Avanti West Coast’s NEWLY REFURBISHED Class 390 Pendolino Review - Intercity Train Travel Redefined?

[@pnwlion9337]

The refurbishment looks great, I just find Avanti's fares consistently high when measured against the Virgin product and the fare structure. We take Chiltern often now as a viable economical alternative, slower of course but the prices are doable.

[@00hl4l4]

I think all of the long-distance 'mainline' operators prices have increased over the last few years. LNER and GWR have gone up a lot too, so not sure if it's the franchise train or just longer-distance faster rail fares in general.

[@pnwlion9337]

@@00hl4l4 indeed but Avanti splitting their fares with Standard Premium basically the same price as Virgin Trains first class and Avanti’s actual first class so expensive they’ve alienated that class away from most leisure travellers I find their strategy really poor.

[@OMtheRails]

100% agree - I do have a video planned on this exact subject, as for the price you pay and the small time difference Chiltern is a better VFM option than Avanti in some cases.

[@donaloherlihy203]

Couldn’t agree more. From Glasgow, although it’s half an hour longer and requires a change in Edinburgh, LNER is consistently cheaper. I can’t understand Avanti’s pricing strategy.

[@pnwlion9337]

@@donaloherlihy203 I hear ya mate. Indeed LNER still has affordable 1st class as well.

[@andrewhowe555]

Really stylish Channel, and great review on the Avanti refurbished 390’s. Looking forward to travelling on one. Keep up the great work 🚂😊🙏

[@OMtheRails]

Thank you so much! 😁

[@YellowDragonPlays]

Think I've found a new favourite channel for UK travel vlogs.

[@downonthestour]

They've done a great job with the refurb can't wait for the rest of the fleet to be done. Good video of the Iphone charging ;)

[@OMtheRails]

Cheers DOTS! I wonder why that was your favourite part 😉🤣

[@Moshimulations]

I really like how your camera is like that, it gives the video a retro vibe. It really works well on these style of videos.

[@OMtheRails]

Much appreciated, thank you for the feedback! 😁

[@470danadidas]

Love your videos. Well informed and narrated. Avanti have done a superb job with the upgrade. As Avanti West Coast is partly owned by Trenitalia it'd be great if you did reviews of their Freccie High speed trains.

[@OMtheRails]

Thank you! And yes - it turned out a lot better than expected in all honesty, though there’s still room for improvement in some areas (i.e the luggage space usage)

[@tenny_tenten]

Recently, Trenitalia announced that the Frecciagento services will be merged into the primary Frecciarossa brand

[@470danadidas]

@@tenny_tenten that would explain the former Fyra Frecciargento train now sporting the Frecciarossa livery. Looks better for it too.

[@BritishRail60062]

I like the new interior. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work my friend.

[@EuroDC1990]

Looks really good, lots of attention given to the things that needed it but not much given to the the bits that were already okay. The only things I'd have liked to see that wasn't there is the lights in the seat backs in standard class which are present on Limo and would have been a nice addition here and an improved standard class seating layout, looks like the layout is largely the same as before (as you mentioned with some luggage racks getting excellent views and some seats getting none)

[@OMtheRails]

The luggage rack space usage was a big let down with this refurbishment - I was actually expecting the foldable tables to include those having travelled with Lumo during their inaugural week, but appeared not to be the case sadly.

[@transportmanchester3299]

I really enjoyed this video, really good and well made. Those First Class/Std premium seats seemed really comfy however what really annoys me is the plastically/non fabric seat covers many operators seem to use these days, for example what we saw in standard.

[@OMtheRails]

Thank you! And yes I agree - was definitely a lot better than the Fainsa Sophia seats used on the IETs though!

[@simpilotadamt1012]

@@OMtheRails agreed on the IET seats... best seats I've seen on a train has got to be the standard class seats (I've never been able to travel in first class) on First Great Western (now GWR ofc)'s HST's. Used to take them all the time out of Paddington.

[@paulmutyaba7332]

All I have are memories, I travelled with this train from Coventry to London; service is superb

[@frizky._]

i'm portuguese and hell yeah that is amazing. wow

[@trainlagged]

I'm disappointed they picked this seat design for standard class, but the legroom totally makes up for it. But the train looks very neat regardless. Excellent video! (we still need to do a trip together one of these days...)

[@OMtheRails]

Cheers mate! And definitely - hopefully over the Summer at some point 😁

[@katashworth41]

My partner and I go to London often on the West Coast Main Line and have taken to getting Avanti to Crewe and changing to London Northwestern. It takes longer but is cheaper and far more reliable.

[@DNWARR1]

Same old pendolino just new seats and carpets after all the bodywork etc is 20 years old

[@OMtheRails]

The refurb was much needed though - makes it feel like a brand new train.

[@DNWARR1]

@@OMtheRails how long do you think they will continue to run them. I was on the second pendolino from London to Manchester way back and recall the problems with the toilets overflowing and during the hot summer there was water (condensation) running onto the passengers from out of the carriage ceilings, plus the air con not working and the passengers were like turkeys in an oven being cooked for Christmas Day

[@syedia]

nice review but 7:45 i miss the lights though 😭

[@siddharthkhivsara4649]

Detailed and good content

[@jameslamb4573]

Took the EUS to Man, and return, Avanti service in the second week of April. Having done the same trip, some years ago, when it was Virgin operated, I was very disappointed with the level of service. They wouldn't let me in to the EUS firs class lounge until an hour before departure. I didn't see any such restriction when I booked the ticket, I have no doubt it's on the Avanti website somewhere it just wasn't obvious. That's fine for local passengers who know but I'd travelled on the non-stop flight from Australia and tubed it to Kings Cross before going to Euston. To say I was shagged after the flight would be an understatement. There are other factors involved but they don't need to be discussed here. All I wanted was to sit down in peace and quiet to start recovering. When they finally let me in I discovered they'd removed the self-serve, an attendant had to serve you. Job creation or stopping people from over-indulging? On the train they ran out of beer, the food was worse than airline food in the 70s and the service less than stellar. What happened to the set table, the cloth napkins and the prompt service? Coming back was no better and to compound the issue the Avanti First Class Lounge was closed, I did see, what appeared to be, Avanti staff entering and leaving but it didn't open while I was there. Let's hope Avanti has upgraded more than the decor of the carriages.

[@manomaylr]

9:25 I’ve heard this rule will be relaxed when Avanti’s Hitachi trains come in, they won’t tilt but they will be able to reach 125.

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

just what I needed. thank you

[@MPal24]

Do the toilets still reek to high heaven though?

[@bjornlillpers498]

I'm personally not a fan of the white, shiny plastic, I really think they should have covered it with some sort of fabric or other softer material, at least up to the windows. But I can imagine it's easier to keep it clean this way. Other than that, it looks like a really nice upgrade.

[@barrieshepherd7694]

Yes yearning for the MK 3 , MK 4 carpeted walls 😂

[@josephhughes1498]

Great video! But the USB sockets are type A not type C I think?

[@OMtheRails]

Thank you! And yes it’s type A… made a bit of a mistake there! 😂

[@BestC30]

Class 390 is one of my favorite High Speed Train.

[@houseyUK]

I have travelled on the Stafford/Lichfield to Euston route for close to 20 years, most of that First Class. Forgive my ignorance on models, but when Virgin went to the Pendolino it was a big step up on the older style trains, smoother and quicker journey. The lounge at Euston was decent, though annoyingly (sorry first world issue) they never seemed to use the 'proper' coffee machine for anything more than a towel shelf. However, since moving to Avanti the service seems to have become worse. The trains are the same trains, I believe with the same staff with some new decals (pre refurbishment which looks decent here) but the delays and cancelled trains are tiresome. Long day in the city to get to a packed Euston and packed train due to previous cancellations is becoming more common, usually down to not enough staff. I know this is a network wide issue but when you are paying OVER £200 return it is unacceptable. I think the new Premium Economy is good however. The key benefit for me of First was never the (very meh) at seat service, it was the extra space and general decorum of the carriage. No chi chi chi chi from headphones (most of the time), much more space and generally just a far nicer trip without the need to rush to get a seat. I am lucky that I don't have to pay for the trips myself but wait for this.....an annual ticket for Economy for this route is......wait for it......£12K and first class £20K

[@matthewsmatters]

Braille aids people with reduced vision. Reduced vision does not reduce one’s mobility.

[@sazwell]

What is that app you used at 9:26?? Thanks!

[@Rail_Focus]

They certainly look a lot brighter and less cramped.

[@PootisHasBeenEngaged]

I was travelling on the refurbished trains back from Liverpool but the air conditioning was broken which made it one of the worst journeys I have ever had because of the recent heatwave. Thankfully we were all handed water but it’s a bit crap that the systems on the refurbished trains are breaking already. Seems like an oversight but the Wi-Fi seems alright now.

[@TheRagingWookie]

Great video! What was the Speedo app you where using?

[@OMtheRails]

Thank you! The app’s called Speedmeter 😁

[@cardiffcanton254]

Very nice review and love the refurbishment. What is the app you use when talking about the speed of the train at 09:23? thanks

[@OMtheRails]

Many thanks for the kind words - the app is called Speedmeter. Not sure whether it’s available on the Google Play store but is available on the AppStore 👍

[@danielstripreports]

Lucky! I tried to go today, but wasn't serving out ofEuston. Hopefully tomorrow tho!

[@devon896]

My only issue with the water refill point is in hot weather what is to stop people depleting all the potable water on the train and then the toilets or buffet services can't work.

[@barrieshepherd7694]

Don't think the water on the top up will be from the supply in the toilets - which is usually marked 'Not for Drinking' (or similar) - it will be a seperate tank/supply and will probably have an inline UV steriliser.

[@devon896]

@@barrieshepherd7694 Same point still applies though.

[@barrieshepherd7694]

@@devon896 I'd be very surprised if there is a connection to the water supply in the toilets so that's a non issue. Water for the top up may be shared with the buffet so maybe hot drinks won't be possible - but if it's that hot that people have drunk all the water it's unlikely they will want a hot drink anyway 😂😂😂😂😂😂 (sorry could not resist that /s comment)

[@lucascraxford-kearley3358]

important to mention some northern services have the display screens now

[@afrodoodable]

How did you know which train was yours before then announced it at Euston?

[@Westlondontransportguy7045]

Are the tables with the charging not available in standard

[@cliveomahoney4096]

I does seem a little extradordinary that they would spend fortunes on upgrading the trains and 0 on wi-fi provision. Why have recharging points all over? It can't be that hard to provide decent wi-fi on a train.

[@eurostare300tmst5]

I mean the charging points were a must which ever way you look at it

[@nickyoutube6094]

Nice video, is coach A still the quiet coach?

[@Paradice4Life]

First class could have been alot better when the standard premium carriage is exactly the same.

[@afinecity1830]

Indeed. Given the mediocre food service why would anyone pay 1st Class?

[@Paradice4Life]

@@afinecity1830 Exactly unless you travel in the morning for Breakfast. Rest of day offerings seem inadequate

[@OMtheRails]

That’s the point of standard premium though - it’s first class without the free meals and the at seat service. It’s the same concept as the Business Zone provided on Chiltern’s Silver Sets. I have to agree though, Avanti’s first class is not worth the money…

[@dazlebluefrogify]

another nice video mate ,,very informative , soon later this year i hope to be doing the London/ Manchester train , a question though as i've been away from manchester for over 30 years what is the best way to book a train journey from a european country ?(france for me) buy a railcard on line and book through the trainline site or like a europe rail pass ?i might go up to scotland as well

[@stevenmoran4060]

Compared to a BR Mark 3 coach, those seats are hard and uncomfortable!

[@10reubenl]

Looks great! How did you find out when that train would be? Also, why is the video cropped?

[@OMtheRails]

Thanks for the feedback! I used Real Time Trains which shows the units operating the diagrams for Avanti’s services - fortunately it was on the same one until Thursday that week so that made it easier! The cropped videos are to do with camera/editing software settings, will be sorted for any new recordings although old recordings from say April 2022 backwards will likely be in the old style 👍

[@thisis_mudchute]

you can search a specific unit, headcode or station in rtt's 'quick search' to track down a train or find services at a station

[@grangetowncardiff6935]

This is a fascinating video. Excellent. Will subscribe to your channel! But do you know, are the seats in 1st and standard the same (notwithstanding refurb) the same configuration as Virgin? ie are they the same posture-wise or are they the "ironing boards" which seem to be infesting new designs? Thanks for the vid. Loved it.

[@OMtheRails]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video. I think the layout in first/standard premium is still the same as the seats have the same frames just with different seat backs.

[@tenny_tenten]

i think the Wi-Fi on the pendolinos are under maintenance or something idk since they signed a contract with BT or something idk

[@OMtheRails]

Ah interesting, wasn’t aware of this! Thanks 👍

[@barrieshepherd7694]

​@@OMtheRails I had a similar problem with GWR Wi-Fi - their Tech Support admitted that there are problems with the 'Landing Page' where you sign in.

[@MattF340]

Do the toilets still stink?

[@OMtheRails]

Can confirm this is no longer the case 😂

[@barrieshepherd7694]

@@OMtheRails Finally !

[@thes4uce]

The first class seats are exactly the same!! You can tell by the hard seat back, armrest and the chunky grab handle. Only carpet, table has been changed, and throw on a new headrest. I thought they were introducing new seats? Not a patch on LNER First Class.

[@barrieshepherd7694]

Were there any upgrades done to the running gear? Was the ride quality noticeably better?

[@chrisosborn8297]

No, refurbishment scope is interior only.

[@thomasfy4]

I was always told never to drink the water on trains - as it’s not good quality, I assume this tap will be filtered.

[@TheMIB]

Why are all your videos in the old 4:3 format? Doesn’t really make for a nice viewing experience on larger screens with the usual 16:9 aspect ratio. Content’s ok though!

[@OMtheRails]

Hey, thanks for the feedback. It’s to do with my camera (iPhone 11) and video software settings - all new recordings will be 16:9 going forward, although some of the old stuff recorded (i.e. pre-April 2022 backwards) will likely be in the 4:3 format, but will be something I’ll look into 😁👍

[@ArchsStanton]

*Sooner or later a UK version of SNCF or DB or RFI WILL happen simply for the reason that the "franchise" ran its course and no investors wanted to "re-enlist" and thus the "concession" which will run into the same situation and thus is doomed for the same end......*

[@funnygallie7863]

I really want to go on this train

[@joshbarrett928]

Never been on an Avanti West coast class 390 before

[@mustapha_transport]

390 125 is the first pendolino I’ve seen

[@OneEternalAsh]

Avanti West Coast has to keep those pendolino trains at all costs. These trains still have to ability to tilt while still going at high-speed.

[@jerwinagravatvvlog8734]

wow so beautiful place stay support

[@geoffbrookes4594]

Bit better, but, you can still be sat by a block of plastic that is referred to as a window seat. Awful b…… trains overall, doesn’t matter, they run so few , people are surprised if they actually turn up. Prefer the 153s. 🚂🚴‍♂️👣🇺🇦

[@afinecity1830]

Seems rather a partial refurb. Same blue lightning at luggage areas, same reading lights, window blinds, inner connecting doors... cut some corners here.

[@jacobporrett]

Great review mate. Looking forward to travelling on it myself in the future. Does the table charge used by any phone or do you have to download an app to use it?

[@il_dalla]

Only some mobile phones are fitted with wireless charging. Usually yhe flagship ones

[@jacobporrett]

@@il_dalla Ah right ok

[@cliveomahoney4096]

The Stockport 'pyramid' has to be one of the most loathed srturctures in the north of England. It is ghastly and inexcusable visual pollution.

[@class56trainsrock62]

5:49

[@ServiusTheBear]

If there is nothing wrong with the toilets then there is no need to change them. Only the colouring if they want to do that. No point fixing something if it is not broken.

[@Lee_303]

Awful, awful company, typical of First to spend all their money on liveries, forget that they need staff, then reduce the timetable to nothing. Exactly like their bus company. Truly bizarre company that doesn't want the job?

[@benjyross4626]

8:18 only airpods pro support this

[@Sarahbryson321]

Ooh

[@Paul_Harper]

I’m sure they look wonderful parked 24 hours a day in some siding somewhere instead of carrying passengers…

[@Anarchik654]

Whatever u do dont eat the burgers from the shop on avanti trains

[@jimdee9801]

Yeah the sandwiches are sooooo expensive

[@eviesmith4495]

New

[@marilynscott2662]

Don't like the blue "mood" lighting

[@derisleybrittain]

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹💖💖💖💖💖

[@pawelpastuszak6646]

If Pendolino if skip the station you failed

[@ferrarishrimper]

Really useful video. Made me want to go on a train up to Manchester