I havent got a problem with the ticket prices. They have in my view not been an issue since they taken over from Virgen. I use the ECML four times a year so far. Going from Edingbrough to Peterbrough. To me the ride quality isint a problem for me on both sets and am a big and tall bear.
@@NonstopEurotripHi! I saw christmas decoration on da terminal building, where did u depart from... I'd like to ask something! Was that christmas decor still on the wall on 8th on march, which is international women day yet, or did u only upload this video on 8th of march, which u make during advent or christmas time please?
Shouldn't be getting rid of them they are the best in the uk , shame we've already lost the class 43 hst another icon lost replaced with foreign Hitachi scrap
@@darylkemp1257 I agree 199% about the Class 800/801/802. 15 years out of date at the time of the first deliveries, the Japanese, once again, screwed the government. They were supposed to build the trains in Britain, with 10,000 jobs, but they built a new factory in Japan, created 9,000 jobs there, and 734 at Newton Aycliffe. The shunting accident, between a Class 800, and an HST125, at a combined speed of 12 mph, derailing the last two carriages of the HST, and derailing 3 carriages of the 800, but pushing the front of the train right back to the bulkhead. Very luckily, the driver was at the opposite end, otherwise he would have been 2-dimensional. I always wonder as to how many brown envelopes changed hands during the course of this whole sad affair?
I think these Mk4 sets are now used on the fabulous TfW route from Manchester to Cardiff and return. Unfortunately they are hauled by the not terribly reliable class 67. But a massive improvement on the former DMU's. And 1st class is spectacular. Best thing TfW has ever done. But don't tell anyone! Pip Pip.
The fact that we haven't got the ability to go faster than a steam train all these years later whilst places like Japan & France do is telling! I know the cost is spiraling, but I think we should just build things like HS2 to help get cars off the road.
UK Governments opted to develop trains that would run on the ‘old’ network, such as the APT. Also, they’ve made some serious mistakes in their electrification programs and stock development and replacement programs - we should’ve been in a much better place than we are now!
There was nothing wrong with the apt it was British built and would be doing the same job as a foreign built pendolino is now apparently the tilting mechanism made people feel sick well I've found if you stare out the window of the class 390 pendolino long enough the same happens its just one of them things = deal with it was nowt wrong with apt, we sold the technology and let Italy take the lead
Cancelling the first NATIONAL RAIL PROJECT in 150 years shows the major fault with British politics and management. It doesn't exist. Tiny concrete skulls are no benefit to the country. The obsession with losing the next election holds back the development, of Britain, into a grown-up, adult country will never happen while the politics and business is controlled by the produce of Eton/Harrow, Oxbridge cabal.
Amazing first class. Took this train last year Leeds-KGX (a day after riding the scenic Carlisle-Settle line). It's incomparable to other intercity trains in the UK, and I'm sad to hear that its days are numbered. It was an enjoyable 2 hour ride while it lasted though, and we were during the time served hot meals. Speaking of York Station, it's among my favourite. It's also worth noting that nearby is the National Railway Museum, a huge place for train buffs. It could easily occupy one's whole day. There, you can take a simulation ride of the Mallard. If Japan is too far to travel to, you can also experience the interior of the first generation Shinkansen
Please note, the vast majority of the NRM is closed off until 2025 for renovations and remodeling. I am a regular visitor with my Grand children and was EXTREEMLY dissappointed on my last visit. Including 30mins to sit and eat we left in under 90mins. Car parking is also limited during renovations, when its full the gates are simply closed. I would avoid the NRM until summer 2025.
@@darren25061965 Thanks for the input. I went there early 2022 (when covid restrictions were beginning to be lifted) and to my knowledge, no renovations were taking place then. Luckily, I don't have any immediate plans on visiting York at least up to 2025 so it would likely be finished when I go revisit. Anyway, what train museums in the UK you could highly recommend? I've been to Riverside in Glasgow (cool) and London Transport Museum (small, fun while it lasted though)
Great review as always. I especially liked your comment on LNERS changes to the fair structure 🙂 You should have said " All announcements are done in English and Yorkshirees " for comic effect.
I once rode from Taunton to Birmingham New Street on an FGW 125 and sat for most of the journey with a railway policewoman. The train went via Weston-Super-Mare. On Arrival in Birmingham I took a 158 to Cannock to see some friends and that was done way back in 2000. I remember it was a nice trip with the train going a lot faster than trains I'm used to down under. For me it was also cheap as being a rail employee in Australia at that time I got a half far pass for all rail travel in the UK. In Australia my rail pass entitled me to free rail travel.
I took the 1503 KCX-WKK hauled by 91122 on Tuesday. It was a better ride than aboard the Eurostar I arrived into London from Paris that morning. Standard class seats are armchairs in the Mk4 coaches.
I used to live in York and often went to Copenhagen or Brussels so I took this service many times and I often opted for the first class when I could get a good deal on it since it provided complimentary catering. Actually good value and it seems to still be the case.
I remember when the 225's were introduced in the 1990's (not 80's). They were not wholly popular - especially compared to the HST's they were replacing once the ECML was electrified. Remember going to Leeds on one not long after they were introduced. Told a story by the person I was meeting that a 225 service he was on ground to a halt as the pantograph had fallen off...
Small Correction. There are actually only 9 "Platform 0's" in the UK, of which LNER serves (first) 4 of them. London KIngs Cross Doncaster Leeds Edinburgh Haymarket Stockport Cardiff Central Redhill Gravesend Rainham (Kent) There are another 9 worldwide, according to Wikipedia.
Great video. I concur with the title of the video. These Class 91s offer superb ride quality in Mk4 rolling stock when compared to the Azumas. 35 years since they were introduced on the ECML they are still going strong. My first ever Class 91 trip was in 1995 from London to Leeds. I travelled to Glasgow and Edinburgh from 1996-2005 when it was GNER. Great memories. Thanks for sharing
Nice video mate. Reminds me very much of TfW first which does better food, but of course you have to pay for anything significant you want. You may be interested to know that just before the Newark flat crossing is the sewage treatment works (but then you’d expect me to know that wouldn’t you😂). Cheers.
I remember travelling on them in 1999 beetween London and Leeds. Unfortunately, as a student, I couldn't afford first class. I found the seats in standard somehow underwhelming compared to the Inter City 125 sets. These leather armchairs just look great. Not like today where the tendency seems to be a 2 + 1 layout but with quite narrow seats.
Hi Nonstop, thank you. Another great video. I travel from York to London on LNER often. Occasionally on Grand Central. I remember being very excited about the introduction of the LNER Azuma trains. But what a disappointment when they arrived. I always enjoyed the Intercity 225s and I made the assumption that the Azuma would take this to another level. It did. A lower level. I still travel as often but now find myself complaining bitterly (to myself) that it is so much less comfortable and, as you have pointed out, more expensive. Rolling stock has to be replaced when its time is up but it should not mean a worse ride for the passenger. Who tested these trains from a 'user' viewpoint? Not a regular train passenger I assume. The Class 800 trains are only good when viewed from the outside. Please keep up the good work. Thanks again.
Great video but I was a bit confused when u put high speed network in quote marks. I know many trains in the uk don’t go as fast compared to much of Europe but 125mph is widely considered high speed by many rail companies including the UIC (union of international of railways). The ECML is also getting upgraded I think as well. Other than that, very good video.
Thank you for sharing the video. Mark 4 sets are easy to rate as "UKs Best Trains" only of travelled in First Class. Standard Class is horrible due to lack of leg room. Wish Transport For Wales passengers could be gifted withdrawn class 175 interiors fitted on mark 4 sets instead. Some of the Best Standard Class interiors in my oppinion.
Die gezeigten Rollstuhlplätze + barrierefreie Toilette gibt es bei DB in Germany auch. Frage: welches ist die längste Eisenbahnstrecke im Vereinigten Königreich ?
Have to agree about the Class 800s seats and ride quality. im never one to get nostalgic about anything and always look to improve on things, but the 800s just dont cut it which is a shame, unless they can produce any better seats for them.
The Swedish X2000 trains are contemporary with the Inter-City 225 fleet and are being refurbished for another 25 year life. Why are these being scrapped?
I love everything about your video except the bit about saying Welwyn North should be closed - I'm not an influential local but it's a lovely place & I visit there often with friends & it doesn't need to be closed & even as you say what are they going to do: quad track Digswell viaduct?! I think not!
Even so, without the GTR stoppers calling there and holding up the fast and express services it will increase ECML capacity between KGX and SVG by around 10-15% every hour
Hi again thanks for your considered reply. In one way it might be good to increase capacity in that manner but it would also mean cutting a service used by a great many people between KGX & SVG & like some other premier main lines around the country sharing the lines out between local stoppers & fast express is often going to be a t/tabling / signalling challenge. I just think that maybe cutting services isn't the right solution. LNER, Grand Central & Lumo run on the line & all their services probably outweigh the GTR stopper profits, but it shouldn't all be about the beans & speed. In fact as you point out, the main barrier now to convenience is probably the new LNER ticketing system which is very off-putting to customer choice indeed! Wishing you happy travels 🙂@@NonstopEurotrip
If LNER is pricey at 51 pounds, then Avanti must be highway robbery. I spent 91 pounds on a first class ticket from London to Crewe in February, booked on literally the first day the tickets went on sale.
I'll check out your Azuma video since you give it such a bad review. LNER is also a vast improvement over my first class ride on Virgin train from London to Edinburgh in May 2018, The car was filfthy, one toilet floor was flooded the entire trip and mediocre sandwiches were the only food offerings. Still the staff was great and knew the end of Virgin was coming soon w/ looney tunes. I can't remember if alcoholic drinks were extra. I shouldn't complain because I didn't pay for first class because conductor upgraded me for free when I told him I am a retired Amtrak conductor...but that's how we roll on the railroad all over the world....and that's one of the reasons we love it so.
Hello. I’m traveling soon this year to London, and within my itinerary am heading to York for one day trip. I been just browsing what train line operates, and found tow: Grand Central and LNER, came across LNER is more expensive, one round trip, one passenger around 80-90 £, the cheapest. Am I right on it? Cuz have seen videos ppl they say got tickets for 25£. On the other hand, Grand Central ain’t recommended by users things went wrong and have experienced cancellation of their tickets. People, can y’all help me with that? What do you know about it? I’ll appreciate any help as a replying.
@@NonstopEurotrip Is it well recommended tho? I mean, have known they use to cancel your ticket at the last minute , so you needa wait for the next train, and that’s a waste of time for a traveler. Thanks for any information
Good video other than the utterly ridiculous and delusional statement made at 16:02. Yes 2021 didn’t end in the best of ways and there are plenty of reasons to criticise the FIA and the stewards/race control, but Max Verstappen deserved to win 2021 as much as Lewis Hamilton did, and it’s completely disrespectful to the now 3 time world champion to diminish his first win. Oh and a fun fact, if AD21 is ever stricken from the records, Max still wins the championship on countback due to having more wins over the course of 2021. And if people keep harking on about 2021, maybe a revisit to 2008 should also be in order, due to questionable decisions by the FIA regarding the crash gate controversy and evidence suggesting they knew what had happened but allowed the results to stand despite knowing that Singapore was cheated by Renault. Oh and preemptive statement but I’m a Williams fan. As I said, great video, always love the IC225’s, fond memories travelling NCL-KGX in first class as a child under East Coast and later Virgin, wish they still came further up north but oh well. Just a shame that you had to sour the video overall.
Surprisingly - York isn't strictly speaking in North Yorkshire, it's been a self governing independent unitary authority since the 14th Century. Sorry to be a total nerd, but I've lived there for 62 years. Azumas are dreadful, much prefer class 91's.
@@barrymiller3385I haven't watched a race since. Gareth Bale in an interview said he hasn't either. If Max beat him fair and square that day fair-play. But a forced passing of the torch moment was unnecessary
Crikey, does Intercity 225 sets still running on LNER's main line? I wanna ride such a old good trains, perticularly refurbished interior looks lovely. And perharps are you Superalbs trabels? I've heard your voice at his channel. youtube.com/@superalbstravels?si=lP5IfxRUTiMIlOMu
51 pounds for York to London is a travesty. It's cheaper to fly out of country on Ryanair at those rates. How far the british has fallen despite inventing the train
I think £51 for a first class ticket, with hot food and essentially unlimited drinks including tea, coffee, beer, wine and spirits along with complimentary snacks and goodies, is good value for money.
I rode a 225 in standard class to Doncaster before changing to an Azuma - the difference in ride quality was really noticeable, the 225 feeling stable and less agitated, as well as offering a more restfully designed interior.......and to think when the 225 was introduced the ride quality was poorer than the 125! Progress?
You got decent WiFi on LNER? Lucky! Last time I used them it was basically unusable and I gave up and just used intermittent 4G. And that was on a train less than half full.
Very godo video. I have a question for you. In a few weeks my family (there are 3 of us) will take the LNER between London and Edinburgh and the return will be via York where we will spend one night. The question is, what seats should I reserve? On some internet pages I have read that for the trip north it is better to take seats on the right side of the train. However, I want to avoid those seats that have a wall that prevents a good view. Do you think is better to select those seats with a table in between? I appreciate if you can help me with this. Thank you.
Right hand side going north from York is the best option. You can see the coast e.g. Holy Island / Lindisfarne. It is always wise to reserve with LNER and I think essential south of Newcastle. The table of four pretty much guarantees no pillar and the three of you will have a decent amount of room. People gravitate to a table in my experience. Post COVID I am travelling less for work and always try and select a 225 service if I can because I hate the Azumas so I have less knowledge of them, but there are fewer four seat tables than a 225 in standard (I think) and some standard class seats have very poor views e.g. the wall you mention or are against a window pillar. Azumas are short of luggage space even though some of the worst standard class seats have been removed to create extra luggage space. I would also beware what you put in the overhead luggage racks - items have been known to fall out of them if too large. (Voyagers / Meridians have a similar issue when I have been on them.)
Watching this again to get myself ready for the trip you suggested :) I'll go Montrose to Montreux on Monday :D oh this is going to be a tiring couple of days!!!! I will of course shout you out in the video!
Ah excellent Steve! I dunno why but I just thought that would be a video title you would get behind. Don't forget to ride the Golden Pass Railway when you're then 👌🏻😎
You can also get a very similar experience on the TfW MK4 sets, they're using former Virgin and Grand Central MK4 sets pulled by class 67s, the ex-Virgin sets have the exact same interior as this train. They also retain the at seat food delivery. They run them on the Manchester to Cardiff route and the Holyhead to Cardiff route. Though the speeds are lower, the MK4s are limited to 80mph max in in Wales and between Crewe and Shrewsbury, they'll do some 110mph running between Crewe and Manchester.
What I hate about modern rolling stock is no baggage vans so busy trains have carriages cluttered with luggage. Also hate the doors beeping, hurts my ears and the incessant announcements both annoying when trying to have a nap. Bring back the quiet corridor compartment carriages and slam doors. Redhill, Surrey had a platform 0, it was for the 4 times daily mail only services and a terminal platform. The new 1960's Crawley, Sussex station had one but closed early 70's when dedicated mail trains ceased and the mail carried on normal services throughout the day.
I was lucky (maybe) becuase I commuted to London almost everyday on these 225s and sometimes 125s while they transitioned to the Azuma class. I have to say in comparison, these older units were much more comfortable and the new Azuma trains. There are Pros and cons of both trains, 225 Pros: Comfort, quiet, enough leg space in economy, 1st class seats very comfy 225 Cons: Starting to feel the age in the trains, Toilets quite bad, Staff had to manually place seat bookings on seats (They automated this towards the end but half the time wasnt working), unreliable AC Azuma Pro: New and fresh interior, Window curtains, I presume more efficient to run (Less staff, energy efficient, less maintenance(Maybe?), higher accelerations, more passengers capacity due to front/end carriages allow customers to sit. Azuma Cons: Economy seats very uncomfortable, 1st Class seat are pretty much the same as economy except for a head rest..., noisier (not from engines but from vibrations), less leg space, Even though its modern theres still a huge gap between the train and the platform. Summary: As a customer, 225s are great for long distance due to comfort and less noise, for day to day Commuting short distances (up to 1 hr) Azuma is good. You can tell while the Azuma Trains sets are built to good quality, They've cut corners/cost on the final touches such as Seats that feel very cheap, like for short distance commuter trains on South Eastern and not well insulated, no Add ons for automated steps between the platforms. Such a shame because they had so much potential.
NOOO way you can get to London from York or back from £25... I have seen your video about the new railjet (innsbruck-Munich) how on earth was that just 27euros for 172 km ? I think u must have a discount card.. do you use student discounts or interrail? Lol
Our country trains in New South Wales, a version of the UK's HS125, are going to be replaced fairly soon by Spanish-built trains that I suspect will be like your 800 series. More efficient for the railways but murder for the passengers. At least they might have wifi at last. Most of my 400km trip to and from Sydney hasn't even a phone signal.
LNER new fleet is terribly uncomfortable, tiny for longer distances than LDN-York. Newcastle is already a pain in the.. Personally I prefer the Avanti pendolinos when it comes to comfort and space.
AVANTI TREINS GROUP is Italian-owned, FERROVIE ITALIA GROUP, even the trains are the famous PENDOLINI, Italian engineering, this is to say that the United Kingdom has failed in this too. GRANDE ITALIA 😮😅
I have yet to be served a hot meal in first class, always some BS excuse. Give it a rest LNER. Having said that, the 225 first class seating is worth its salt and makes for a very pleasant perch for the short ride.
