normally gets jammed in one car due to the bags and humans getting in the way
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-SuperTomsee
It's such a shame the 800 is like it is and more investment wasn't made with the seats. According to some sources the class 800 is a commuter train for the Japanese and they think it's funny we use them for intercity services: ) sounds weird but the seats for LNER 800's seem a little more supprotive but could just be me. I dunno haha
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It's such a shame the 800 is like it is and more investment wasn't made with the seats. According to some sources the class 800 is a commuter train for the Japanese and they think it's funny we use them for intercity services: ) sounds weird but the seats for LNER 800's seem a little more supprotive but could just be me. I dunno haha
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-svartmetall48
The amazing thing is that these are Japanese built trains. Clearly the penny pinching Brits got their hands on the seats as, if you ever go to Japan and ride on their Shinkansen (or even local trains) the seats are awesome. A second class Shinkansen seat has more space even than a X2000, tilting seats and a footrest. Much needed.
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The amazing thing is that these are Japanese built trains. Clearly the penny pinching Brits got their hands on the seats as, if you ever go to Japan and ride on their Shinkansen (or even local trains) the seats are awesome. A second class Shinkansen seat has more space even than a X2000, tilting seats and a footrest. Much needed.
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-petermc7098
Hello There, great Review by the way, I loved the comparison shots in terms of the old Intercity 125 HST Set and the new Class 800 IET, I still prefer the old HST, as it has a certain amount of style, elegance and class within the interior, even within Standard Class. Please continue to keep up the good work! Kind regards Peter: )
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Hello There, great Review by the way, I loved the comparison shots in terms of the old Intercity 125 HST Set and the new Class 800 IET, I still prefer the old HST, as it has a certain amount of style, elegance and class within the interior, even within Standard Class. Please continue to keep up the good work! Kind regards Peter: )
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-stevecar
The seats are like ironing boards, from commuter trains elsewhere, the ride is alarming at speed and the bogies 'Hunt' on Cornwall's bends. The catering can is shambolic, the units struggle on the Devon banks, the old HST were so much better. I just wonder if the reformed 'Castle' HST will be used on the far west trains?
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The seats are like ironing boards, from commuter trains elsewhere, the ride is alarming at speed and the bogies 'Hunt' on Cornwall's bends. The catering can is shambolic, the units struggle on the Devon banks, the old HST were so much better. I just wonder if the reformed 'Castle' HST will be used on the far west trains?
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-maxiwaxi2843
Riding in First class on this trip is much nicer. I-ve been on this trip a few times with the sleeper and some commutes in the summer. I tend to find the trip really nice because it goes directly next to the sea. The IET-s are much nicer but being relatively tall the standard class seats aren-t to comfortable.
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Riding in First class on this trip is much nicer. I-ve been on this trip a few times with the sleeper and some commutes in the summer. I tend to find the trip really nice because it goes directly next to the sea. The IET-s are much nicer but being relatively tall the standard class seats aren-t to comfortable.
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train
Awful trains. I used to go to Yorkshire a lot on the train and to Edinburgh, but I now drive to Yorkshire as my back just can'y take the rock I'm sitting on and the interiors are sparse and cold looking. Edinburgh I have abandoned now as it is too far by car to bother and the trains can't do the job.
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Awful trains. I used to go to Yorkshire a lot on the train and to Edinburgh, but I now drive to Yorkshire as my back just can'y take the rock I'm sitting on and the interiors are sparse and cold looking. Edinburgh I have abandoned now as it is too far by car to bother and the trains can't do the job.
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-robwales2282
Terrible trains, no leather seats in First Class, very hard and uncomfortable seats in First and Standard Class, no buffet carriage, real boneshakers showing how cheap and tacky they are. A step backwards from the HST which lasted over 40 years. These will be scrapped by then, thankfully!
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Terrible trains, no leather seats in First Class, very hard and uncomfortable seats in First and Standard Class, no buffet carriage, real boneshakers showing how cheap and tacky they are. A step backwards from the HST which lasted over 40 years. These will be scrapped by then, thankfully!
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-SionsTrainVideos
nice 802 video they feel faster then the HSTS as in departing the stations and with the seats HSTS are more comfy but i would not say IETS seats hurt me. from plymouth to penzance there 5 or 9 cars because the platfroms are too short so if there a 10 they uncouple in plymouth
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nice 802 video they feel faster then the HSTS as in departing the stations and with the seats HSTS are more comfy but i would not say IETS seats hurt me. from plymouth to penzance there 5 or 9 cars because the platfroms are too short so if there a 10 they uncouple in plymouth
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-JagaimoNeko
Hey, man! I'm from Belarus, been to the UK only once in my life (this year, but looking forward to come there once again. I traveled by this train from Manchester to Leeds (Transpennine service. It's super quite and just wonderful.
Cheers!
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Hey, man! I'm from Belarus, been to the UK only once in my life (this year, but looking forward to come there once again. I traveled by this train from Manchester to Leeds (Transpennine service. It's super quite and just wonderful.
Cheers!
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-fayesouthall6604
Penzance is one of my favourite places. I takes this train and catch it half way along! I never understand on long distance trains why the seats are so bad. I did Newcastle to Bristol and it was 6 hours of hard seats and little leg room.
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Penzance is one of my favourite places. I takes this train and catch it half way along! I never understand on long distance trains why the seats are so bad. I did Newcastle to Bristol and it was 6 hours of hard seats and little leg room.
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-iman2341
Dont let anyone tell you those seats are like that due to fire regs. Its entirely because the DfT specified the absoult cheapest seat possible. Same for the Class 700s. Massive shame because the rest of the IETs are absolutely first class.
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Dont let anyone tell you those seats are like that due to fire regs. Its entirely because the DfT specified the absoult cheapest seat possible. Same for the Class 700s. Massive shame because the rest of the IETs are absolutely first class.
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-Steven_Rowe
Why do they call it Great Western RAILWAY?
Its a train.
The Railway is network Railway
Put simply these compani are railways, and neither are they Great, they are just TOCs or train Operating Companies over British Railwayss
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Why do they call it Great Western RAILWAY?
Its a train.
The Railway is network Railway
Put simply these compani are railways, and neither are they Great, they are just TOCs or train Operating Companies over British Railwayss
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-pmb9172
Can only apolgise for the rocks that preyend be seats Specified by department of transport who had no interest in passenger comfort an absolute disgrace, with no real food, apart from only three abreast first class is no different
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Can only apolgise for the rocks that preyend be seats Specified by department of transport who had no interest in passenger comfort an absolute disgrace, with no real food, apart from only three abreast first class is no different
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-adamrkimber
They should bring back mainline steam between Plymouth and Penzance as it would be a great tourist attraction and due to all the old stations architecture and signals it will totally feel like going back in time.
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They should bring back mainline steam between Plymouth and Penzance as it would be a great tourist attraction and due to all the old stations architecture and signals it will totally feel like going back in time.
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-pmb9172
I did complain and had a written reply advising they were ergonomically designed, I did ask if any one had actually sat in them, no reply came forth. The screens on the side frequently fail on the destination.
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I did complain and had a written reply advising they were ergonomically designed, I did ask if any one had actually sat in them, no reply came forth. The screens on the side frequently fail on the destination.
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-EuroDC1990
Am I the only person who actually finds these seats pretty comfortable?
To be fair I always the GWR HST seats pretty comfortable but found that the standard class LNET HST/225 seats weren't great.
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Am I the only person who actually finds these seats pretty comfortable?
To be fair I always the GWR HST seats pretty comfortable but found that the standard class LNET HST/225 seats weren't great.
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-denelson83
I don't think they are going to electrify the Cornish Main Line any time soon. I have not seen any plans to that effect.
1: 44 - _Big_ no-no. You _never_ leave any baggage unattended like that.
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I don't think they are going to electrify the Cornish Main Line any time soon. I have not seen any plans to that effect.
1: 44 - _Big_ no-no. You _never_ leave any baggage unattended like that.
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train
I've rode this as well however seat pitch was smaller than Japanese Shinkansen or express train (even though Japanese trains are designed smaller than European ones cuz we're smaller lol)
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I've rode this as well however seat pitch was smaller than Japanese Shinkansen or express train (even though Japanese trains are designed smaller than European ones cuz we're smaller lol)
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-petersmith4455
terrible trains with airline seats, no thanks. will stick with what i remember, class 52s and mk1 stock. circus clowns more than likely designed these new trains.
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terrible trains with airline seats, no thanks. will stick with what i remember, class 52s and mk1 stock. circus clowns more than likely designed these new trains.
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-FBUK300
The only thing I like about the 800 class is the speed but as for the insides the dft ruined it with the way they wanted things done otherwise these sets would be good.
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The only thing I like about the 800 class is the speed but as for the insides the dft ruined it with the way they wanted things done otherwise these sets would be good.
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-Jess_Jenk
The seats are now more comfier. When the class 800 were first brought into service it had lots of teething problems but they have settled into service really well x
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The seats are now more comfier. When the class 800 were first brought into service it had lots of teething problems but they have settled into service really well x
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-evilcdh
These trains are such a downgrade from the HST in every area except acceleration and quietness that I've reverted to driving to London by car. Disastrous move by GWR.
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These trains are such a downgrade from the HST in every area except acceleration and quietness that I've reverted to driving to London by car. Disastrous move by GWR.
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-brianwilder5878
Same vile seats as LNER, travelled on one before Lockdown between Montrose and Edinburgh that was very uncomfortable, thank God we have ScotRail HSTs
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Same vile seats as LNER, travelled on one before Lockdown between Montrose and Edinburgh that was very uncomfortable, thank God we have ScotRail HSTs
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