Farewell to the Class 332s - Heathrow Express Review

Hello, and welcome back to another video on the channel. For this train trip report, I start at Heathrow Airport, but not for a flight review! I am travelling on the Heathrow Express Class 332s, an amazing design of train that is soon to be replaced.
This journey is a simple one, starting in Heathrow Airport T2/T3 station, before running non-stop to London Paddington via the Great Western Mainline. The train begins in Heathrow Airport T5, and connecting trains are available to Heathrow Airport T4.
Along the way, you can observe a few sights, such as the new replacement Class 387s, and various other units. The final approach is through the busy edges of London itself, before finally terminating in London Paddington, for connecting rail and London Underground services to get you anywhere in the country.
I really like these Class 332s, and think it's a shame they are being replaced. See the video for my review on these classy little units.
#heathrowexpress #class332 #lhr #tripreport
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Journey Details:
Origin: Heathrow Airport Terminal 2/Terminal 3
Destination: London Paddington
Company: Great Western Railway (Operated as Heathrow Express)
Train: UK Class 332
Accommodation: Express Class Seat (2nd)
Distance: 14 miles / 23 kilometres
Price: £25!
Time: 15m +4L
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/ superalbs

[@bagelcrisp]

Man I've been with this KZbinr since 72 subs look how far you've gotten!

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I'm successful enough to ride such expensive trains as this one! 😉 In all seriousness, thanks for sticking around! 😃

[@gemmapenny]

Even though it’s only a fifteen minute journey they are more comfortable than the present bunch of long distance trains.

[@bfapple]

Because there are so few seats...

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Capacity is slightly greater than that of a Voyager.

[@bfapple]

@@SuperalbsTravels How do the 332s, with their weird seating layout, have more seats than Class 220/221?

[@SuperalbsTravels]

@@bfapple Sorry, it's not quite as clear cut, but in some cases for the *222s, at least in second class. The capacities for the 222s are: 4 car - 33 first / 148 second 5 car - 50 first / 192 second And the capacities for the 332s: 4 car - 14 first / 148 second 5 car - 14 first / 204 second

[@andrewphillips9391]

Won't be when the 387s take over, will be even more of a rip off then

[@johnspeller3666]

Whenever I get off an overnight flight from the USA and am feeling tired and jet-lagged, I just want to get to Paddington as soon as possible, regardless of coast, so I have always found Heathrow Express very convenient.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

It works for some like yourself!

[@nathanielfruchter9636]

@@SuperalbsTravels Another big segment is business travelers. Someone flying in from Tokyo or NY on their company's dime probably just got off a $3000 full fare biz class flight, it's all going on the company account, so they don't care.

[@JBS319]

@@nathanielfruchter9636 with Crossrail being able to take business travelers directly to offices in the City, that might be the mode of choice going forward

[@tscontrollers]

As a regular traveller, I always use it, its quicker and more frequent. As a business traveler I never personally pay.

[@malcolmcruz2794]

You all prolly dont give a damn but does someone know a trick to get back into an instagram account?? I was stupid lost the account password. I love any tricks you can offer me.

[@PhilSmith71]

The 332s were great units to drive. The acceleration when they were 3 car units was phenomenal! It only seems like yesterday that we were operating as FastTrain into Heathrow Junction station for £5 one way!

[@oliverstemp9132]

I love the moonlighting, hopefully we get more of that it the future

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Very nice ambience isn't it?

[@JCF072344]

After very long flights it's a relief to get into London hotels quickly and without hassle and that's where the value is. I agree that these trains are futuristic with their design, lighting, storage, and speed, and It's hard to believe they are being retired. Also strange to see so few passengers on board.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Very quiet because of reduced travel demand.

[@MasonHd]

Thank you once again real shame that these trains are being replaced by ironing board seat trains 🙄

[@subwayexpress465]

I don't think ironing boards are acceptable for a £25 journey that lasts 15 minutes and is supposed to be super luxury. I think Heathrow Express should have just moved the seats from the 332s onto the 387s.

[@FK-qh3mm]

@@subwayexpress465 still inferior...

[@joshuahalla.k.a.controlla6333]

Railer34 or they could have just kept the Class 332’s in service because the suit the Heathrow Express much better and there’s no need to get rid of them.

[@joshuahalla.k.a.controlla6333]

@Soleil Brotin I don’t even know why they are replacing them in the first place. It seems too new to replace them and they fit the HEX way better.🤦🏾‍♂️

[@MajorKlanga]

@@joshuahalla.k.a.controlla6333 The 332s are being scrapped apparently which is a massive waste. I suspect these decisions are taken due to kickbacks and other forms of corruption in the rail business. (I work for a TOC).

[@yukwahchu337]

I’ve taken the Heathrow Express once a few years ago whilst visiting London although in the opposite direction towards the airport. I did it in 1st class too as it was my last day visiting so I figured I may as well use up my British currency and it was only about a few pounds more than regular class I think. I quite enjoyed the ride (sadly it ends all too soon) and the refurbished design of this train - it was early in the morning so I practically had the car to myself giving it that much more of an “exclusive” feel but I also felt the ticket was ridiculously expensive for the short distance nonetheless! Normally I would opt for The Underground even though it’s a lot slower.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Interesting, glad you enjoyed the service on your departure from the country! 😃

[@mudchute4dlr]

£8 more for business first

[@TheBritishAce]

You would think these (332's) would be replacing the 387, these look much more modern!

[@CurvedGD]

Yeah, I would expect the opposite

[@soundseeker63]

And also MUCH nicer inside!

[@bfapple]

Sadly the 332s are rotten underneath.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I agree, I know which looks more modern and nice. Too bad they're in poor condition.

[@telemachus53]

I have a feeing the price will go down significantly once we get used to tfl.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Maybe, to try and stay competitive.

[@nathanwulf]

Good, because as you said it's outrageously overpriced. If you have a railcard you cannot use it until after 10:00am! So if you arrive or depart first thing in the morning you'll still have to pay the full fare. Last time I flew from Heathrow was Oct 2019, and it worked out cheaper and more convenient for me to get a minicab from North London. Other than that, I'll put up with the 1hr 30 mins (at least) journey using the tube.

[@geoffreyhansen8543]

Sydney should have an airport express to Badgerrys Creek.

[@AnnabelSmyth]

Unlikely - it's been around for a fair few years now and has always been outrageously overpriced!

[@tristanveal7634]

​@@AnnabelSmyth Whenever leaving arrivals heathrow express spam you with posters advertising as the best and fastest way, ofc there will always be dumb foreigners who miss the smaller signs for tube services (Picadilly line, Elizabeth line) but it feels almost scammy

[@BusTrainsGuy18]

There better than the Class 387 Heathrow Express trains, but I guess we won't see the class 332 anymore R.I.P 332 you've served us well, you will be remembered 😉

[@SuperalbsTravels]

😥

[@BusTrainsGuy18]

@@SuperalbsTravels Are you going to do a review about the Class 387 Heathrow Express soon?

[@soundseeker63]

I've not traveled on a 332, but I am a regular on the mechanically similar class 333s, which are excellent. They seem like a luxury spec 333 with lots of luggage space! So I'm guessing they share all the same core virtues - Smooth ride, low noise levels, comfy seats, nice lighting and stylish interior design. As has unfortunately been the case with a lot of services recently, I'd bet on the replacement trains being largely inferior to this. It does seem ridiculous they will all be scrapped! But, perhaps due to their unique design and feautures, transfer to other operators isn't practical/economical? Either way, I think the 332s will be missed by many.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I'm sure once more regular business travel commences through London, many will notice their vanishing.

[@railman6868]

Ive always used the Hex train as the service is reliable but very comfortable seats to relax after enduring 20 hours of long haul flights. Im somewhat disappointed that 387's will now take over with their ironing board firm seats. However, these may be planned to be withdrawn when Crossrail finally gets going and extended to Heathrow Airport. The 332 sets are the last luxury experience serving Heathow and like other parts of our UK rail network the replacement trains are Austerity no frills inferior trains. Another great honest review as always thanks.

[@rupertsmith6283]

Very nice video. I have been using Heathrow Express for the past 2 years and since last year have always booked in advance and paid between £5.50 - £15.00 for a single trip. The longer I book in advance the cheaper I usually get. That to me is very cheap for such a quick and easy trip. I should keep quiet about it though!

[@revonvideo]

Great video! Thanks for that :) Youraise an interesting point about the future of Heathrow Express. I think its future lies as a slightly less premium operation, with lower overhead costs (they're no longer maintaining a separate fleet, and GWR staff are operating services), and a fast link to Old Oak Common when HS2 opens. At that point they could look to proposition themselves between the current HEX price and TfL Rail.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@JacobsTrainVideos]

2020 has seen alot of sad railway times... Nice video.. Good to see you speed walking on a travelator😂

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thanks! :)

[@bluesteamiestudios5395]

I really miss these units. 😭😭

[@LemoncloudGT]

theres still fishbowls around (the 333s) ran by northern in yorkshire

[@BelugasAreCool]

May the Fishbowl's legacy live on. I think I will call it the queen of the rails as it is one of my favorite trains alongside the Aventra units.

[@ag6371]

BerlinBear 5334 They are really sacrificing comfort. The Electrostar seats are very hard and narrow

[@BelugasAreCool]

@@ag6371 Yeah

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Too bad they are going for scrap, but they will be remembered for the stylish trains they were.

[@skyediann3399]

I honestly used to hate the 332's, but after this video I think I might have changed my mind.

[@tomburke5311]

Nice video - I enjoyed it. For me, I think the luggage space is the main advantage of the Heathrow Express. If I'm going on a 12 or 14 day long-haul trip from Heathrow I'll have a big bag + cabin bag, and I just don't fancy struggling with it on either TfL trains or (even harder) the underground. The convenience of having the luggage space would probably make it worth the price. At the beginning of a long trip I want things to be easy - they're inevitably going to get harder as the journey progresses, so let's have easy at the beginnning.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

That's a good point! Thanks for watching.

[@peterwatson5659]

Thank you for an interesing video. As you say the class 332 units are very nice, but the quick journey times only really benefit people who wish to go to the areas close to Paddinton. Should you wish to go to somewhere like Piccadilly or Knightsbridge etc. then the tube may be the better option, as the overall journey time wouldn't be much longer, you wouldn't have to change, and it would be a lot cheaper, if less comfortable.

[@richmayes8451]

I have travelled on the HX service twice. Each time, I got the Piccadilly Line from Acton Town to Terminal 5 (T5), had a bit of a look around and tried out the Pods to the car park, as was featured by Geoff Marshall on one of his KZbin channels. The first time, I decided to purchase a single from T5 to Paddington, which was around £13 at the time on my railcard. I was really impressed with these units as the seats are so comfortable, I would say they are probably better than those in the HST's and IC225 units. I will be a shame to see them go. The second time, I decided to try the TFL rail service when they still had the old Heathrow Connect units. As these run out of T4, I was able to ride the HX from T5 to T2/T3 for free and wait for the TFL service to Paddington. For this, I was able to get a single to Hayes and Harlington which cost me only a few quid, and then use my 1-day travel card for the rest of the journey back to Paddington. These old units are not too bad, considering they were Siemens Class 360/2 Desiro units.

[@philipgrieve394]

If you are flying into London for a meeting or have arrived on a long overseas flight the last thing you want is a crowded stopper into London. Yes twenty five quid is expensive but cheaper than a taxi and very quick and convenient. I hope the services stays and if a bit cheaper that would be even better.

[@s125ish]

Philip Grieve employer paying?

[@crownjulesgaming542]

You should do a class 323 review, from Manchester to Glossop :) They will be replacing all 319s on northern when they are cascaded over from WMT

[@Voulz.]

Bro!! I cannot believe that your videos are great!! If you make more content like this, I will be great full

[@_Oli___]

You can still ride the 333s in Yorkshire where I live. They are very similar to the ones in London, but definitely not the same.

[@lamborghinihexagons5502]

the interior is completely different

[@_Oli___]

@@lamborghinihexagons5502 thanks! I wouldn’t know I’ve never been on the ones in London.

[@GustawWu]

i am glad to hear that fishbowls are not going to get scrapped

[@trainsonthebrain]

Another great video - totally agree on the price, pretty mad. Units are comfy but for the sake of bouncing around a bit more on the underground I’d rather save some money by doing that, sleek units though for sure.

[@martinross5521]

Can’t believe these are already 22 years old and approaching retirement. The 50 minute underground trip is really beaten by this service, extra cost justified

[@ianmorrison9715]

They are rotten below floor level and are being scrapped in a yard at Cardiff docks.

[@martinross5521]

Thought you were referring to our wonderful government for a mo. Thanks Ian

[@keithgrafton3067]

Explanation please from somebody in the industry, why are these stylish units going for scrap, and yes I know they are 22 years old, the 387 is no contender despite it's tarted up exterior.

[@lordparma7556]

I’m not the the industry, but I can say it is well known among rail enthusiasts that the 332s were in very bad condition when they were withdrawn. Besides their condition Old Oak Common where the 332s were maintained has closed, and so to save space building a new purpose depo just to maintain the 332s it was decided to lease the running of services to GWR and use class 387s instead. as those would not need a purpose built depo to maintain them.

[@PeteBrandy]

Great video! This train stylishly reminds me of the airport train in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, I never tried the Heathrow Express, I always used the tube, because it was cheaper .. Greetings from Prague :-)

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thanks, that Hong Kong train looks very unique.

[@jamescrompton5291]

When arriving from Australia this service is just great. Worth every cent.

[@kennethhume8628]

Very interesting video with excellent additional info in the comments , nice train shame about the rot !

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thank you. :)

[@AnnabelSmyth]

It's only convenient if you live in a part of London from which you can easily get to Paddington. I don't, and for this reason would never consider using it. For me, the ideal route is a train from Clapham Junction to Feltham, and then a bus, but they keep changing the buses at the Heathrow end, so I normally catch the Victoria Line to Green Park and then the Piccadilly. I suppose once Crossrail opens, if it ever does, it will make sense to catch it from somewhere, but that might add another change.... not that I use Heathrow if I can help it, but there are journeys one cannot make by train, alas.

[@omegamezle]

Au reviour 332s, you've done a great job. Happy retirement to the scrapyard fishbowls...

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Goodnight, sweet prince.

[@gabri_maybe]

You were so young,and yet,you disappeared...

[@RWL2012]

haha all Twitter people, only your names are the same as on there :P

[@wilsonator2008]

You’d have thought they’d transfer the 332 sets to other electrified lines around the country to help provide more capacity elsewhere.

[@omegamezle]

@@wilsonator2008 they're really tired out and would need a costly overhaul.

[@DavidWilliams-yo4kb]

There's plenty of 333s where I live which are practically identical to the 332. They operate on the Leeds to Bradford Forster Sq route and Leeds to Ilkley.

[@lamborghinihexagons5502]

and skipton

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Yeah I enjoy the 333s! :)

[@newforestpixie5297]

My niece Yas worked on this service in the mid 00s 😁👍

[@tobis.4037]

Love the interior! Why cant all trains have such nice lighting? Its not really expensive...

[@rankedcitizen]

Well it isnt but its quite expensive to maintain and takes alot of time to clean and replenish if it gets broken

[@SuperalbsTravels]

It's a shame isn't it, new trains in the UK mostly go for the most blinding tubes they can find.

[@JPlum2261]

There known as Fishbowls in SCR on Connect/Airlink

[@alisoncotuk1335]

Probably based of Heathrow Express looking at the airlink 333

[@alfredosgaming340]

They’re called fishbowls in real life

[@M1CAE1.]

That pricing is nuts! I can't believe how GWR have managed to get away with that for so long! It's a £25 journey, and it would cost me less than a fifth of that to go from my local Tube station (near Upminster) all the way across London, through zone 1, to Heathrow!

[@moose_ringo9161]

GWR have only recently been operating the service, before that it was operated by Heathrow Airport and the price was unregulated

[@lausimeyer6558]

As kids are included at Heathrow Express, even in 1st class, it's not that expensive when traveling with kids and a lot of luggage. But it's easy and convenient, that's worth the price for me.

[@fetchstixRHD]

GWR technically have nothing to do with the pricing even now, they only provide the trains and drivers (which were previously provided by Heathrow until recently). Heathrow still have control of the service and its pricing (minor point but still quite important!)

[@timdiggle5090]

And if you stayed alert and kept an eye on the offers it was entirely feasible to get from London to Paris on Eurostar for €29 last year!

[@tonywilkins6090]

Just to let you know it's £22.00 for a single ticket on HX services (not sure where you get £25.00 from). That being said the pricing is quite high however you can pretty much buy advance tickets from £5.50, which unlike other TOC's you can use on any other service (only condition is it has to be used on that day). I feel like the £22 is pretty much aimed at any tourist or anyone that isn't aware of the advance ticket option. That said the price also includes the fees that Heathrow Airport Holdings charges for the "exclusive use" of their line from Hayes and Harlington to the airport, which TFL rail/ ex-Heathrow connect gets charged too. Also the ticket also allows children (up to the age of 15) to travel for free so if you compare to TFL services, you probably are getting charged the same amount if you have 1 or 2 kids with you.

[@z00h]

Built cheap and EOL after 22 years in service. Sounds like a great plan to keep the "green" economy turning its wheels. Rinse and repeat. But they don't emit CO2 so it's ok baby!

[@Sean-D78]

They should keep the 332s, they look and feel like an airplane on rails, which is fitting for an airport express service. The 387s are just gonna be generic like the others.

[@FK-qh3mm]

Fr...

[@bfapple]

The 332s are completely worn out under the solebar and Reading has zero experience with them.

[@simonwest9450]

There are Class 333s in service around Leeds/West Yorkshire with Northern. Same type of train but with a commuter seating layout. They’ve been recently refurbed as well

[@SuperalbsTravels]

That's correct, I like them as well.

[@stevieinselby]

With the opening of #PurpleTrain at some point (hopefully!), it is even harder to see a business case for this service. Yes, it takes you to Paddington ... whoop-de-do, that's probably the most useless London terminus in terms of access to London itself. Crossrail will give direct access to the West End, The City, Docklands, as well as giving direct connections to the whole of the Thameslink network at Farringdon and the whole of the Anglia network at Liverpool Street - so although it will be slower _to get to Paddington_ because of the extra stops, for most people it will be quicker to the final destination unless they just jump into a taxi at Paddington in which case money is clearly no object to them.

[@zerberus500]

It would be great if you can add also the Date (month/year) in your descriptions👍

[@SuperalbsTravels]

This was filmed on the 18th August 2020!

[@miles_thomas]

When Crossrail really gets going I think HEX may find it harder to justify the fare. TfL recently confirmed the expected service pattern, and if you are just going to Paddington, 6 trains per hour 24 mins journey time or slightly less means it will be journey time competitive with HEX (taking into account waiting for the next train which could take 14 mins, average 7). And the opportunity to have single seat travel to more of London (and beyond) as well. In that situation, I wonder if HEX would be better off looking for additional riders in new markets. Given that Heathrow will start charging for cars to approach the terminals for pickup/dropoff, maybe a service that ran Reading with one stop not too far from Heathrow/M25 as a car drop off/pick up facility (and maybe a coach station for some services e.g. Woking railair), then Hayes (to line up for the spur chord), Heathrow, then Paddington. And vice versa. Similar path usage on the spur, just needs pathing on the main line and some extra trains. Fast to Reading would give opportunities for connecting to many other train services without backtracking, and an alternative way to get to Gatwick with an easier interchange (maybe even cross platform/same platform) Only problem is the none of the existing stations near the M25 are ideal for the car drop off: Slough, Langley, Iver, and Hayes have constrained road access. A new station where the line crosses the M25 with dedicated sliproads on the M25 (and maybe ability for cars to change direction) would be ideal (and there seems to be space but may be safeguarded for 3rd runway), bit like a motorway service area.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Will be interesting to seee what happens...

[@juoig7799]

5:03 Fun fact: You can plug European plugs into a UK socket, without an adapter. You just need to stick a key in the ground pin hole to open the safety doors.

[@paulanderson79]

Done it many times.

[@ag6371]

The Class 332 is much appropriate for an airport rail link than a Class 387 Electrostar

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I think so too, but will give the new ones a fair chance too.

[@Mongchong_123]

Great video!! Shame these are being replaced...

[@SuperalbsTravels]

It is a shame, already being scrapped as we speak...

[@millercool21]

Apparently they had poor maintenance and were lots of problems

[@Garfie489]

Apparently at one time they allowed you to check in at Paddington if you used the service. To me thatd justify the price of the ticket, as i could arrive at the airport a lot later and just go straight through security. Given thats no longer an option, tbh by the time i got to Paddington and swapped trains etc i might as well have just taken the other options.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I had read that, a very innovative feature, and very helpful for those in a rush.

[@paulwhitear4983]

I dare say another toc will be interested in them.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

They have all been destroyed, except a few static carriages... 😥

[@lordparma7556]

The 332s were in a very poor shape mechanically, badly corroded lacked TPWS as they had ATP, were set up interior set up only for airport shuttle work, only 14 units so were a micro fleet, and were owned by Heathrow airport not a ROCSO. The cost of dealing with this and that’s if the corrosion could be fixed was just too high. There was no way any other toc could have taken or wanted the 332s, and it’s too late now as only 3 cars remain as static carriages as has been pointed out by another comment.

[@physiocrat7143]

Presumably they will be redeployed somewhere. The trains were much improved after a refurb - the seats are much better than those originally fitted.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

The old interior did seem rather odd looking.

[@DennosManCave]

Used this service a few times. When you get off a 24hr flight from Sydney, the cost is well worth it to get into the city to your hotel!

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Can't say I have ever done such a flight, nor would I really consider doing such!

[@DennosManCave]

@@SuperalbsTravels I've lost count! Even managed 2x returns this year before Covid grounded us!

[@Trains_Travel_NZ]

@@SuperalbsTravels Likewise after a 30 hour flight from NZ haha. Sometimes after being stuck in a crowded plane for so long, its nice to ditch the tube even if its so much more expensive.

[@tee.f.n]

Worth noting that £25 is the peak time price. £22 is the offpeak price. I’ve worked on these units for a few years and it’s sad to see them go but looking forward to working with the 387s! Btw if you book in advance I’ve gotten tickets as cheap as £5. Always worth it after getting off a long flight.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

£22 is the price for booking online. Will have to try the 387s out some time.

[@rupertsmith6283]

@@SuperalbsTravels £5.50 is the cheapest price if you book online. I have bought that atleast 7-8 times and even if you book close to your departure, you can still get it cheaper

[@Lakesider52]

Another point is that it doesn't go where travellers want it to go. Paddington is in West London and still requires another taxi/tube bus journey to get to Central London or the City, either of which should be the terminus.

[@bfapple]

Sadly we are still waiting for Crossrail.

[@spongebot64]

Gotta say the whine from the IGBTs really remind me of the Electrostars

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Can see what you mean!

[@MACROPARTICLE]

Imagine if Crossrail ran a rival express service running non-stop between Heathrow and Paddington (using its own class 345s), before continuing through its central London tunnels, just to run Heathrow Express out of business.

[@MACROPARTICLE]

To add to that, charging the same fares as its stopping service.

[@RyRyRyangaming]

In all fairness, this train service probably isn’t being used nearly as much as regular domestic trains. They’re running every 15 minutes and I’m guessing the majority of them are going to be mostly empty like this one so they need to turn a profit somehow. At least the Gatwick and Standstead Express and Heathrow Connect serve intermediate stations so they can be used by commuters to generate more revenue

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I'm sure it's busier during normal times, then again, I never used it then.

[@Cactus732]

Worth mentioning that Airport and Airline employees get a 75% discount if they present their ids. That includes international airlines, so the fare is a much more reasonable £9 return.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

That's interesting to know. Considerate practise to be honest!

[@Jtoothebbb]

How can they retire a train like this when the north and other parts of the county have been plagued by Pacer's for the past 35 years.

[@miles_thomas]

The video and other comments here and elsewhere explains this. The rolling stock wasn't built as well as it should have been and hasn't been cared for very well and is knackered, with significant chassis corrosion. Would cost a lot to refurbish, not really economic for commercial use (at least at UK costs). Not really of interest to private or heritage rail either. Non-operational second life at best, unless they were sent to a low(er) wage country with strong railway traditions and engineering capability for refurbishment (i.e. Turkey, India, maybe Egypt)

[@NaenaeGaming]

Unfortunately, as has been stated in the video and by many others, the units suffer from major issues such as corrosion and have to be replaced. It’s just a shame that their replacements are ironing board trains... Side note: About your point on moving these trains up north, we already have them up here (sort of)! The 333s which were developed from the 332s operate with Northern mainly around West Yorkshire, and now serve alongside the 331s which have helped to replace ageing 322s and the Pacers!

[@marksinthehouse1968]

Much better than the tube the trains on the Piccadilly line are filthy and worn out ,I’m sure if they had a good clean and the graffiti removal on the out side they’ve now rubbed down to the undercoat they are a mess and an embarrassment ,but this is better even though it cost more ,roll on the new tube for London or at least give them a refresh for now

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Will be nice to have aircon on the deep level routes!

[@danielaltmann8493]

As they are technically identical - albeit signaling systems - to the 333 EMUs that Northern is running, I hope these will be also given to them (with some modifications of course)!!! Would help with more of the 331s getting batteries (ie.: Windermere line)...

[@bfapple]

“Given”? Heathrow is not a charity, and Northern would not want them anyway...

[@tenny_tenten]

also the 332's has been severely corroded to the frames and would fall apart if they continued running as a 333 carriage as structural intergrity of the trains would be compromised by corrosion

[@pmtfranco]

Wow replacing a 22 year old train. Imagine that. In my country we run trains that are 60+ years old, and in the big cities 30+...

[@RWL2012]

it's not usual here; many 20-35 year old and some 40 year old trains remain in service and will do for the forseeable future alongside the many newer and brand new trains. these are an exception as they started developing serious corrosion issues in 2016 - they're actually the first post-privatisation build train on the British network to be scrapped; up until now only some of the ex-British Rail trains had been scrapped.

[@lamborghinihexagons5502]

its all hx’s fault for the way they treated them

[@SuperalbsTravels]

What country is that? Sounds fun!

[@pmtfranco]

@@SuperalbsTravels Portugal. Our trains are in most cases very old. Except in Lisbon and Porto, and the high speed train, all of them are 30+ years old, and the regionals 60+ moved by diesel..

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I wanted to go there. Sounds very interesting. Hopefully soon!

[@bengray6219]

I rode one of these on the free shuttle to terminal 5 it was for only 2 minutes but still enjoyed it 😂

[@markcf83]

I have also done this. Back in 2005 when Piccadilly line services were disrupted by engineering work TfL were advising people to use this route and were accepting Travelcards on-board.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

That's how I got my first ride on one. :)

[@danielsellers8707]

I think Northern should get the 332s (same as their 333s), run the 323s two coupled together (except on the Glossop line) and make all the 319s into bi-mode 769s.

[@millercool21]

You can't turn a 332 into a 332 they had different breakings and stuff so it would be a waste turning these into 333s when northern got 331s

[@arnoldspottingvideos5269]

Great video. At least 332s are done for today and now 387s will took over the job which is nice to see. Which trains are farewell next?

[@bowlerstuff9589]

317s,the 745s have doomed them as the 379s are running on there routes Northern pacers oofed

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Stay tuned for more farewells. :(

[@arnoldspottingvideos5269]

@@bowlerstuff9589 379s are done from Stansted Express and I still Pacers through haha 😂😂.

[@arnoldspottingvideos5269]

@@SuperalbsTravels you miss some old train don't you

[@lamborghinihexagons5502]

@@bowlerstuff9589 yep, the first 317s have been scrapped

[@thomasandladyfriend]

if your sad about the 332's going then remember the 333 still exists and probably will be for years to come

[@ianmorrison9715]

Depends on how the chassis rot is dealt with on the 333 fleet. So far they are deemed safe but time will tell.

[@soundseeker63]

@@ianmorrison9715 If the 333s have survived 20 years of service in the sodden wet conditions of West Yorkshire I think it's safe to say that HX must have neglected their fleet badly if corrosion is an issue for the 332s.

[@ianmorrison9715]

@@soundseeker63 The 333 fleet has also shown signs of the same chassis rot.

[@soundseeker63]

@@ianmorrison9715 Where did you get that info? I've not heard about any issues with the 333s so far.

[@ianmorrison9715]

@@soundseeker63 I cannot comment any further. Just take my word for it being fact.

[@josephytrblx611]

Fishbowl 😍

[@ianhelps3749]

Sad to see these trains go. Expensive journey, but at least the Class 332 felt like a premium product. The seats on the 387s are not nearly as comfortable.

[@oliverstemp9132]

378s are getting a refurbishment, hope it looks as good as this

[@lamborghinihexagons5502]

@@oliverstemp9132 nope, its gonna be similar to GX 387/2s

[@ag6371]

Yeah the 387 seats are like ironing boards because of their hardness

[@jackphilpott]

What will happen to these trains? I think they will go to Northern to be used as parts for their 333s since they are so similar

[@andrewphillips9391]

Going for scrap sadly, at least 1 unit has already gone. I gather they're knackered.

[@millercool21]

They can't different breakings

[@idontknow12383]

Looks way better than 387s

[@SuperalbsTravels]

It was!

[@online_stranger412]

9:20 surprised it’s not 1 hour late

[@scottishrailwayfan915]

Nice video

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thank you. :)

[@mudchute4dlr]

Never been on any HRE, but 332s look so good, 387s seem like a downgrade. I’m confused about oyster - on the barriers, there are signs saying ‘Oyster is not valid on HRE’ (on the exit barriers at central only for some reason) but on the LCD ariund the start of the video it said they di accept

[@DanielsUKT]

nice trip report the 332s look very luxurious livery and on the inside its a shame they are being scrapped but it would take alot of work and money if they was to convert them to operate on the normal british rail network in terms of the price it is very expensive and probably aimed at business travellers rather than the average commuters but there is steep competition from tfl rail maybe slower but is also cheaper i am not sure if heathrow express will survive when the crossrail opens because it seems like many people will continue to work from home even after life returns to normal and people will have less money because of the struggling economy so people will be looking for cheaper alternatives to travel

[@citizenerased1992]

Punctuation, please.

[@themelbournerailfan]

Nice video by the way, who made these trains by the way? However 😢I’m really sad to see them go. 😢😢😢

[@SuperalbsTravels]

CAF + Siemens

[@jamesbraithwaite478]

Hell's teeth, I wish we had trains like that up on the Northern Rail! Why the hell were they scrapped instead of upcycled?

[@SuperalbsTravels]

They were in a poor condition. As an aside, you can find very similar trains on Northern: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_333

[@lordparma7556]

As had been said by the uploader poor condition, but also lack of TWPS and an Interior set up only for airport shuttle work.

[@JackTheOfficeWorker]

Great News! Only 1 Unit of Class 332 Is Scrapped

[@joshuahalla.k.a.controlla6333]

Great video.☺️ Why can’t they just keep these trains on the Heathrow Express Line. They suit the Heathrow Express much better other ain’t even that old. Where will these go now and what will replace some of the GWR Class 387 Trains that are now being used on the Heathrow Express?

[@stevieinselby]

The 332s are being scrapped, as they have some non-standard gubbins that means they can't be used on other lines as they are, and refitting them to be compatible with other lines apparently would be too expensive. I believe the 387s that GWR will be using have been freed up by handing over the stopping services between Paddington and Reading to #PurpleTrain, so there are no current GWR routes operated by 387s that will be losing them.

[@joshuahalla.k.a.controlla6333]

@@stevieinselby They seem too new to scrap and they suit the HEX way better. These trains are quite similar to the Class 333’s up north. I thought they would have kept them in storage maybe until another train company gets them. I always wanted to travel on one but I guess I can’t now.

[@stevieinselby]

@@joshuahalla.k.a.controlla6333 No point in keeping them in storage for another operator to use if they are mechanically knackered because they were built on the cheap and not maintained properly *and* they need expensive retrofitting to enable them to run on any other lines. For a non-standard fleet of just 14 vehicles that are over 20 years old and will cost more than they are worth just to get in running order, there's no demand at all.

[@TransportGeekery]

I had a free voucher to use for one journey on HX so I paid the upgrade fee and travelled first class. Very luxurious but as you say a bit pointless given the time.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Wow, must have been a nice experience, but it is so short.

[@C455]

yes

[@SuperalbsTravels]

yes?

[@C455]

@@SuperalbsTravels shush

[@360scotland4]

As I live in Scotland I seldom need to use Heathrow, but am amazed that they are scrapping such good-looking and relatively modern trains. Is it really because they need the maintenece depot for HS2? Couldn't they maintain them elsewhere? Nice video.

[@TheTomco11]

There's a shortage of dmu's but plenty of emu's so no one really wants them. They're not fitted with tpws either so would need major work to run on other lines. Heathrow express haven't taken good care of them either apparently

[@miles_thomas]

4.52: "Universal sockets". Probably not, not a great idea. Most if not all of the universal sockets I have seen are either a) unsafe with exposed contacts and huge holes for small fingers, metal pens and such or b) if they do have safety shutters they don't work well. IMO, The ideal would be hi amperage USB (higher up on seat back like recent buses) plus UK, maybe also separate sockets for EU (the usual Shuko, maybe ), US/Australia combo (sorry for those countries that use old UK style round pins in various sizes). Or alternate the high voltage AC types in different seat rows, with clear markings (i.e. UK, US/AUS, and a couple of EU variants, and a few with round pins) Inductive charge pads (both of the common standards) would be good for the target ridership of the train (maybe first class only mounted into the tables) and in first class all of the socket types available on the table top. Something else for justifying the first class fare--have that compartment offer oxygen enriched filtered air--use the same tech the Las Vegas Casinos use (many air changes per hour, heavy filtration) and maybe slightly pressurise the cabin by a few percent. To really wake you up and make you feel good after a flight.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Didn't know they were so dangerous!

[@jamesebrown2043]

If they keep of 332's (and 333's), then where their go when any franchise around if they needed sometimes, instead away as scraps.

[@thearsenalmisfit2414]

They have no TPWS so its the scrape yard for them mire than likely.

[@swfx1015]

Why in the world they replaced these awesome 332s with boring electrostars... I don't get it. These 332s are fairly new and still able to operate for atleast another 10 to 15 years!

[@SuperalbsTravels]

It is a pity, really... :(

[@EthanAfro707]

I thought it was 15 miles-15 mins for £15. Very interesting that the price has gone up

[@awesometrainsandbuses]

These are younger than the 465s and 466s and non of them have been scrapped, yet they are scrapping these (it's not like I want the Networkers being scrapped I'm just saying) It'll be a matter of time until we see the Turbostars being scrapped, which I hope won't happen (Turbostars came out not long after the 332s)

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Not sure about the Turbostars, they're in high demand!

[@awesometrainsandbuses]

@@SuperalbsTravels that's good

[@GustawWu]

6:48 well they are not rly good bc i saw one of them get tested and they have the ironing board seats

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I give every train a fair chance to impress!

[@iancampbell6925]

They look far superior in comfort and style to anything else on British railways.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Better than most!

[@jmsmilfajt]

Oh that is the famous train from LHR. Friends were warning me that the train service from the airport is sometimes more expensive than the Ryanair tickets and guess they were right. This is outrageous price... but honestly the trainsets look very nice. What do you prefer? A fast, premium service like this one or a very basic commuter service with 2+3 arrangement and a plastic seats but of course for a 1/10 of the price?

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thankfully, you won't get a Ryanair flight into Heathrow, they use cheaper airports like Stansted or Luton.

[@jmsmilfajt]

@@SuperalbsTravels Sorry, I meant Smartwings, a Czech „Ryanair“ ... and under regular circumstances (when Covid wasn't a thing)

[@shiftymuckers6627]

I can't believe that the first of these have already been sent for scrap! I don't know why Northern haven't taken them on to go alongside their fleet of 333's.

[@thearsenalmisfit2414]

The trains have mo TPWS so more than likely they will be scraped

[@lamborghinihexagons5502]

and they have severe corrosion

[@bfapple]

Northern has brand new 331s and will be getting more 323s. No need for the decrepit 332s and Heathrow would not sell them anyway.

[@devon896]

Heathrow Express is fantastic but as you say i cannot see it being justified by 2028(When the GWR contract ends) Crossrail will be open by then. To be honest the dedicated Heathrow platform could really be used by GWR.

[@cooltrain-ce9ze]

Its a shame that the Class 332s are getting replaced by the Class 387s but maybe they're just as good. I hope the Class 332s get transferred to another operator because they are such good trains and shouldn't get scrapped now. They might get transferred to Northen or maybe Southeastern. But they are such good trains.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Hope they're nice!

[@lordparma7556]

332s are not compatible with the 333s, and the 332s are knacked so no other TOC not even Northern will want the 332s. I believe a total destruction order is on the class 332s in other words they must all be scrapped. We are already seeing the 332s being taken for scrap, 332014 went last week I think, and 332012 and 332005 went to scrap yesterday.

[@bfapple]

@@lordparma7556 Yep, that is what has been said on RailUK.

[@lordparma7556]

@@bfapple That’s where I learnt a lot I know about the class 332s from.

[@lewis72]

£25 for 14 miles ? Is a taxi cheaper ? Definitely would be for 2 or more travelling.

[@nolantherailfan5048]

One last few runs of the 332 before retirment

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Yup, just a few months before the end. :(

[@stevecooksley]

This is aimed at business travellers who can throw £25 on their expenses, and some unsuspecting first-time visitors who think it's the only way into London and quite frankly, get ripped off. For £25 I'd want a full laundry service with my shirts freshly ironed by the end of the journey!

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Haha, that'd be a good service!

[@sarribel]

are these 332 going to be cascaded down elsewhere in the UK? great video. THX

[@millercool21]

No they won't be 333 becuase it had different breakings and stuff

[@miahaskurti4539]

Can You Do A Review On Northern 333s?

[@iankemp1131]

Sad to see these smart and comfortable trains going. Seems really strange that they are supposedly corroded and knackered at just over 20 years old when HSTs are 40+ and going strong (now in Scotland), and the similar 333s seem fine in the North. Did Heathrow Express simply not know how to maintain trains?

[@lordparma7556]

It wasn’t that Heathrow express did not know how to maintain trains the corrosion was caused by being sent though the Heathrow tunnels every 15 mins. The conditions inside the Heathrow tunnels are not great for trains, that and the 332s were prototypes and shoddily built ones at that. As for the 333s, they also suffer from corrosion issues (or did I know there was a trial on 333009 to fix the corrosion). The reason the 333s are in better shape is due to being modified 332 which includes being of better build quality, and not being sent though somewhere like the Heathrow tunnels every 15 minutes. It is sad that the 332s are gone though.

[@iankemp1131]

@@lordparma7556 Interesting. It certainly sounds as if something went wrong in the specification, design or build, given that London Underground run trains through tube tunnels for up to 20 hours a day without similar issues.

[@lordparma7556]

@@iankemp1131 Nothing went wrong during building or anything, the 332s were prototypes and prototypes don’t normally enter service let alone last 22 years in service.

[@iankemp1131]

@@lordparma7556 But were they really prototypes? Those are normally a couple of experimental trains as forerunners of a large class. The 332s seem more like a bespoke small class (14 sets) designed for a specific duty but intended to fulfil it long-term. Hard to believe that Heathrow Express would subsidise prototypes for a possible future class that would not be used by them.

[@lordparma7556]

@@iankemp1131 The 332s were prototypes, it’s sounds strange for a fleet of 14 trains to be prototypes but that’s what they were. CAF had never built trains for the British Rail network at that point and they did not have the time to build a fleet that was anything but prototypes. Heathrow airport needed a fleet of trains to run the Heathrow express so I don’t think they really cared that the 332s would not last long, they just placed an order with Siemens and let the rest be delt with by them. Due to Siemens not having enough factorys to build the trains for HEX Siemens leased the contact out to CAF to build the trains and Siemens provided traction equipment.

[@SR-eo5no]

They still have the class 333s in the north

[@southwest1585]

I think that the livery is a bit busy, but anyway great review.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

It was some sort of promotional livery for Tata Communications.