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.
@@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 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.
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.
@@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.
@@sirenity8839 I noticed the track is smoother than ours when I first went to Belgium although there trains are not running at 125mph, but our BR built trains have not had major problems like the imported ones we keep getting so to me the problem is more the trains are not suitable for our track than our track being in bad shape. Some trains like the German built Trans Pennine units have been very good for years and were tested in Germany on a line with similar terrain to the one they were built for.
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.
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.
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!
@@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!
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.
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.
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
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
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.
@@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? 🙄
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!
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 🍻😎 💚
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).
@@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 ;)
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!
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.
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 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.
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!
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. 😕
Here are the things that need improving summed up: 1. Fix the suspension (maybe softer springs?) 2. Change the cleaning chemical used in the toilets (did they just find the cheapest one available?) 3. Fix the seats (look at the ones on SE Highspeed, for example) 4. Change how the lighting works (dimmable, warmer lighting instead of sharp white) 5. Ditch the reservation policy (sounds dumb anyways)
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.
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.
@@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"
@@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!
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!!
The Reason Why I Think They Are More Uncomfortable Is Because They Are Nicknamed "Ironing Board Seats" And They Dont Have Much Legroom And The Cushion Is Rock Hard 😬
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
Read the accident report when one of these ran into the back of an HST at Neville Hill. Nobody thought to test "Crash Worthiness" below 20mph. So if the front end falls off and the set becomes derailed at under 20 mph -what on earth will happen at high speed? I don't think they are safe and in case anyone wonders I'm a retired railwayman!
I mean thats what you get when you invest in Hitachi Rail Italy, formerly Ansaldo Breda. They're absolute trash and if the horror stories from places like Denmark and the Netherlands with the IC4's and FYRA trains didn't deter the department for transport then I just gotta say they've got some bloody smooth brains up there.
I was shocked at the amount of damage that low speed collision caused. It has really made me think what could of happened in a recent incident when an idiot drove into the side of one on a level crossing. It looked like the vehicle hit one of the bogies, a few milliseconds later it would of gone into the huge gap between the coaches bogies and being so light am pretty sure it would of caused a derailment. Although a rare incident I think some structure should of been built under the coach ends to help stop anything lineside getting into that gap
@@frenchsteam7356 I was going to mention that as well. Someone sent me a couple of photos of the front end. These things are made like origami paper. I have seen less damage on old locos after they hit more solid objects. After Polmont I never thought we would go back to such light weight trains with no real guard against hitting objects on the line and bodywork that falls apart so easily even the dreaded pacer were more substantial than these are.
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!
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
There are only 2 train comapanies that I’ve travelled with in the UK and been impressed with. I live in Derby which is mainly served by EMR who are hideous in all areas and I only ever use them to get to stoke/crewe. Cross country and the voyagers are great even though they need a refurb CrossCountry always have friendly staff and it’s rare that I encounter issues with them. Even on a 4 and half hour journey crosscountry voyagers are pleasant and comfortable. Then follows my absolute faivourite Avanti West Coast. I haven’t tried their new hitachi models yet but the new upgraded pendolinos are fantastic super comfortable and again I pinpoint friendly staff and comfortable journies. So there you go.
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
@@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 😎 🍻
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.
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!
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.
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,😊😊😊
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 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
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.
@@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.
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.
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.
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!
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 🤣
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.
@@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.
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 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.
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 🙄☹️🇬🇧
@@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...
Yeah the 170s are a lot better but they seem to break down a lot and with the hourly York service it doesn’t help when cancelled! The worst thing is though the noise inside and if you live close to the line it’s very very loud I never remember other 170s being like that 😂
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
I travelled on one for just under an hour between Peterborough and Lincoln a year ago. They were perfectly comfortable in my case, I had no problems with them whatsoever
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
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.
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
Just got back from Japan where I covered over 2500 miles on Shinkansen, Limited express, commuter trains and subways. The last 3 hours of the holiday was an Azuma from King’s Cross to Durham. I was looking forward to trying the Azuma but how disappointed I was, the worst 3 hours of the whole trip. I realise it’s running on existing track but that’s no excuse for the awful seats, even Japans commuter trains are more comfortable IF it’s not peak time. Even the Limited Express running on the narrower gauge were light years ahead in comparison albeit slower. Pay for first class next time? No chance, I’ll use a Flixbuss instead which I did outbound to London and relatively was comfortable even though it was almost 6 hours.
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.
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.
I was onboard the 7:33 to Harrogate from London yesterday and people were sleeping on the floor due to how uncomfortable the seats were it sure was something that shows how well these train are. Take note DfT
Well with the recent real time trains update it shows the allocation set so you will know in advance whether the train is a 91 or an azuma just to say the 91s only run on the Leeds services only
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 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.
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
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 👍
@@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
I know what I'm about to say has been said a million times before but having just suffered from a 47 minute delayed, 2.5 hour journey on an LNER Azuma set yesterday, I simply cannot see why anyone would see their seats (and general ride quality and ambience) anything other than just horrible. I literally spent the whole journey squirming about trying to avoid backache and a numb bum and being shaken around laterally, all the while listening to loud rattles and hums etc through the plasticky interior... I mean, the seats were pretty much rock solid with hardly any give in them whatsoever and I could even feel what felt like metal support bars digging into my behind as if what foam there was, had collapsed. It wasn't just "not as good as the 225 and 125 sets that they replaced", it was just straight up, genuinely uncomfortable and unpleasant however you look at it. I just don't understand why it's SO hard to provide a relatively pleasant experience for long distance train travel in this country when you pay so much for it. Comfortable seats, warmer, dimmer lights and a couple of extra carriages would be a great start and doesn't seem like rocket science considering that's the way things always were in the past. Surely things like this should evolve over time, not go so far in the opposite direction!? Rant over.
Got to love the corporate stiffs that didnt listen to customer needs or even try out these trains before thrusting them into service. Sure, they look nice and are probably cheaper to run, clearly that’s all they really cared about. The HST will always have a soft spot in my heart, so the trains that replaced them in long distance service were always going to have a lot to live up to, but these trains - the seats, lights, ride quality - are universally panned. To think, the train operators will be using these trains for the next couple of decades - let’s hope the first major refurb is brought forward several years (but don’t hold your breath!) It’s kind of sad actually.
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 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.
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 used to on the regular travel with lner from Donny to Peterborough either on 125 or 225. When I heard lner were looking to replace the 125s & slowly phase out 225s to make way for the Azuma😖I just thought nope as much as I love travelling by train I won’t be throwing my money away by being uncomfortable so travel by car instead. The comfort on the 125 was spot on couldn’t wait to get onboard whether it was from Donny to Peterborough or vice versa that was best bit of my journey forgetting cross country & TP. As much as I like lner I think they made biggest mistake getting rid of the 125s and slowly phasing out 225s. Still have plenty of life left in them even after running for over 40years. Heritage companies are taking some onboard keeping them going. Even Cross Country & Scotrail have still got some 125s in their fleet so they still have faith in them. The azumas should be scrapped not fit for purpose let alone comfort.
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.
I'm hoping to use azuma from Newcastle to grantham to visit my cousin but these trains look odd company to previous lner blue ones! I was last on a lner train to Edinburgh 10 years ago which was good. Are they always half empty??? I use arriva buses and think they make more money than Azuma! Good video as it looks posh too haha 😄
@@SuperalbsTravels thanks I use arriva buses and used to them being full but trains are new so bit anxious escape with covid still around but it might be OK as only 2 hours with 2 changes which didn't know until paid for the ticket haha. Good video I like to see how trains have changed for better or worse!
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.
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...
@@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.
they are just so characterless in their look, regardless of their performance, I cant believe those lovely dirty brutal looking 91s are being phased out in favour of these tubes. They done the same with the Eurostar.
Have so far travelled once (Jan 2020), standard-class, on this nightmare Azuma cattle-truck from York to London with some friends. Agree completely with Superalbs - the most uncomfortable, bumpy and noisy experience, and a huge disappointment after the never-ending fanfare from LNER. Whoever designed the seats never intended sitting on them, and combined with the headache-inducing background drone, glary lighting and rough ride made me feel very sorry for anyone doing the twice-as-long-haul from London to Scotland. By the way, we had a spare first-class ticket so we took it in turns to check that out, and apart from slightly more restful-coloured upholstery and perhaps an extra millimetre of foam-padding on the seats, the rest was just the same. The only saving grace is the sun-blinds, and these will probably be permanently removed once they start to break! Whichever committee gave the go-ahead for these very expensive replacements for the old stock should be forced to travel on them for eternity as punishment! It's really depressing to think that the public are now stuck with these for another 20 or 30 years. We made the return trip on a much older Grand Central train, which felt like heaven by comparison!
I wonder how much energy is wasted due to the air resistance of the clutter on the roofs and the wide gaps between the carriages? The step is hard to negotiate at low curved platforms. Good photography, by the way.
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 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.
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 dunno, couldnt it be the tracks being in bad shape, which cause all these problems?
@@sirenity8839 I noticed the track is smoother than ours when I first went to Belgium although there trains are not running at 125mph, but our BR built trains have not had major problems like the imported ones we keep getting so to me the problem is more the trains are not suitable for our track than our track being in bad shape. Some trains like the German built Trans Pennine units have been very good for years and were tested in Germany on a line with similar terrain to the one they were built for.
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.
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.
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
my first hst was on gwr
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
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
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? 🙄
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
All trains in UK: Ride smoothly, little bumps while passing switches
Class 800s when going on straight track: *Xtreme hardbass playing*
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!
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 🤣
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 👍🏻
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.
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 ;)
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!
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.
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 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.
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!
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. ☹
Here are the things that need improving summed up:
1. Fix the suspension (maybe softer springs?)
2. Change the cleaning chemical used in the toilets (did they just find the cheapest one available?)
3. Fix the seats (look at the ones on SE Highspeed, for example)
4. Change how the lighting works (dimmable, warmer lighting instead of sharp white)
5. Ditch the reservation policy (sounds dumb anyways)
6. Just send them back to Hitachi. Perhaps they could adapt them to use as cattle trains somewhere.
@@roderickjoyce6716 Haha lol
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... 🙄
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"
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!
Lovely video. What is the app on your phone you are using to check the train speed?
That's Digihud! 😁
And thank you.
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...
Basically The Thameslink Class 700s Are More Uncomfortable Than The Class 800 Fleet
Disagree, they're much nicer to use.
The Reason Why I Think They Are More Uncomfortable Is Because They Are Nicknamed "Ironing Board Seats" And They Dont Have Much Legroom And The Cushion Is Rock Hard 😬
I think those seats are more comfortable, as they don't suffer the fundamental flaw with the shape of the frame that the appalling 800 seats have.
Oh 😶
Sorry For The Rude Comments On Your Videos
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.
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
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
Read the accident report when one of these ran into the back of an HST at Neville Hill. Nobody thought to test "Crash Worthiness" below 20mph. So if the front end falls off and the set becomes derailed at under 20 mph -what on earth will happen at high speed? I don't think they are safe and in case anyone wonders I'm a retired railwayman!
I mean thats what you get when you invest in Hitachi Rail Italy, formerly Ansaldo Breda. They're absolute trash and if the horror stories from places like Denmark and the Netherlands with the IC4's and FYRA trains didn't deter the department for transport then I just gotta say they've got some bloody smooth brains up there.
I was shocked at the amount of damage that low speed collision caused. It has really made me think what could of happened in a recent incident when an idiot drove into the side of one on a level crossing. It looked like the vehicle hit one of the bogies, a few milliseconds later it would of gone into the huge gap between the coaches bogies and being so light am pretty sure it would of caused a derailment. Although a rare incident I think some structure should of been built under the coach ends to help stop anything lineside getting into that gap
@@cedarcam We had one hit a cow near Durham a couple of weeks ago, that caused extensive front end damage
@@frenchsteam7356 I was going to mention that as well. Someone sent me a couple of photos of the front end. These things are made like origami paper. I have seen less damage on old locos after they hit more solid objects. After Polmont I never thought we would go back to such light weight trains with no real guard against hitting objects on the line and bodywork that falls apart so easily even the dreaded pacer were more substantial than these are.
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
There are only 2 train comapanies that I’ve travelled with in the UK and been impressed with. I live in Derby which is mainly served by EMR who are hideous in all areas and I only ever use them to get to stoke/crewe. Cross country and the voyagers are great even though they need a refurb CrossCountry always have friendly staff and it’s rare that I encounter issues with them. Even on a 4 and half hour journey crosscountry voyagers are pleasant and comfortable. Then follows my absolute faivourite Avanti West Coast. I haven’t tried their new hitachi models yet but the new upgraded pendolinos are fantastic super comfortable and again I pinpoint friendly staff and comfortable journies. So there you go.
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
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
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!
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!
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.
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. 😊
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...
What makes the ride so rough? Azuma 's suspension is different from smoother riding older trains.
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
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.
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.
The 80X series are excellent trains, only let down by mediocre internal design
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.
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.
Imagine putting a commuter quality seat on a route that can exceed 7 hours, nah im joking, but imagine …
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 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 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!
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.
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
My local train to the left at 1:55 it is an improvement having 170s but are still always crowded
Local train again at 2:47 the class 170s are a very big improvement from these
How are the northern 170s? Haven’t got to try one yet
Also anything’s an improvement from a pacer lol
Yeah the 170s are a lot better but they seem to break down a lot and with the hourly York service it doesn’t help when cancelled! The worst thing is though the noise inside and if you live close to the line it’s very very loud I never remember other 170s being like that 😂
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
DfT were sold by the sleek train front and didn't bother to check whether they were actually decent inside!
Seems like that...
Two months ago I travel first class. It was Kings Cross to York. I find the seats uncomfortable.
Not the best either, are they? 😔
And The Whole Class 800 Fleet Got Taken Out Of Service Because Cracks Were Found In The Jacking Points. And Passengers Were Advised Not To Travel
I travelled on one for just under an hour between Peterborough and Lincoln a year ago. They were perfectly comfortable in my case, I had no problems with them whatsoever
I seem to need to bring a cushion whenever travelling on azumas
You took an Azuma between Lincoln and Peterborough?
@@professorjamesmoriarty5191 Yes, they run every 2 hours to Lincoln
@@alexstrains903 Not an Azuma you didn't, Lincoln isn't electrified.
@@professorjamesmoriarty5191 Well Azuma is bi-mode
8:08 Cat says ''help!" :D
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...
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.
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.
To escape the harder than diamond seat is id bring my trusty couch pillow to sit on :D
Probably a good idea...! 😬
Just got back from Japan where I covered over 2500 miles on Shinkansen, Limited express, commuter trains and subways. The last 3 hours of the holiday was an Azuma from King’s Cross to Durham. I was looking forward to trying the Azuma but how disappointed I was, the worst 3 hours of the whole trip. I realise it’s running on existing track but that’s no excuse for the awful seats, even Japans commuter trains are more comfortable IF it’s not peak time. Even the Limited Express running on the narrower gauge were light years ahead in comparison albeit slower. Pay for first class next time? No chance, I’ll use a Flixbuss instead which I did outbound to London and relatively was comfortable even though it was almost 6 hours.
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!
I remember York Station back in the 70s it has not changed that much only the trains.
Sounds about right. And newer shops too. 😅
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. :)
I was onboard the 7:33 to Harrogate from London yesterday and people were sleeping on the floor due to how uncomfortable the seats were it sure was something that shows how well these train are. Take note DfT
Yikes! That sounds unpleasant. 😬
eesh… next time I’m going to somewhere like that I’ll be trying to catch a 91 instead of these…
Well with the recent real time trains update it shows the allocation set so you will know in advance whether the train is a 91 or an azuma just to say the 91s only run on the Leeds services only
Disgusting. How can they get away with doing this to passengers who pay HUNDREDS per year on travel
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
First ride in one of these on the same route. Not a patch on the intercity 225 sadly.
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! 😭
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 :)
Is there competition on this route?
The sides of the seat had i small amount of padding but the middle hurts my back
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!
R.I.P MK3 was a great and sad loss.
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
I know what I'm about to say has been said a million times before but having just suffered from a 47 minute delayed, 2.5 hour journey on an LNER Azuma set yesterday, I simply cannot see why anyone would see their seats (and general ride quality and ambience) anything other than just horrible. I literally spent the whole journey squirming about trying to avoid backache and a numb bum and being shaken around laterally, all the while listening to loud rattles and hums etc through the plasticky interior... I mean, the seats were pretty much rock solid with hardly any give in them whatsoever and I could even feel what felt like metal support bars digging into my behind as if what foam there was, had collapsed. It wasn't just "not as good as the 225 and 125 sets that they replaced", it was just straight up, genuinely uncomfortable and unpleasant however you look at it.
I just don't understand why it's SO hard to provide a relatively pleasant experience for long distance train travel in this country when you pay so much for it. Comfortable seats, warmer, dimmer lights and a couple of extra carriages would be a great start and doesn't seem like rocket science considering that's the way things always were in the past. Surely things like this should evolve over time, not go so far in the opposite direction!?
Rant over.
They are extremely grim, no wonder I don't bother with UK rail travel that much anymore (as someone who rides trains for fun, that's not a good sign).
The WiFi was soo slow it couldn't even load Google 🙄
11:35 SMOOTH
I'm glad someone noticed that! 😅
Got to love the corporate stiffs that didnt listen to customer needs or even try out these trains before thrusting them into service. Sure, they look nice and are probably cheaper to run, clearly that’s all they really cared about.
The HST will always have a soft spot in my heart, so the trains that replaced them in long distance service were always going to have a lot to live up to, but these trains - the seats, lights, ride quality - are universally panned. To think, the train operators will be using these trains for the next couple of decades - let’s hope the first major refurb is brought forward several years (but don’t hold your breath!) It’s kind of sad actually.
I wonder how extensive a refurb would be. Definitely needed desperately!
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
@@Andrewjg_89 We should meet up in Yorkshire Andrew.
Weren't the Azuma's built in Italy?
Nope, all of them were built in UK except a few from Japan.
Those azumas are not a patch on the mk2d coaches hauled by a Deltic
Wish I could have tried that! 😞
when your on a 800/801/802 you already know that the seats aren’t comfy!
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. 😁
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
I used to on the regular travel with lner from Donny to Peterborough either on 125 or 225. When I heard lner were looking to replace the 125s & slowly phase out 225s to make way for the Azuma😖I just thought nope as much as I love travelling by train I won’t be throwing my money away by being uncomfortable so travel by car instead. The comfort on the 125 was spot on couldn’t wait to get onboard whether it was from Donny to Peterborough or vice versa that was best bit of my journey forgetting cross country & TP. As much as I like lner I think they made biggest mistake getting rid of the 125s and slowly phasing out 225s. Still have plenty of life left in them even after running for over 40years. Heritage companies are taking some onboard keeping them going. Even Cross Country & Scotrail have still got some 125s in their fleet so they still have faith in them.
The azumas should be scrapped not fit for purpose let alone comfort.
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!
I'm hoping to use azuma from Newcastle to grantham to visit my cousin but these trains look odd company to previous lner blue ones! I was last on a lner train to Edinburgh 10 years ago which was good. Are they always half empty??? I use arriva buses and think they make more money than Azuma! Good video as it looks posh too haha 😄
Not sure on the typical loadings. On the day of travel, I had a full and standing LNER service as well.
@@SuperalbsTravels thanks I use arriva buses and used to them being full but trains are new so bit anxious escape with covid still around but it might be OK as only 2 hours with 2 changes which didn't know until paid for the ticket haha. Good video I like to see how trains have changed for better or worse!
@@katharinebisset8348 Thanks for watching! 😃
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.
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.
12:36 I think they should change the branding of the cups to "Let's Drink". Just a person preference
True, it would be a bit weird to eat a cup...
they are just so characterless in their look, regardless of their performance, I cant believe those lovely dirty brutal looking 91s are being phased out in favour of these tubes. They done the same with the Eurostar.
Have so far travelled once (Jan 2020), standard-class, on this nightmare Azuma cattle-truck from York to London with some friends. Agree completely with Superalbs - the most uncomfortable, bumpy and noisy experience, and a huge disappointment after the never-ending fanfare from LNER. Whoever designed the seats never intended sitting on them, and combined with the headache-inducing background drone, glary lighting and rough ride made me feel very sorry for anyone doing the twice-as-long-haul from London to Scotland. By the way, we had a spare first-class ticket so we took it in turns to check that out, and apart from slightly more restful-coloured upholstery and perhaps an extra millimetre of foam-padding on the seats, the rest was just the same. The only saving grace is the sun-blinds, and these will probably be permanently removed once they start to break! Whichever committee gave the go-ahead for these very expensive replacements for the old stock should be forced to travel on them for eternity as punishment! It's really depressing to think that the public are now stuck with these for another 20 or 30 years. We made the return trip on a much older Grand Central train, which felt like heaven by comparison!
Sorry to hear! :(
7:53 That could be a nice bridge to trainspot at! Where is it?
Just south of York I think! Not 100%, sorry.
@@SuperalbsTravels Ok
Looks like Colton Junction just south of York
@@SkhTrains Found out it is Colton Junction
I wonder how much energy is wasted due to the air resistance of the clutter on the roofs and the wide gaps between the carriages? The step is hard to negotiate at low curved platforms. Good photography, by the way.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed!