LNER Azuma Standard Class Review - What a let down!
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- Опубликовано: 20 июл 2021
- Hello, and welcome back to another train trip report on my channel.
In this video I will be travelling on-board a LNER Class 801 'Azuma' from York to London King's Cross.
In recent years, almost the entire loco-hauled fleet on the East Coast Mainline has been replaced by modern Azuma units by LNER. These trains were promised to be a massive upgrade to the route, and a better passenger experience.
Unfortunately, I was left extremely disappointed, and felt that the ride was a sharp downgrade from the older trains and other contemporary high-speed trains around the world.
Enjoy the video. :)
#lner #azuma #tripreport
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Journey Details:
Origin: York
Destination: London King's Cross
Company: London North Eastern Railway
Train: UK Class 801 'Azuma'
Accommodation: Standard Class Seat (2nd)
Distance: 188 miles / 302 kilometres
Price: £28.10
Time: 1h57m + 5L
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How nice to be young enough for ones first HST trip to be on GNER... I remember riding on them when they were first introduced and marvelling at the speed & comfort, especially in first class. Such a step up from the Mk2s ... seems that age was the summit of customer experience. Like someone else said, even an old 153 beats some modern stock.
Same!! My first HST trip was GNER
Yet still the Gov. and TOCs still come out with glib phraseology about the railways being "customer focussed. It's an ill wind however - I note the Welsh government have opted to purchase surplus Mk4s for further use.
If they complain Mk4s are too old, they can always replace the doors!
@@williamhuang8309 why?
@@williamhuang8309 No need to replace the doors, they have been powered since the Mk4's were built. It's such a shame that not all of the Mk4's could be given a new home after LNER as they are 10 times more comfortable than a class 800
I think your review is very fair. I have been on a few trips on these and found the same, reservations display system not working twice. I have travelled many miles over the years and on my trip on an Azuma to Scotland became uneasy at the shaking from side to side that began when we reached 125mph. I have not had anything like that on any other train and it just felt wrong to the extent that I did ask a member of staff if they thought there was some kind of problem with that bogie, they replied it is something these trains do at high speed. That has made me wonder if the cracks recently found have been caused by this. Another thing almost every Azuma I have been on is wheel flats. The acceleration and braking of these trains is fantastic but again on the trip to Scotland we slowed very quickly for a Temporary Speed Restriction and the coach was bouncing as the wheels skipped on top of the rails. There will be an antilock system but it did not seem to be able to cope with that and resulted in a flat spot on our wheels. To me the ride quality is more like a high speed tram car than the solid smooth ride I am used to on a Mk3 (the best) or Mk4 (a close 2nd) LNER train. I read recently that GBR plan to bring forward the refurbishment of these and the class 700 Thameslink trains and get rid of the iron board seats I hope this is true The reason LNER said they were used was a fire issue. Well you don't have these horrid seats in the similar TPE trains and I much prefer to use theirs where I can instead on LNER.
Fire issue? Are other seats too flammable?
@@williamhuang8309 Well that's what LNER said when asked why the seats were thin and hard. They are like that to comply with fire regulations. If Eurostar can have a comfortable seat that complies with stricter regulations than trains not going through the channel tunnel then why can't LNER. I think it was just an excuse for buying a cheap spec seat.
I regularly travel first class from Edinburgh to London. Perhaps the 1st class experience is different to standard class, but I've always found the Azumas comfortable - though I do miss the HSTs and Mk 4 stock.
Well said about the seats, they're marginally more comfortable than the GWR ones in their Hitachi's, but that's only because of the slightly softer seat coverings. They're way too thin for long distance journeys, but that seems to be the policy now across the UK network regarding new trains. The worst, IMHO, are still the "ironing boards" in Thameslink's 700's, also in Great Northern's 717's.
The GWR experience is even worse! 😬
Really? I travel on Azuma trains in first class all the time. I book in advance and always try to book single seats. I find them very comfortable width wise. However, as I have a short body and neck I don’t like the headrest. I also find them better because I don’t keep hitting the reclining button like I did on the older trains. And yes, I do travel long distance as I travel from Aberdeen to Newark. That’s much further than he did.
I remember that in former times, the lesser of the two classes abroad were called 'hards' for obvious reasons. I fondly remember the times when BR would demote old LMS first class coaches to (what before 1954 were called 'third') second class. They were properly upholstered!
I took one of these from London to Grantham in standard class, the seats are by far the most uncomfortable I have ever tried on a train. The 153 that I changed on to for Boston was far more comfortable.
Even the London Underground can be more comfy!
Probably had less worn fabric on the seats, too (6:25 , etc.). It's not usual to be able to SEE how uncomfortable all those other passengers' journeys have been. : /
The Northern 170s for Northern have comfy seats way better than 2 car 158s which have them horrid ironing board seats also on 195s and 331s also the 5 ex Scotrail 156s
@@SuperalbsTravels you are 200% correct
Been eagerly awaiting this review 🤣
The DfT have alot to answer for, thinking this was suitable long distance travel
It just makes travelling a chore. Unforgivable, really.
i mean, just chuck in some 153's and there you go
someone got a backhander
I stopped taking the trains entirely because the seats are so unbearable. It's actually more comfortable to sit on the floor!
@@RocketJSykes nah 153s are better 🤣
How I agree with you. These new Hitachi trains are absolutely appalling, jolting ride at speed and the most uncomfortable seats I have ever had to endure. LNER standards of customer care have severely slipped over the years since GNER days. To sum up customer care worse, train ride, seats and ambiance worse, price and confusing ticket system worse, the DFT calls that progress!
It's a real pity how standards have decreased.
What do you expect when they are having to run on old track and not modern track designed specifically for high speed trains?
@@B-A-L funny HSTs managed up to the same speeds as these and i always found them incredibly comfortable . If anything since HSTs started on this route a lot (awful lot)of track has been upgraded. Think you making excuses for these trains is embarrassing and lets the operator and the manufacturer off the hook, they are awful
@@nickedwards2904 Don't blame the manufacturer for British design specifications because they do a perfectly good job at producing high quality comfortable trains in their own country!
Bring your own cushion.
i have been on an Azuma before, and i found the standard class seats fine. They weren't uncomfortable for when i was on the azuma.
I find the seats in standard class just fine too 👍🏻
I've got to say, I actually quite like the Azuma's. I think the seats, although they look a bit hard, feel really comfy, especially over long periods of time. Certain seats can be padded but you sink into them and ache when getting up, but I don't get that with these. The only fault for me is the placement of the leg holding them up under each aisle seats which I find a pain. Acceleration is much better than the older stock too. I think these get a lot of bad press which is often a little on the harsh side as what they are replacing were so well loved. I also think the luggage space (size of the overhead racks) is outstanding
Luggage space is better now they've increased it, there were a lot of issues early on that meant they've replaced some seats with luggage racks.
@@SuperalbsTravels that's good, good to know LNER are taking it seriously
All trains in UK: Ride smoothly, little bumps while passing switches
Class 800s when going on straight track: *Xtreme hardbass playing*
Great Review 😃. I don't completely agree with you however as my experience from Edinburgh to London was really good - this was on LNER Azuma too. I found the seats comfortable for a 4 hour journey and the Class 800s are one of my favourite trains. I've been on the Azuma a few times and I've found it to be a really nice journey.
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed! More to come. 🤗
@@SuperalbsTravels I travelled on lner, not sure what you're talking about with the shaking at high speeds, the staff were great, the seats were, not very pleasant but I can easily sit on them for a few hours they aren't unbearable, and I have yet to see the reservations not working, the only problem is our train keeps getting cancelled because of a "lack of drivers"
Great video mate. LNER Azuma suit very well on the red colours 👍
I do like the red tbf! 😁
@@SuperalbsTravels 🔴 As you are probably aware, Superalbs, red is the first colour that humans perceive, after black and white. It is the colour that babies see first before any other, and the first that those suffering from temporary colour blindness after a brain injury start to see again.
artsandculture.google.com/theme/the-secret-history-of-the-color-red/GwLyao99SLXVKg?hl=en
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red#The_color_that_attracts_attention
Stay 🔴 free. R 😎 🍻
They suit well its just a shame they don't sit well
I travelled from London to Edinburgh and back again on these trains a few days ago. The criticism they have received are perfectly valid. 20 years ago I travelled daily on the 125 and they were far more comfortable.
I wholeheartedly agree with you. I travel from Leeds down the line fairly often and I try to purposely book on the HST’s because they’re far better
I've been on these many many times and keep going back on them for more. Agree about the booking system, and I absolutely loved the 91s but I also really enjoy the Azumas. Been to Edinburgh and back 5 or 6 times in the last year on them in both first and standard class and no complaints here! But of course it is down to personal opinion, and yes lots of people do find them vile and uncomfortable.
I'm doing Kings Cross to Inverness in October and really looking forward to it!
Brilliant video, thank you,😊😊😊
Thanks for the comment. 😊
I love LNER a lot, but you're right, someone does need to address the problems you mentioned, I do however think these trains are beautiful, the sleek design is magnificent and while it could have a bit more red I do still love the colour scheme
While I don't like the look of the seats, I like the look of the front of the train and I think those motors are probably the best on a train I've heard in a while.
I travelled Montrose to Edinburgh in January 2020 and encountered all the same problems, as for visits to London I now fly Loganair from Dundee, thank God we still have HST's in Scotland!!
I don't blame you for flying! Shame it has to be like that...
Loved the way you said York station was special to you. It's special to me too. I know this dates me but I remember the A4 Pacifics and the like setting off northwards spinning their wheels to gain traction. Saw a RUclips clip of a steam special still having that problem. I was a teenager at the time who travelled regularly between KX and York. Until recently I used to travel every so often to KX on the Class 91s and Mk4 coaches. Best in the business at the time. What a shame that you have worse ride, uncomfortable seats and less maximum speed. Glad I'm unlikely to use an Azuma now.
Woah, you've seen many generations of trains on the east coast route then!
Timestamp 3' 15": *MALLARD* As a young boy living in Springburn, Glasgow (circa 8-9 years old; late 1950s), I was fortunate enough to experience Mallard passing nearby (Cowlairs Incline) a few scant times. Bliss. All other words of appreciation are unnecessary.
I visited the National Railway Museum in York, probably 1992, and gently touched that magnificent machine, passing on my silent thoughts, remembrances and gratitude. Emotional old fool? No.
Thank you, Superalbs T. You have made this young 70 year old smile inwardly and outwardly with a glow of happy recollections et al. Enough about me.
Stay free. Rab 🍻😎 💚
That must have been amazing! Thanks for watching, and glad you enjoyed.
Lovely video. What is the app on your phone you are using to check the train speed?
That's Digihud! 😁
And thank you.
I took the journey north this past Wednesday and paid extra to get the faster service to Newcastle. The train was bang on time but I did not appreciate the delay in announcing the platform - though getting to leave from platform 0 was a treat. I had reserved seats, but LNER didn’t. No explanation was given, not impressed. The seats are firm and not as comfortable as some I have been on. I would not want to travel all the way to Aberdeen.
Where I to do it again I might opt for first class, as with no assigned seats there was too much moving about the carriage and too few masks being warn. Also the dial-a-meal was suspended due to Covid.
One good point, there was sufficient luggage space, which I remember being one of several issues I remembers from a cross country journey Glasgow-Newcastle.
I can tell you were keeping your cool when writing the script for this. I know how much you dislike IETs, to say the least. Lol.
Hahaha quite true
Have to be fair! 🤗
@@SuperalbsTravels 🍻😎
@@SuperalbsTravels But you like the 395s?
The 395s inside are completely different.
Im not an expert train traveler and found your review very good although personally I wouldn't have thought it was as bad as you thought it was, of course you are entitled to your opinion which I respect. id agree the seats didn't look that comfortable and could do with more padding. the light and cleanliness along with the well stocked buffet bar looked good and overall your advanced ticket was great value certainly better than driving etc. btw I liked that app you have which shows the train speed, what app is it ? You have my sub btw.
Do you think the livery is dull? I actually like it a lot, but remember that Virgin East Coast put the livery on for the HST and 91
I think so! Just a red line on the factory default scheme. Not great...
The planned VTEC livery for these trains was much nicer. Similar to the Pendolino used on VTWC, but with a black front instead.
I think it is elegant in its simplicity. When a train is flashing past at 125mph, you can't take in any details, but a nice red stripe running all the way down works well.
@@stevieinselby Does that nice red stripe permeate through to the comfort of the ticket-paying passengers, s? [Rhetorical]
Stay free. R 🍻😎
@@RHR-221b The comment was about the livery. If it had a livery that you liked, would _that_ do any more for passengers' comfort? No. So why mention it on a comment about the livery? 🙄
Honestly, until I watched this video I did not know the seats of the Class 80x were this bad. I am from Portugal and we have some commuter trains here called Class 3400, which I thought had similar seats to the 80x, but to my amazement, the seats are actually better padded on this urban commuter train than on the "long haul" Azuma, and they have better ergonomics too, they just lack the power outlets, coat hooks, and the adjustable armrests really...
I think that to make this train better, pillow like seats should be added, comfier seats that adjust to the pressure you apply on them, this can help with the bumping as well, as for the lights, I suggest a pink - purple tone to make them less terrible
I was on holiday on Cornwall and I went on the train from St Austell to St Ives. The unit that I went in there was a class 158 and on the St Ives Branch it was a class 150. The seats on those were actually quite comfy, but then the train i had back there was a class 800 and I found them to be quite bad. The seats were really hard and at the top speed of the Cornish main line (75mph) I noticed a bit of bumpiness, which I didn’t experience on the 158.
I find it strange how the local trains have better seats these days... 🙄
Such a downgrade on HST stock and MK4 stock.
They certainly are! Why train builders/designers do this when they know damn well no-likes it I’ll never know! If it means a few less seats per coach so what - do that. At least the seats that are provided will be of a much higher standard!
MK4 suck, hard seats, tight space. But agreed they are better than Azuma coaches
It is not train builders. Why are these poor trains allowed to run at all? Lner & GWR trains are so bad now. Probably the worst high speed trains I have ever used. If we can can 125mph is high speed that is
Had my first ride on these cracking awful things and after 15 mins into my journey from Peterborough to Leeds my back was non exciting for the rest of the day no to mention LNER completely screwed up my reservation with requesting a forward facing window seat and I didn't get any of that but not to worry to much I still got to Leeds at least just a shame I had 2 more further painful rides on them and as most people would when you found out your return journey on one was cancelled cause cracks was showing the releaf I had knowing that instead I was gonna be getting a 91 home was brilliant not to mention the reservation system was working and managed to bag a free first class trip on a mk4 with a 20 quid ticket just topped it all off 😀all in all keep the 91s those things are comfortable when reclined in first class 🤣
Glad you at least enjoyed the IC225, it's their better offering, though one they are keen on removing.
Are the class 91s still in service with LNER, thought they all went, can feel your especially inside the Azuma’s
A few class 91 diagrams still in, but mainly to/from Leeds and none further north than York.
@@SkhTrains Talking of no further north than York, I seem to remember LNER saying they wouldn't have any 5 or 10 car Azumas on the London/Edinburgh route; don't know about 10 car sets, but certainly it's not uncommon for 5 car sets to be used on that route!
What makes the ride so rough? Azuma 's suspension is different from smoother riding older trains.
Another informative and well made video, much appreciated. I hate these trains. Recently made a return journey from Doncaster to Edinburgh on one, seats were so uncomfortable they made my back ache, and my bum numb! Unfortunately we're gonna be stuck with them for years to come.
Eesh, sounds a tough trip. Thanks very much. :)
hope its not 40 years like the 43s. we could live with them because they were amazing even when i've only riden on one once. but the azumas. no way! if i ever travel on the ecml i hope for a 91.
The seats could be changed in that time, if we are lucky they won't take away the leg room in the process.
What alternative trains are available on this route?
You can take Grand Central, my preferred option.
@@SuperalbsTravels Or sometime in the near future First (who operate Trans Pennine Express, Hull Trains and FGW) who are going to be using..............class 802's. So potentially same seats and ride "quality" as Azumas have 🤨. There'll soon be no escaping the various class 800's
Is there competition on this route?
I actually prefer these seats to the older ones. Comparing them to the ones on VTWC for example, the soft, padded ones just end up giving me a bad back on any service that is more than an hour long, and considering both travel on services for upwards of 4 hours, I much prefer these harder seats. I do have to admit though, that the ride is terrible, bouncing all the time...
I completely agree. The harder seats are much easier for me to sit on
I just traveled on one, WiFi was bad, made my iPad glitchy and I got confused because i was in coach K and it said k was first class but turned out it was half first and half standard but tables were decent but no catering for standard. 😕
Oh man, sounds bad. ☹
Well Said Mister, lets hope they take so notice from this Brilliant Review *5
Imagine putting a commuter quality seat on a route that can exceed 7 hours, nah im joking, but imagine …
Great video, a very thorough approach to the very controversial IET units👌Are Gatwick express loaning their 387s to GN? They were in the depots just a few minutes before reaching Kings X, interesting 🤔
Thanks! The two you mention are actually the same company (GTR), so it's just an internal redistribution for a select few units. You can expect to see the red ones working for GWR next. 😉
@@SuperalbsTravels Ah I see, yes, makes complete sense, silly me, thank you for your response :) I look forward to the next one 😊
My sis and I are travelling with LNER from London to Gleneagles in a few weeks and I notice I haven't seen a disabled toilet on these trains in vloggers videos. Someone please tell me they have these needed toilets on board. I just brought the tickets yesterday!
They do, at least two.
To escape the harder than diamond seat is id bring my trusty couch pillow to sit on :D
Probably a good idea...! 😬
As someone who grew up with 158s and Pacers, I find the Azumas somewhat adequate for me. Yes the seats are uncomfortable but thats no difference for me and the ride quality is better than the Pacer and about the same as the 158 from what I remember.
As for the livery, I LOVE it. The deep red looks really smart. Kinda wish they threw some greys in too but. Nowhrre near as bad as the NorthernRail livery they implemented a few years prior.
mmm nice video matey well put together , unfortunately yes i have travelled on an Azuma, peterborough to newark northgate
an absolutely abysmal ride . i had one of those awful seats with no window view ..disgusting they cant line the up properly
yes deffo a numb bum for that short journey plenty of bumping and jolting on those cardbourd seats terable suspension now wonder there all cracking and have to be checked over on a daily basis . you cant beat the mark 4s for comfort anytime .
travelled from Derby to dawlish 2 yrs ago, a very nice ride i must say on a x country h s t :) . god knows what these azumas will look like in 40 yrs time
or so , shame i wont find out im in my late 70 but its deffo the worst train i have been on so wont be going anywhere on one of those again . thanks for sharing you journey .
Thanks for watching, sounds like a horrible experience...
The WiFi was soo slow it couldn't even load Google 🙄
It’s going to be my first time traveling on these trains I will be traveling from Darlington to Edinburgh in December
Squeaky high speed plastic machines go brr. I'm kind of neutral on them based on the reviews I've seen but the seating is definitely something that needs replacing tbh, especially taking into consideration the suspension on these units isn't great. They look pretty nice on the exterior imo, even if the livery looks pretty basic, and some of the features they have are definitely useful like the traffic light reservation system (when it all works ofc).
Yeah, not sure why it wasn't working! Maybe something to do with the compulsory reservation chaos.
They are planned to all be having new seatsfitted due to the complaints from what I hear, so let's hope that's true
That has been rumoured since before they even entered service, and has still not happened.
Why do you say "plastic"?
@@typhoon-7 because everything since the 1950s has been made from mostly plastic, but they've only started using it for modern stuff despite that there's actually less plastic on an IET than a HST, BUT that doesn't fit their narrative ;)
Well at least you can move the uncomfortable arm rests out of the way. I always think they are the wrong height for my arms. The only other ones that I use t hat I can do that on are the class 700(declassified firsts on the St Alban's - services.
Living in the South east and hardly being on any sort of trains for many years, just local stuff, August 2011 was the last time i was on a train before i got my new job, which is taking me all over the country and having to use public transport. Out of all the trains ive being on these past few months, these are my favs.
Wow I'm surprised! Happy travels. :)
That rough ride needs looking into. It could be a possible cause of the fatigue cracks that have plagued these units. The mk4s had ride problems when first introduced but it was solved by fitting extra dampers.
I did always wonder that... 🤔
I doubt things will be solved that easily. Most of these Ansaldo Breda products have severe flaws right down into their basic design which are dang near unfixable without spending at least 3 times more than it took to buy the trains to begin with.
In my opinion, Newcastle to Edinburgh. Seats were comfy, I had more legroom than TPE First Class from Liverpool to Newcastle, bins came round and the driver kept us informed. For me, LNER is a great TOC! Also, £30 return for 10 minutes before departure bargain!
What train is that at 2:01 at the right?
Nice to see that the reservation system doesn't work xD
They really need to rub into everybodys face that this is a "LNER Azuma".
It's:
- on the front of the train
- at the side of the locomotive
- in the announcements
The seats are the same as in the 802 SWT train!
I came up to Leeds on a crammed 5 coach Azuma, no water for the wash basin and no trolley. Its colleage the other unit must have been having its cracks fixed. The return journey had 9 coaches and was really nice and comfortable. I got sandwiches at the buffet. Both trains had no reservations. You might like Grand Central to Bradford.
Will maybe give Grand Central a try, thanks!
For me, Crewe is my favourite station. I spent a lot of my childhood there because we always had to change there for trains to go to North Wales. I’ve only been to York once sadly.
Ah nice one, I do like Crewe myself!
Whilst I'm not the biggest fan of the 80* fleet, I think people have short memories of how bouncy mk3s were (especially over the bogies). There would be points (between Finsbury park and Alexandra Palace stick out) where you would be literally bouncing along all the way. I'm certainly not a fan of the standard class seats, but I can directly compare the likes of 387s and 700s over the same route south of Peterborough, and 80*s are much smoother
"York Tab" beautiful Bar... Fantastic Station overall. It is too bad the service is not working properly at the time, and the punishment of the uncomfortable seat is unforgivable.
Great video, I have been in standard class on them
Ooh! What did you think of them?
I agree with you,I didn’t Like It,the Exact Same reasons I didn’t 😃
I don't know why so many TOCs think putting the IET in their fleet is a good idea.
The TOCs didn't have a lot of say in it. Govt diktat
As said above, many didn't have a choice. Quite why some have ordered them of their own free will is beyond me!
@@SuperalbsTravels Supposedly the newer ones of EM will be improved versions and having tried the seats theyve ordered they are quite the step up.
The 800s would make fine regional trains once theyre refreshed but long distance units they are not.
The issue isn’t the train itself - more the choices the DfT made for it…
@@iman2341 Yeah, I'm curious as to how they will turn out!
what was the train time service?
What do you mean?
@@SuperalbsTravels as the service time
Great video. We definetly need more highly critical videos like these - I feel that people grumble but aren't actually critical enough of TOCs. These regional commuter trains aren't up to standard. They aren't mainline stock.
Thanks. They are a real embarrassment to the UK and Japan alike.
I will be travelling on both a GWR IET and an LNER Azuma on Monday. I do see a lot of people saying that LNER Azuma’s are better than GWR IET’s. Now I like the 80x fleet a lot, but I want to see if I will prefer a certain TOC to another. Nice review btw
I prefer these to the GWR ones, but I find both are nasty uncomfortable experiences.
These IETs are horrible, for first class, waste of money, Intercity travel is getting worse, good luck on the horrid ride and seats.
@@TEBEnthusiast thank you, but I don’t think I shall need it
Hello Superalbs, quite an objective video ! At the end you say that you cannot recommend travelling with LNER (based on your experiences on this trip). But then which operator could travellers choose ? At the time of writing LNER controls most ECML services. There are just two open access firms, one of whom operates old, unreliable and polluting diesel units. The other firm also has Hitachi units. Yes a third open access firm may start ECML service in future (its drivers are currently being trained) but it will only serve a few ECML stations and it too will use Hitachi units.
It's difficult really, they have a monopoly over many routes. Where possible I'd use another operator, or consider a different mode of transport.
Been to York. Lovely station. And I’ve also been to the National Railway Museum and the Jorvik Museum. Still would like to go ride on the LNER Class 800 and Class 801 Azumas.
It's a very grand place to start a journey!
@@SuperalbsTravels Indeed.
York is amazing
Absolutely
@@AndrewG1989 We should meet up in Yorkshire Andrew.
It amuses me that you have reported the Azuma is a rotten thing as I was thinking of getting the Hornby version. The OO gauge version has been reported as being as rotten as it's full-size counterpart. The rottenness of it appeals in OO gauge, so I am more inspired to get one, thanks to you! Thanks for uploading.
Fair enough, probably better to have a small one than a big one. 😁
Yes the MK4s take some beating 👍👍🇦🇺
Did see a few of those on my trip, was very jealous! 🥰
@@SuperalbsTravels haha! Not surprised, love the 91s!
The sides of the seat had i small amount of padding but the middle hurts my back
As much as I don’t want to admit it - the Azuma trains are abysmal. This is a very accurate review and I’m pleased to see someone who is not having preferences or holding back in their opinions
Thanks. It's such a massive shame...
I think I rode one of those a couple of years ago from Liverpool to London. Fast, but uncomfortable and all over the place unlike the old HSTs.
They're not used on the Liverpool - London service. That's Pendolinos.
We have the same AT300 trains on GWR...they are truly awful 😧 Certainly a very poor HST replacement. The ride quality at speeds over 100mph is shockingly bad..lots of lateral movement and you can really feel the pointwork thud and clank underneath you 😧 we have no buffet on GWR just a random trolley that if your lucky, actually turns up ☹️ First Class is slightly better and the seats there should really be used in standard class 🤔 Standard class seating for any journey over an hour is inadequate and extremely uncomfortable. All in all, a very poor replacement for outgoing Inter-City trains. A very complex and expensive train to procure, lease and run and you can tell this has the DFT fingerprints all over it, clueless 🙄☹️🇬🇧
I'm unfortunate enough to have to use the even worse GWR trains. It's a truly dire experience that I dread every time.
@@SuperalbsTravels
Only used the Wirst GWRs once an 802 x 2 formation in August 2019.
Even in 1st class it was terrible, AC failed en route, a passenger in standard class got an electric shock when the charger point broke and exposed some bare connections. They put him in 1st class and gave him some forms to fill in.
We stopped at Taunton for fresh air. The AC was fixed by shutting the power down and restarting the engines and systems. Certainly a backward leap in passenger comfort and experience.
@@neilcrawford8303 Ah yes, I've seen photos of the loose power connections, i fear it's only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt by the design of these tacky trains...
@@neilcrawford8303 It's horrible but good thing is I heard some of the GWR IEPs are being taken out of service for repairing hope it's true.
What Happens If The Class 800 Is Scary And Everyone Gets Very ANGRY At It For The Seats
Let’s also not forget that the train may be short formed of 5 carriages instead of 9 which means no reservations and the train more than likely will be full and standing which means you may have to stand for the full length of your journey!
I actually went from Leeds to Stevenage today lol. Azumas look really nice from the outside but the seats are horrible. Seriously who thought they would be a good idea for a long distance train? The other two times I’ve done this journey were in 91s and there’s a marked difference in comfort. I do honestly like the simple livery though. It fits well
Such a pity, I always try to choose the IC 225 workings if I have to use the route.
I think the livery is quite nice, but other than that I completely agree on the ride quality, especially the (dis)comfort of the seat. If I'm travelling north, it's Avanti West Coast all the way for me 👍
Avanti West Coast aren't too bad in my opinion!
I just finished my join on a lner azuma, Imo if you can afford first its a worth upgrade, very comfortable good reclining nice table and arm rests, loved it, was abit bumpy but that was barely noticeable, Im new to riding trains so my expectation might be lower
Glad you had a nice trip :)
8:08 Cat says ''help!" :D
When I'm pissed off about our trains in France I watch train videos from the UK and I realize that it's heaven here
I tired out this train for the first time recently. I can see why a lot of people hate the seats although I personally had no problem with them. Then again I only travelled from Newcastle to Edinburgh I don’t know if I’d say the same if I was travelling the full length of the east coast main line. Mixed feelings about the ride quality too. At some points the ride was smooth at other points it was a tad rattly and shaky
First ride in one of these on the same route. Not a patch on the intercity 225 sadly.
The 80X series are excellent trains, only let down by mediocre internal design
I've gone from Reading to St Austell and Penzance to Plymouth and it was fine apart from no buffet car. I wouldn't have thought it would be that bad on Azumas. Other reports have been more positive.
The Hitachi AT300 series is a truly awful train for all the reasons you mentioned in this video and the the one you also made on the GWR's IET. Personally I could write an entire page on what I don't like about these trains from the dirty windows to the migraine inducing lighting and the crap 1st class interiors, including the seats that have no window, and so on and so, the list of complaints and faults is almost endless.
I really hope the entire fleet either gets a complete refit, softer lighting, better seats, better suspension/bogies, or just gets scrapped.
Hitachi really have let themselves down with this product, which leads me to think that this poor level of engineering probably extends to all their other products which I will now be avoiding.
I certainly wouldn't want to put my name to this product! 😬
Wobbly panels... it looks like the train is falling apart
absolutely abysmal trains found all the Hitachi trains garbage the worse being the GWR ones ..how so many make simple things from a blank piece of paper so wrong is mid blowing.. i suspect its cos the decision is made by accountants not train folk
Go to Japan if you want to see exactly what a Hitachi train really is made of! The Hitachi trains we have here are a product of British design specifications and budget constraints!
I will never travel on East coast mainline now,I always use to get an HST to travel to London from York,Harrogate and Leeds.Now HSTs are gone I won,t be travelling no more unless I get a XC HST on hire.
Whent on a trip from doncaster to london kings cross, i really liked the Azuma Train great experience, but buffet is a little expensive.
Weren't the Azuma's built in Italy?
Nope, all of them were built in UK except a few from Japan.
At least the Azumas have a walk up buffet which I sorely miss on the GWR IETs. Good video as always . But I have to agree about the seats . They are rock hard and always give me a numb bum ! Unsuitable for a long distance train. Not as solidly built either! Too many rattles and creaks.
The buffet is one of the positives!
Great video there certainly needs to be some improvements like put some real seats in instead of shitty ironing board ones and also improve the ride quality (and get rid of the reservation policy) apart from that the outside of the train and the acceleration isn't too bad and at least you could enjoy the sunset as it gets dark
The sunset was the best part of this trip! 🤠
Try using the toilet when Azumas accelerate or slow down!
DfT were sold by the sleek train front and didn't bother to check whether they were actually decent inside!
Seems like that...
The Class 801 has a diesel motor for emergency purposes, for example if the electric traction power is switched off.
Yep, very rarely they are used, don't think it has happened in service yet...
I believe the reserved lighting system has been permanently disconnected it’s everyone for your self. Will be travelling on this train from York in November 2021 will report back
I see there are some diversions booked for later this year for LNER via Carlisle and the Hexham line due to ECML engineering works. Makes sense of the warning sings at Carlisle advising LNER drivers to only proceed beyond that point on diesel. So it will be pan down and engines on at Carlisle.
We have bi-mode 769s on one of our local routes, got to say the switch from electric to diesel is pretty swift and doesn't impact station dwell times. Until we get a better electric network bi-mode is the answer. The current electric network has more holes in it than Swiss cheese.
Even Merseyrail are looking at bi-mode battery-electric EMUs for service extensions as Network Rail won't do any more 3rd rail except for small infills due to modern H&S and electric safety regulations.
Have to be brave to try out that journey on one of these! 😭
Really sad to to see how standards have declined on the ECML. My first trip on the route I remember so well... 09.00 Edinburgh to Kings Cross July 1978. Although the IC125s had been introduced on the ECML in May of that year a few services were still loco hauled Mk 2d/e/f stock of which the 09.00 was one. On that day our loco was 'Deltic' 55 009 Alycidon. I've also travelled the route many times on HSTs and Class 91/Mk4 stock.
It's a harsh step down from even the trains they replaced...
Only good thing LNER have are the mk4 sets, very comfortable and amazing ride quality. You should do a review on one
I'll see what I can do when I'm back in the UK!
The class 800 seat design was largely dictated by the Department for Transport, I believe. The train companies had little input. Also, the compulsory reservations are a COVID-19 distancing measure which will presumably be abandoned at some point.
They're already gone. I still don't understand how they fitted in with the NRCoC.
Yes, it is thankfully removed now, hopefully to never return to the UK network.
@@SuperalbsTravels Although the Reservations system is still flawed. You get on a train and most seats are Red, hardly any Greens, I would estimate that around a third of the Red Reserved Seats from XXXX are never sat in till after XXXX as the passenger never shows up. Either people are reserving multiple seats on different trains or just not travelling.
we rode one of these new japanese trains to newcastle and really enjoyed the journey. A bit bumpy they might be but otherwise seats were comfy, I like hard ones as they are best for backache, we arrived on time and didn´t spent a penny on catering as it is mostly junk. we brought in our own sandwiches and fruit, just ordered a cuppa. Might say that contrary to your experience it was a perfectly enjoyable trip.
Wow, I wish my journey was that enjoyable!
@@SuperalbsTravels often have a look at your thorough & rigorous reviews myself. thanks a lot
Thanks very much for watching. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on the next video. 😃
I traveled on an Azuma for the first time yesterday, from Doncaster to King's Cross. Not the best train I've ever been on 🙁
The "rooms for larger luggage" are meant for bicycles; one website suggested that they were designed by someone who has never seen a bicycle. Or a train. I was traveling with a bicycle, and I agree. Bike spaces on GWR are the same. The best journey of the day was Clapham Junction to Reading, on a South West Trains commuter train.
Tomorrow I go on to Portsmouth & the Isle of Wight. Let's see ho we that compares.
Enjoy! Are you taking the hovercraft?
@@SuperalbsTravels I'm thinking I'll catch the Portsmouth to Ryde ferry, as it's easier to connect at Portsmouth Harbour Station, and I don't want too much hassle with my bike. I do want to go on the hovercraft though, so I'm thinking of doing a day trip to Portsmouth while I'm there. Sadly I don't think the Island Line Tube trains are running at the moment, so I won't get to go on them.
I'm on the train from Bath to Portsmouth at the moment; maybe could do with more than 2 carriages, and it's 2 + 3, so a bit cramped 🙁.
Travelled on an Azuma for the first time yesterday. Pretty uncomfortable especially for a near 5 hour journey. Not as bad as the GWR Hitachi's though. The West Coast 390s are a joy in comparison.
Certainly seems sub par - thanks for the honest review. How disappointing that such poor design decisions were made for a new type - I assume driven by cost. From the soundtrack, even the cat on board did not enjoy the ride :)
i have been on but though i love trains im talking about my review the seats were a bit itchy but i didnt care the room was great the toilets were fine expect the lock was a bit fiddly and the refreshments were nice and cheap my opinion i enjoyed my train from newcastle to york
One of my first long distance rail journeys was from King's Cross to York then on to Scarborough. Purpose of trip was to go to the newly opened version of the National Railway Museum. Trip back from York was a Deltic hauled rake of Mk II's.. Jeez I'm old...
Wow, bet that was a noisy experience, but comfortable too. :)
@@SuperalbsTravels Not really noisy. They were the MkII F's. On subject of comfort, I remember when the Class 91's & Mark IV's were introduced. People complained (including myself) that they were noisier and less comfortable than the Mark III's on the HST's.. Nothing changes.. 🤣
I might be even older than you! My first journey from London to York was on a special for schoolchildren from Finsbury Park hauled by 4472 just after its overhaul before going to the USA. The Mark 1 coaches were much more comfortable than the Azuma.