FIRST CLASS on Britain's High Speed Train - The AZUMA

[@uppity1]

I'm getting all sorts of ideas of where I want to travel after the pandemic.

[@seamusmckeon9109]

You’re going to have LOTS of time to decide :’)

[@fairyhanny]

Looks like you've got yourself another year to decide...

[@uppity1]

@@seamusmckeon9109 Sadly, that does seem to be the case.

[@ronald5629]

@@fairyhanny I don't think it will ever be over they're using this, now it's monkeypox (ノ｀Д´)ノ彡┻━┻(┛◉Д◉)┛彡┻━┻

[@tytn9978]

i commend you for your choice of criteria at the end, when you offer your summation of the ride-experience. In some "rail reviews" I think the reviewer is asking for the impossible; you've evaluated the trip based on its reality ... an inter-city commuter train that doesn't require being noticed. Well done!

[@bishwatntl]

I like the idea of it being seen as an inter-city commuter train - frequent, fast and efficient. In the UK, there are many who compare the LNER Azuma and its exact equivalent on GWR with the older High Speed Train that used to run on those routes - and the new train gets marked down for ride comfort and seat comfort. Some train companies have recognised this and are specifying better seats on later batches from Hitachi, but we may have to live with the ride characteristics of the bogies for a long time to come.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I'm lucky enough to drive high speed trains in the UK. I LOVE my job.....

[@DownieLive]

What?!! Can I come ride with you one day?!!

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

@@DownieLive Once this virus has been kicked into touch? Why not.....

[@mikeyfff]

I'm a guard, on High-speed trains! They are really quiet in my part of the world at the moment (Bristol) But hopefully, it'll be back to normal in a couple of months

[@matthewbratton1478]

Wow! Will a railway in the UK hire an American?

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

@@matthewbratton1478 I imagine so. There are people from almost every other nationality on the railways of the UK so why not an American, our closest cousins..

[@runner1984]

As a journalist working overseas, I was one of the few lucky ones to board the maglev between Tokyo and Nagoya. It's quiet and stable, and when I closed my eyes, I really could forget that I was moving at 500km per hour.

[@tobeytransport2802]

If you go to St Pancras they have a high speed train that runs on a line with a MUCH higher speed limit. You can get the train to Ashford in like 20-30 minutes, a journey which if you take on the slow line takes like 2 hours!

[@orange1522]

I used to live in Leeds for university and had to take this same journey for like 3 years, seems like a massive difference from the old trains they used to use! I hope you enjoyed your stay in the UK and I hope you looked around Leeds it’s a great city!

[@miketackabery7521]

Gosh Mike I love your videos! So energetic and personable. No pointless narration... and great vocal modulation. Fine camera work and terrific editing. You're a joy to watch AND to listen to! Thank you so much!

[@honee2short200]

Yess I wish they would bring high speed rail to the USA, I would still use Amtrak. It’s just some times I want to get somewhere quick, because I won’t have a lot of time in some cases. 🥰🥰

[@SeanGettingsActorComedian]

Thanks for sharing. This morning my partners asks "is there a new DownieLive" ? We love the trains and have been a big advocate for bringing high speed rail to the United States. Actually just medium speed would be better then what we have now. We are lucky to live in Oregon and take Amtrak up to Seattle from Eugene, Oregon. Stay safe and we look forward to the next video. Great job on the channel. Cheers.

[@lukethomas658]

Channels like yours are so helpful right now. I can't travel myself, but I can vicariously enjoy your previous adventures. Stay healthy!

[@namasivayamm9234]

Beautiful train travel video thanks.

[@mariearmstrong7718]

Hope you are back on the road! Thanks for great videos!

[@JasonFiddler]

I'm so pleased to have encountered your channel, as I too love train journeys. Your style and presentation are a joy to watch, so thank you, truly, for that. I hope that when things return to a semblance of normalcy, you might consider visiting us here in South Africa, so I can - in my capacity as a South African travel industry planner and writer - show you some of the highs and lows of our train offerings, including Rovos Rail, arguably the most luxurious train in the world...

[@stephenflanigan4778]

Keep the videos your making up I love watching them

[@sandyhagen9155]

Thanks for finishing off your UK journey. Stay safe back home in Canada. I’m catching up on your earlier work from before I subscribed. Take care. 😊👍🏻

[@susancooper7314]

You make learning about the high speed trains so very enjoyable. I love the trains in the U.K. , I hope they will soon be available in the US, I live in Northern Virginia Amtrak is with in walking distance. Safe travels to you and may God Bless

[@DownieLive]

I hope so too!

[@kabiam]

I was a big travel buff in The 80's eurail pass rocked with their extendable forgeable tickets and a free for traveler check scam adventures. Smoking hash and drinking wine on the party express from Spain to France.

[@AntarikAnwesan]

Hey Mike, your videos came in my recommendation this week and I love your train journeys. I am a train enthusiast and a vlogger myself and can so relate to your excitement on these journeys. We are all stuck at home now for some time, but I do look forward to your videos. Stay safe. Love from India :)

[@tomclough705]

Hope you get to come back to Yorkshire soon, So many great train routes and even steam train lines and special train day trips. Even living near Leeds i still enjoy train trips around the country.

[@RoadCone411]

A tour of King’s Cross without mentioning Harry Potter…well done, Michael! Not sure what a Downie is but I enjoy your down to earth travel videos - makes me feel like I am coming along for the ride. Cheers from Connecticut!

[@michaelfalconer5089]

I just wanted to let you know how comforting it is to watch your videos. It reminded me how much I loved train travel and trains, period. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@michaelfalconer5089]

Nothing suspicious it hadn't posited yet and I decided to make a general comment. I still at this point haven't seen this video. I normally stay away from posting on social media and this is reason why. You need to go find something else to do!

[@lynhaney111]

It's 2024. No more lockdown, although I discovered you during lockdown. I really enjoy your content. Some of my favorites were about Vancouver. Currently, I'm catching up on videos I missed. At the end of this video you ask us to stick with you. We Did!!

[@DownieLive]

Thanks so much, I appreciate it and will continue to bring you more entertainment :)

[@GrotrianSeiler]

You really have a great channel Mike, and that fare seemed a really good value. Thanks for using the term physical distancing, it’s so much more accurate. This is no time to tune out. With all the footage you have, maybe you could do a montage video of all the trains you’ve ridden, with a little commentary. Could be fun.

[@benjaminjakob1906]

Thank you for this great video of a train lover! If you're enthusiastic about high speed rail I'll be glad to welcome you to Germany and France to experience real high speed services in ICE 🇩🇪and TGV 🇫🇷. All my best wishes to 🇨🇦, hope we'll be able to visit Vancouver in summer again .

[@maxTravelsRailways]

You will be delighted to know that LNER has 'upgraded' its 1st Class food & drink service in Covid times. Now you get a bottle of water, a pack of crisps and a pack of shortbread. Everything else is available, you only need to pay extra for it. This is the new 1st Class. LNER. 2020.

[@embott1]

This is so cool. Thanks for the tour. Fast trains are nice. But I so love the pitter-patter of the tracks at 50 mph.

[@Kj_Gamer2614]

used this to visit my sister who's in durham university not long ago. 3 and half hours to get there from kings X, and such a nice ride, even in economy or normal class i guess

[@steveellis9065]

If you want the most scenic route in the uk it is the Great Western line from London Paddington to Penzance.

[@KempSimon]

Edinburgh to Aberdeen via the Forth Bridge and the Tay Bridge is not without its attractions!

[@travisandrews5207]

Just signed the petition! Thank you for the great videos. Makes me want to travel more...when we can.

[@DownieLive]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@mcrachelgrace9568]

A fun video from a sweet guy supporting a great cause.

[@gsimonin1]

I enjoy your videos because of your kind and welcoming personality. Looking forward to whatever you have next.

[@DownieLive]

Thank you so much!

[@randomgirl2173]

So glad I subscribed after watching just one video (a rare thing for me) this channel is comforting to watch. Thank you for making these videos

[@DownieLive]

Wow, thank you!

[@ClaretBlueTrainspotter]

The 'Old LNER' livery is actually that of the previous company Virgin Trains East Coast.

[@xaiano794]

So is the new azuma livery - it was virgin east coast too.

[@raymcnelly9456]

Great video and I’m hooked on your channel and your making me think about my future travels.

[@DownieLive]

Awesome! Thank you! Enjoy, Ray!

[@srinath6247]

5:46 Can you really believe how fast that thing is!!?😳

[@anneholden9908]

I just found your channel a couple of days ago and I love it!❤

[@604kev]

Your videos are the best quarantine material. Take care dude, hope you're well.

[@markhansolo8636]

Leeds is my home town.

[@suechun8871]

Hitachi train...a sure bet....you make your trips fun and informative.

[@DavidChow]

I take that Hitachi GWR train from London to Wales all the time. The downside, unlike the good ol' days, is you can't walk from end-to-end of the train because they normally link two or three, five carriages and train configs together. Which makes it a pain if you're running late and you need to get to either a) designated seat or b) the quiet carriage and it's at the front or mid-way of the train and you get on at the tail.

[@ardenmiller8591]

Half of an adventure is better than no adventure ! Looking forward to when you can do another one . Your ending was right on be safe be apart but stay connected.

[@PackaWalka]

Funny thing is "Ajumma" is the word when you call a married old woman without politeness in KOREA. :) BUT it looks definitely opposite, the train looks cool and fast. thanks for the great video! It's always pleasure to see the high speed train.

[@ankicat3425]

I live in Suffolk in the UK, however I'll definitely take the train when travelling around the country and to Scotland and Wales with my kids, my youngest loves trains

[@ZachValentini]

Love a good ol connolly shot 😭😭

[@AlphaLoveFree]

Thank you so much - I love all your videos!

[@west_nebraska_dude4527]

Amazing video … thanks so much for sharing your travels. Stay Safe!

[@twizzlerox]

Taking Amtrak from Miami to Portland in August via the zephyr. Love your videos

[@traintimes2294]

I have been from London to Leeds

[@BritishEmpire464]

I never been on the Azuma but I been on the old LNER train

[@Clutching.My.Pearls]

WOW, I just found your channel and love it! I am now going to binge like crazy on all your past videos. We love to travel and I have always browsed travel videos for ideas and advice. We are a couple who enjoy train travel so these last few videos only make us long to travel again. We are staying inside and safe but once all is well with the world we'll be back out there traveling. THANK YOU for these wonderful fun videos, they are making the time inside less boring.

[@DownieLive]

Awesome! Thank you! I'm glad you enjoy the trains and travel, and I hope we can all get back out and explore again soon.

[@JonHernandezJon]

I recently subscribed and started watching your videos. Have to tell you I love them! I love to travel. Your videos are an escape from all that’s going on. Thank you for this channel.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Canadian Cuties is a phenomenal concept. Thank you!

[@williamjones7163]

Yes we needed that isolation 2 years ago. This is July 4, 2022. Just announced by the CDC. Arizona has just evaluated 9 out the 12 countries as having high infection levels and that face masks are recommended for interior spaces. Wèeerrrrree back.

[@thomasrobinson8336]

Great Ending. Stay together Star apart.Yep says it all

[@silasdense4725]

Great video. Thank you. I hope these travel restrictions ease up for you.

[@DownieLive]

I hope so too

[@subhambasu8567]

You could do a London to Paris train ride on the EuroStar. Would love to see you do that. ✨❤️

[@alexmalaspino4450]

That was great! Can’t wait to see more

[@alenameyer9330]

Keep up the grate job! I have been binge watching all your videos and love each and every one! You are a fun host with great insight. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Alena!

[@kokoken1]

It's a tough time for travel vlogers. But stay safe, because the end will come, and you'll be back out not knowing where you're going, but you know you want us to be there with you. Godspeed, Mike and Nicole.

[@videoluvr2]

Stay safe and well!

[@CheshireTrainspotter]

2:30 old one is better any day of the week

[@paulinehooper7938]

Just found you, loving it all, nice seeing travelling in my area,Scotland, xxx

[@gabriellehayes6113]

So cool!

[@terrygaar8466]

Very nice. Loved Scotland too!

[@michaelmclain7049]

I really like your videos thanks for the smiles

[@DownieLive]

Aw you’re welcome, Michael. Thanks for the nice comment!

[@rd3ster]

He is a handsome blue-eyed boy, and his sweet enthusiasm communicates.

[@IFLY7871]

Got that right

[@RedaSerraj-gy7kn]

DES IS SO COOOOOOOOOOOOOL😵‍💫🤯🤯🤯🙀🙀🙀🙀🙀

[@DanielleMuntain]

This looks like such a fun trip!

[@stevedonoghue2194]

Really good watching 😊

[@christopherleonard247]

Azuma was a chain of shops that sold East Asian household items in the New York City area.

[@chriswilliams6568]

Thanks to a fellow Vancouverite. (we are actually in Richmond) . I was born in the UK and i did not know about that train. Not that fast really, as regular trains in Europe and UK go 109 mph. But great for commuters. Good luck during Covid, stay safe.

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Rob-on5tz]

I travel on this train every ten days to commute from London and the East Midlands area. Fast, reliable, clean and always vacancies to book a seat early to get discounts on.

[@alexanderwall5552]

i love how he called the Azuma an upgrade to the 225

[@missme4752]

I like intercities too Will you take the Milano-Venice intercity ? I love that! Enjoy the Good weather 👍🌻🌺🌻

[@annemarsden2323]

Great video you passed by where I live in South Yorkshire and I have worked on that line many time doing research on passenger travel it’s a fair old line 🚂

[@DownieLive]

Thanks for sharing

[@jermsp]

Ayyyy a fellow vancouverite. Dig the channel man, great fodder for cozy feeling pre-sleep vibes. Can't wait to see more when the world restarts my dude. 🤙🏼

[@DownieLive]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@mrlume9475]

Just catching up on your vids. I'm surprised there's no High speed trains in the U.S..

[@kjuarez29]

I really like your channel man. Keep up the good work. Would love to see any videos you post about developments in the US on High Speed Rail (where we are sorely lagging). :)

[@trixxtreatz]

We need high speed rail here in Canada! I live in Edmonton and my grandma is living with dementia in Chilliwack. Driving once a month is totally lame.

[@LoganKT]

It’s top speed is 140 but the max rail limit for the East Coast Mainline is actually 125

[@jp0924]

GREAT VID

[@kellyplumb7024]

Hi just enjoy these videos I'm glad I found them keep it up because I just love train travel and I've only been on one train in my life from Kansas to Flagstaff what a great trip it was now I want to go everywhere by train the only way I can do it is through KZbin videos right now so thank you!

[@DownieLive]

Glad you like them!

[@rafaelparra5709]

Greetings from Panama🇵🇦👋🏻😊🙂. Please be safe 😷 I enjoy a lot your videos hopefully this ugly situation world wide will end soon🙏🏻

[@m155chr15]

Behind the scenes technical question about rail travel: How do they keep the tracks safe, i.e., monitoring obstructions, damages, etc., both deliberate and accidental?

[@aidengillag]

Network Rail are the national operator of looking after the railways and its infrastructure in the UK.

[@Satters]

That’s what the signalling system is for

[@kenshores9900]

Mike: Good video of your last train adventure. You bring a unique view to travel. This mess will soon be behind us.

[@kenshores9900]

Because of you I would like to visit Vancouver and take the trans Canadian train to see the Canadian Rockies.

[@WaiferThyme]

Did anyone else notice the insane ladder at 5:25 ?! how the frack do you climb it!

[@rory_russell]

Great video man. I finally got to ride the Azuma just last week. It was definitely better than the old train lol.

[@DownieLive]

Nice!!

[@HurlingSkill]

Not even 10 seconds into the video and he says that Ireland is part of the uk...

[@chriswilliams6568]

He meant Northern Ireland, which is part of UK, but yes he should have made the distinction

[@edmondse]

@@chriswilliams6568 he was showing images of the republic at the time.

[@toheebadeshina2740]

How much is first class

[@seanwebb605]

I’m a Canadian with a mix of English, Scottish and Irish ancestry. Ireland is a conquered people. Accept British rule and influence or offer a better vision for the Irish.

[@edmondse]

@@seanwebb605 why would an independent country have to accept british rule? Just because Canada gave up and settled for the commonwealth?

[@pastorcoreyadams]

Great video. I do hope we get high speed trains here in the States.

[@garysmith4482]

I have just discovered this channel, it's fab !

[@dantelove4606]

7:54 HONEST ANSHU love the Brits

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

like the update thank's very much

[@DownieLive]

No problem 👍

[@ClearlyCurtis]

The second train was definitely a surprising upgrade from the first. Look at those seats!! As far as this being the last video from your travels, I hope we get to see different content from you even if it is from the comfort and safety of your home. :)

[@jermainetrainallen6416]

Believe it or not the second train actually wasn't an Azuma, it was a class 91 train. The Azuma's are class 801 & 802's. The class 91 is the train shown at 2:17.

[@videoluvr2]

This is so slick.

[@juliehanton6328]

You came up in my news feed and clicked on to take a look . I really enjoyed your vlog was really interesting so thank you 😊

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Julie! I’m filming another train adventure this week on VIARail in Canada, so stick around! I think you’ll enjoy it!

[@trdbrd6958]

Hi mike I liked this video because the trains were awesome.

[@canyouwhenyourdrunk]

Wow I get this train all the time and I never realised it goes so quick! Inside you would never know.

[@daviddemar8749]

I just discovered you Mike . I love your vlogs. I promise you that I will "travel " with you when you start up again. Hey I stayed with kara and nate for a whole bunch of years... I'll stick with you too.😊👍🚞

[@sheiladay9730]

Your awesome!

[@DownieLive]

You rock!

[@TrainmasterGT]

6:54 Nice Pacer 🤣