The Very First LNER Azuma In Service!

Tuesday 14th May 2019, and LNER ran the first of its Hitachi #Azuma trains for a Press trip between London Kings Cross and Peterbrough, and back again.
We were delighted to be invited on board, as they launched their new train and we got to explore first class, standard class, the kitchen areas, and talk to the brilliant staff on board.
As from 15th May 2019, these trains are now being rolled out on the LNER network to Leeds, Hull and beyond ...
Thanks to LNER for inviting us along, especially Kate and Richard for helping us out on the day.
More here: www.lner.co.uk...

[@jeakinsmotors1676]

6:00 "Can we get one of these machines in our kitchen at home?" "You mean... a kettle?"

[@Dave_Sisson]

10:33 "Do you want to have an argument now or later?" The light hearted snarky banter between those two is brilliant.

[@LeoStarrenburg]

@@Dave_Sisson In all fairness, Vicky was in a cheeky mood this trip wasn't she ?

[@juncusbufonius]

Vicky - Show him where the kitchen is.

[@DavidWood2]

@@Dave_Sisson The explanation for arguments and Peterborough is found in kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmKke3SNfbOXa9E and for mention of what went wrong see kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIWzZHhmiMisntU I think that two things happened that day in Peterborough and the second (BBC) video gets the order wrong. Firstly, there was a missed connection due to a late incoming train, which was the departing train that you saw. They then decided to do a Vicki explores Peterborough, but perhaps she was late back for plan B leading to a further delay and the need to switch to plan C. Frankly, how well Geoff and Vicki got on is a testament to the strength of what they have together. There must have been many times when they were tired and things went wrong, but it seems they took so much in their strides.

[@lucatrifan2797]

That machine costs £10000

[@scotishidiot]

Have to admit, when you watch someone who is so enthusiastic and passionate it keeps non trainspotters watching! Great work!

[@joannegray5138]

I know what you mean. I'm a non train spotter too, but I love Geoff and Vicki's videos.

[@francoisg3500]

Joanne Gray Exactly I am not a train spotter either, but Geoff and Vicky’s video are just great!

[@arfski]

I'm a bit like Pete Waterman, not the famous music producer bit, being a fan of railways not just locomotives, trains and multiple units...

[@somethingclever1128]

lmfao.

[@TonksMoriarty]

"How are you?" "New train." Never change Geoff.

[@jayswarrow1196]

-And here we have the antique series 800 passenger trains of London and North Eastern Railway, which have been famous over the century, for giving a newtrain experience to the passenger. -Excuseme, what's "newtrain"? -Newtrain is a term, brought to public in summer of 2019 by an old chap, called Geoff Marshall. Basically it means "excited beyound belief". -Geoff Marshall, you mean the HSXL lines president? -Yes, the same fellow, that brought us the famous HMU network.

[@TheHylianBatman]

The fist of quality! The Geoff Marshall elbow test! What an exciting train!

[@NigelDraycott]

Exciting times indeed

[@bishwatntl]

Great to see Roger Ford and the fist of quality in action.

[@jonahturner6389]

Best part

[@joeturner3379]

​@@jonahturner6389 are u me, but from tropical?

[@hoagy_ytfc]

@@jonahturner6389 I too enjoy seeing Mr Ford fist a train

[@YorksLancsTransportHub]

The fact Geoff keeps getting a shot of the 43 at King's Cross to match how an old train and new train looks next to each other

[@dylanminett8552]

10:00 you said he had been on the train for 10 mins exactly 10 mins into the video...

[@kapage74]

Good to know I'm not the only one who does the elbow test 🙂

[@stevieinselby]

I don't think I've seen so many close-up shots of one person's elbow before...

[@nathanw9770]

Me as well

[@DWtrainsNZ]

Same lol 😃

[@JCCC1609]

I swear you 2 can do nothing wrong, brilliant totally brilliant once again, I think you're wonderful. Vicki that seemed like quite a large frog in your throat at the end I hope it wasn't too sore. Of course down in our neck of the woods on GWR, we've been experiencing the 800's with the ones they are using for the Penzance to Paddington runs. But they look terrific and I hope LNER have the same success with them as we are down here in GWR land.

[@Great_WesternTVFan]

Something wrong gone now. They both divorced

[@Vampire.Vegan.]

Roger is like that priest from 'Father Ted' who keeps breaking furniture by punching it.

[@bobtheshorkie1987]

Thank you. I was trying hard to remember why he seemed so familiar.

[@looneyirish007]

bunch of cowboys ted, shoddy, shoddy, shoddy

[@Vampire.Vegan.]

@@looneyirish007 😂😂😂

[@Vampire.Vegan.]

@@bobtheshorkie1987 😂😂

[@90SecondRant]

How much did you pay for the train, Ted? Ah Jaysus, I could have got you a better one for half that!

[@サリーサリーサリ]

アズマ(Azuma) is very cool and beautiful ! congratulations from kyoto ! 東 あずま アズマ Azuma 🤩

[@envirommc7059]

It’s not beautiful it replaced the intercity 125

[@TheFjmtb]

@@envirommc7059 this is true, they are also largely assembled in the UK like the HST. We sold our ability to design trains in the 1980s so our friends in the far east come to fill the gap

[@freightanddieseltrains]

all trains now have to be measured but the #FistOfQuality and the #ElbowsOfSleep

[@gmfinc18]

Don't forget legnth in vickyfeet as we need to know if it'll fit the platforms.

[@Trainplanespotter-ul5pj]

Yes, every train I go on I'm going to do it

[@sdeee3842]

I cracked up at the #fistofquality 👏🏾🤣👏🏾

[@gh1851]

Shame GWR only relies on having a trolley service. But well done LNER, a buffet counter! Just like GWR's old HST's! Beautiful! Geoff serves two teas on 5.22 😂

[@davidmilne5122]

@Peter Mitchell I've heard that there are a lot of both internal and external discussions ongoing to bring the buffet carriages back into service on GWR on the new Intercity Express Trains. There is also a public petition at you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/great-western-railway-bring-back-the-buffet which may help with this decision...? The buffet carriages do exist and are sitting in a siding somewhere apparently....

[@busesinbathbristol5899]

@@davidmilne5122 i go on the new gwr 800s quite a lot (live in Bath) and when he said they had a buffet car my jaw sort of dropped because recognising this train and then having the luxury of a buffet car in the middle is sort of perfect. it cant get better. it shows too that it takes so little space and we all know how annoying it is to get stuck behind the trolley. not only that but most of the time there is only a trolley on one half and ive been on one where they claimed that and still didnt serve even though i got on at paddington. (sorry about that rant) just bring back the buffet. its better in every way

[@cjeam9199]

Baggage car with an actual decent number of bike and oversized luggage spaces would be more useful.

[@busesinbathbristol5899]

@@cjeam9199 they have load of space for bikes and luggage. the old ones did have the guards car but i think they have reasonable space for bikes and luggage

[@cjeam9199]

Buses in Bath & Bristol They have a decent amount of luggage space for normal luggage yes. But there are 4 bike spaces on the 10 & 9 car layouts, which is poor.

[@user-dd2dg3pl5e]

Nobody: *FIST OF QUALITY*

[@lecapahcni1691]

*Bang Bang Bang*

[@ひろぽん-c9x]

From Japan Congratulations I wish British people would like that Hitachi train. So far so good? The interior looks better than ours in Japan

[@caledoniansignalman8153]

Nah they replaced the god damn intercity 125’s and most trainspotters hate this train because the intercity had been in service since 1976 because Britain wanted a new train different to a diesel but still one.

[@josephharrison8354]

Well, the operating companies definitely love them; LNER, GWR and TransPennine have all ordered variants. I doubt I'll ever ride on one, I'll be stuck with CAF's trains, but I'm delighted that we're finally getting modern rolling stock.

[@plymouthtoleedsonaxchst9537]

I love them and I,m British.

[@matthewstevens4462]

I_like Jintys10 They are definitely the most insufferable part of an otherwise fairly inclusive community. I like the HST too but Jesus Christ , they need to grow up and stop snivelling .

[@ひろぽん-c9x]

By the way, Javelin is my favorite. Great shape & color

[@thearsenalmisfit2414]

HST 125 will still be running when Azuna retires.

[@leylamaxamed107]

Its done

[@terrier_productions]

UNO Reverse card

[@JCCC1609]

14:43 onward you 2 on top form, Vicki on pure wind up mode and that is the most high pitched cheerful bye from her with the happiest of smiles. Pure televisual gold.

[@coosakura4466]

From Japan Japanese trains are running in UK. I am very happy. Please be loved by AZUMA of a pretty face, safety first, everyone properly.

[@carollaw4870]

Richard law. The new iconic train upholding the L.N.E.R. reputation. Thank you Hitachi and a special thanks to the staff for making it a rememberable day.

[@harrytodhunter5078]

Its about bloody time we get them

[@戦隊マジレン]

座席が２×２シートで通路が狭く感じるって事は 座席の幅がゆったりしているって事だ。羨ましい！

[@jillrodgers9751]

The new trains look great. Loved the video, but your videos are always excellent.

[@AllTheStations]

thanks Jill, we work so hard to make them fun, entertaining and yet also informative. appreciate the comment!

[@peterfeltham8065]

These Japanese trains are wonderful.

[@poshlad6275]

Not really Japanese, but they have a lot of Japanese technology, majority of the steel on this train is British.

[@StephenHind]

A welcome return of "no-fringe" Vicky!

[@sparkidee]

Her best look

[@JackAndEmilyVids]

Got one of these today from Kings Cross to Newcastle.

[@BassBusMusic]

They'll get to Berwick by Christmas. Not sure which Christmas but... :-))

[@Ostermond]

Exciting! Trains are the best!

[@ScenesThroughTravels]

ACE Video and , The legend Pete Waterman !!

[@JONNYWM]

I just adore how they’re both so nerdy about things that are diametrically opposite and yet it works so well.

[@ScoutZz]

HST and 91s: We're In the Endgame Now

[@AlastairHarding]

I love that the guy from LNER said there will be a step change in the timetable that they’ll be delivering incrementally over the next few years... 😂

[@francoisg3500]

Alastair Harding Yes funny that! It seem as if the government does not want a repeat of may last year timetable mess up! 😂😂

[@tonys1636]

Major timetable changes must be a headache for the timetablers, as GTR found out, I wonder do they still use a time/ distance graph to do it manually or have computers taken over? Which might explain last years cock ups, at least with a graph a glance will tell one there is two trains on the same track section at the same time, rather than wait for trains backing up on reds. At least a human can allow variable variables, a computer only follows a programme.

[@malcolm4672]

Did you get to meet "The man in seat 61" I saw on twitter he also did that journey. He was in Coach K Seat 61 of course.

[@brucetharpe762]

The Azuma is BEAUTIFUL!

[@darkshines800]

The elbow test is a long-distance train essential! Also, do we know what the timetable for the new trains is going to be?

[@JackJackProductions]

The South West Trains seats in standard class was quite bright and uplifting because like to Azuma in Standard class, the SWT seats were red

[@Jack-hd4qy]

Great finally we get to see the capabilities of these new trains

[@matthewalbery8827]

watch a '43!!

[@Jack-hd4qy]

Yes I know dude

[@JackAndEmilyVids]

I’m on of one of these right now. Next stop Darlington. I got on at Kings Cross. Getting of at Newcastle. I’m glad they have free Wi Fi!

[@lewisacott9609]

Never clicked on a notification so fast before!

[@09weenic]

Great video as usual 👍 Looking forward to travelling on the Azuma in the near future

[@PNEKarl]

Crikey! 13:25 King's Cross looks like it could do with a gardener :-)

[@ArturMcCloud]

that's the state of pretty much every station

[@amtrak49]

Yes! The interior of a train makes all the difference for passengers! It is the little things they notice. Also, so great to see LNER kept the buffet car, sure wish GWR kept theirs too :( Terrific video!!

[@MattChildsTV]

3:23 is that Simon Calder?, travel expert, could’ve made a good interview!

[@weealvin8586]

It does indeed look like him

[@nudgenudgewinkwink3212]

@@weealvin8586 Yes it is him.

[@sparkidee]

Old noddy 😂

[@utterlee]

All that garish primary red. The spirit of Virgin Trains lives on.

[@boriss.861]

That quick shot from the cab the best seat in the house. Cheers Geoff and Vicky for a now historic vlog

[@EM81YT]

did you know the Z in Azuma is the N in LNER turned on it's side

[@malachymolloy6038]

Now you've said that it makes sense with their signature n logo

[@PrograError]

you sure it's not just Virgin's N?

[@malo66]

@@PrograError cheeky

[@WMTrainspotting]

Yes, I did!

[@lenpowell6647]

Serious engineering hardware ! That's why I enjoy rail travel . These Hitachi units are epic! And let's face it on any long distance run in the UK these days its like air travel for service but feels much faster. Great stuff.

[@josephharrison8354]

And on top of that, you get the gorgeous views of the British countryside.

[@lenpowell6647]

@@josephharrison8354 Exactly! Beats driving! Cheers.

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

So, these are slower than the Pendolino which started life In the 90's, it is still not fully electric and is actually behind what much poorer country have. Great Job!

[@agent_605]

Daniel Peixoto Martins They have the same in service and theoretical maximum speeds as the Pendolinos and have faster acceleration, and most of them are fully electric apart from those that go to destinations that aren’t electrified, where Diesel engines are used. On the West Coast for services to North Wales where the track isn’t electrfied Pendolinos can’t run and a diesel train has to run all the way including under the wires

[@ZariDim3012]

I have the same test with my elbow in the trams in Sofia, Bulgaria on my daily commute to school :)

[@EastBroadTop]

Delightful to see you both again!

[@paulsmith6616]

I find it funny that (then) British Railways went to great lengths to establish its brand and expunge the former big 4 identities. Now, decades later, the former big 4 identities re-emerge in all their glory but with a modern take which keeps them fresh and contemporary. Perfect for the new age.

[@luckystrike2945]

Dear All The Stations Currently, in Japan, "AZUMA" generally is "east" or "eastern region", but, the original word "吾嬬(azuma)" means "My wife". Good-luck 👍 GOD bless everyone of UK. from Japan.

[@luckystrike2945]

Because it is written in the 7th volume of 日本書紀(NIHON-SHOKI) as "吾嬬者耶(AZUMAHAYA)". Its meaning is "Alas.... my wife." (≒ I miss you) ※日本書紀(NIHON-SHOKI) is the Japan's oldest history book of the dynasty officially compiled by the nation.

[@Ulleskelf]

Just sat down on my first Azuma and am loving that I can rest my elbow on the window sill

[@moose_ringo9161]

Are the seats just as hard as on GWR?

[@devon896]

The exact same seats just in different colours.

[@bulman07]

They're firm but comfortable, the upholstery is a bit more plush than GWR

[@bigman5125]

I'm guessing they're also a pain for taller people too.

[@kuroneco-j4n]

hard is good

[@xsentinel3044]

Until this day I’ve never noticed the difference in seat quality in our trains except on old BREL trains were you can actually feel the comfort and cushion. I’ve been on a Southeastern 375 both new and old multiple times and on the older first generation 377/1 - 5s. Compared to the newer trains like the 377/6s and 7s, 387s, 700s well basically all trains with iron board seats I’ve never really felt a difference I don’t know why.

[@ikkyu-san3436]

azuma‼️ happy congrats😊 from Japan🇬🇧🇯🇵❤️❤️

[@richardwarner5491]

Yes Geoff , tips on making tea , teabag in cup , poor hot water into cup , lovely !

[@rbrwr]

This is a lot of excitement for a class 800 - I can see two or three of them down at Temple Meads any time. Are the seats more comfortable than on the GWR ones?

[@doomotron6160]

Yes.

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

It's a smart looking beast, isn't it. Another fabulous video.

[@mattwashere2700]

What is about these videos?!? I simply don’t understand how I’d explain to anyone how compelling they are. Great job, great videos. Thank you.

[@xeniabrunel4552]

The fist of quality on a train tells you how well built the train is :)

[@jbourton2279]

So true about the elbow test.

[@wm_jaida]

The Bits Where You Put Your Elbow Is Also Great For Leaning Your Phone On The Window When Recording!

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Looks much better than the Acela here in the US. I wish we had trains that cool

[@CoffeeOnRails]

Have you seen the new "Liberty" class being built by Bombardier? Also I've been on the Class 800 (the GWR variant) and I actually don't really like them. I prefer the older HST's because (imo) they are more comfortable as passengers are separate from the power, hence making a quieter and less vibrating ride when they power up the diesel.

[@erik_griswold]

Zach Ashton The new Acela trains are 100% Alstom

[@Flushing2Fishtown]

Sure it's shiny and new but even the first class seats on this train look less comfortable than amtrak coach seats.

[@breeze1472]

At last,looks cool and cheerfull enjoy them everyone and well presented All the stations...again!

[@SignalBox]

Geoff is becoming a proper presenter, they're making him do fake work now...

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

That’s excellent entrance by the azuma train

[@jimlangley840]

Another great video, I wish we had the same type of service in the States. If I were Sec. of Transportation, we would ! ! !

[@Ztbmrc1]

Nice train. I have already driven it myself as a traindriver in TS2019, some time ago. On the London Kings Cross to Peterbourough route. And I think I will ride it in real some time in the near future. As a passenger...

[@peabody1976]

Pete Waterman!! OMG!

[@paullangford8179]

I thought this was going to be a documentary. Instead all I got was a procession of selfies.

[@vinniesuperstar8923]

What was in the goody bag?

[@tonymiles3303]

Goody bag contained an Azuma key fob. badge, notebook, pen, and phone charging power bank (all with Azuma on). Most useful so far has been the canvas bag - which I've taken shopping several times :-)

[@lauramorrison3473]

I LOVE LNERS EVEN THE HSTS LNERS ASWELL LNERS IS MY FAVOURITE TRAINS

[@SolarRailway]

Shame you don’t get the fist of quality in live action in the magazine

[@guy_called_Odin]

@All The Stations: I got to step into the cab on this very trainset during my visit to York back in April. They were running training trips to let the drivers to get used to the Azuma. I believe the man who let me in the cab for a quick look around and a photo was named Peter Russel of LNER, so shoutout to him and thanks to you all for producing terrific content!

[@michaelford1124]

hear that GWR? a BUFFET!

[@agent_605]

The DfT seemed to allow Virgin (at the time) to spec a buffet on their units if they desired yet didn’t allow GWR to do so, so not strictly GWR’s fault

[@grahamhp]

You Two are just Ace well done.

[@317Dan]

I know the guy on the right at 4:55! He's called Shaun and works at York :D

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

It looks very nice Geoff & Vicky...!!! 🚄😀🔝👍

[@scott-mercer]

Train service in the US is appalling. Count your blessings Brits.

[@lecapahcni1691]

The Class 802 would be the perfect replacement for shorter corridor routes as they are bi-mode for future electrification.

[@EastMidlandsTrainspotting]

Thanks Vicky I love in the East Midlands and I like the bright East Midlands Trains Livery On the outside and I love the moquet

[@carosaphira]

"The fist of quality" 😂 that left me laughing for minutes😂

[@Alfie-cu4np]

Yes. They may be new and more efficient, but you can’t beat the good old Intercity 125 HST. Can’t beat good old British Engineering at it’s finest. Or the Intercity 225 for that matter, which isn’t 30 years old yet.

[@tsu8003]

I bet old farts said the exact same thing about the A4 Pacifics when the HSTs were rolled out!

[@agent_605]

The IC225 have been in service for 30 years this year, and they still have some life left with GNWR and TfW

[@melissavredline1264]

The interior reminded me of the Narita Express in Tokyo when I was there in 2014. When I looked up both trains they look totally different... Fast trains in Australia are totally non existent. A fast train is a modern train on a track that was built for steam locomotives. That's why I loved the Shinkansen in Japan, together with the Narita Express of course.

[@nathanw9770]

3:03 Its the azuma first day in service and someones already punching up the train?! Someone discipline this man! *Modern problems require modern solutions*

[@ひろぽん-c9x]

A message from Japan Ok cut the camera off. Now someone please slap his head!

[@AussieGunzel]

It took its sweet time to enter service

[@MTrains]

Excellent Video as always Geoff and Vicki.

[@Nick-kz6dg]

Smoke to introduce the train. I'd like to see something a bit more modern, maybe a few Tesla coils? 😅

[@vanessaruiz4705]

yeah but if the network rail only allows 125mph anyway... i guess they wouldnt want to spend too much money on unnecessarily modern and fast trains. but i get your point.

[@Flushing2Fishtown]

I just lean my head directly against the window and fall asleep even on the New York Subway which definitely shakes a lot more than an Azuma train.

[@ThermoMan]

Geoff. You are so right about having a buffet. On GWR the same trains don’t have a buffet. Often takes hours for the trolley to appear

[@mustapha_transport]

Last Saturday we went to London Euston

[@AndrewRush1965]

Every time that someone says "Azuma" I wonder if they will recycle a mobile phone on board...

[@SBCBears]

10:37 The colors complement and compliment Vicki.

[@lhj592]

Still think the old style HSTs are way better

[@ludwigtails]

FPL Legend I know right??

[@garethandalisonjones3715]

I've heard that East Midlands Railway and Avanti West coast are getting I think EMR are getting 803s and AWC are getting 805s and 807s

[@timhancock6626]

The new train pulled in next to an Intercity 125 which was designed and built in the UK by British Rail Engineering and has been the finest long serving reliable locomotive we have ever had in the United Kingdom. So what happened, and why are we importing trains from Japan when we had the expertise and workmanship to do it all ourselves ?

[@timhancock6626]

@@Bungle2010 They are imported. There is no bodywork construction done in the UK. They come from Japan as completed shells and the interiors are finished here at Newton Aycliffe. They like you to think they are a British product for political reasons.

[@timhancock6626]

@@Bungle2010 They are 'assembled' in the UK, but its not a British design and as I said before all the carriages are made in Japan in the Hitachi plant at Kasado. Sorry, but we are just have a sub assembly function and not a design and build. Big come down from the HS125 and the APT we gave away far too soon and eagerly.

[@timhancock6626]

@@Bungle2010 So you are saying the carriages are constructed here as Wikipedia does not agree with you. What is your source ?en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_800

[@timhancock6626]

@@Bungle2010 Is stuff from Europe not imported as well ?

[@LAMBORGHINIsince1962]

3:03~3:20 Quality?? No need to confirm. Because she is “Japanese” that’s all.

[@josephharrison8354]

She was built in the UK, though, so you can never be too careful.

[@kdean9537]

Loved the video...your videos are always wonderful and well done!

[@milkandduckrailway323]

Put Gordon Ramsay on the buffet xD

[@garymorgan75]

Really nice looking train

[@radiogoodguy6287]

I want to remodel my kitchen to look like this one! 😁 This a beautiful train. Love the cockpit of the engine.🚅🚄

[@TheCatBilbo]

Hand-made by Newton Aycliffe's finest! Mostly...