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

[@jordanschoenenberger4397]

The irony is that the lockdown has made your content so much better, it's hard to find people who produce the kind of stuff you do on a local level, and I think you're so much better for it. I kind of reminds of Rick Mercer, when he would go around Canada and do the same kind of random and wholesome things.

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Jordan. I kind of see a bit of Rick Mercer in my videos as well. I used to watch him as a kid, so maybe I was inspired? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@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!

[@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..

[@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.

[@felinequeen9243]

6:50 I have never heard a more perfect narration and compliment of something that's so ordinary that it just blends in. That's a perfect tagline for a commercial for Azuma: Azuma, a train that's so unnoticeable that it blends in perfectly into your life. LOL This is what makes your videos so enjoyable. You notice the little things and showcase them in ways that we have never noticed before.

[@DownieLive]

Wow, thank you!

[@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!

[@fleishum]

I thank you again for a wonderful, adventurous, and honest train review. I also appreciate how you characterized the Azuma as being a commuter train with a practical purpose as opposed to a luxurious or tourist route that accentuates the amenities. We often overlook the value of what we use in our daily routines. Stay safe as well and I look forward to the next adventures.

[@denisek7009]

I hope this finds you and your family safe and well. My parents and sister (all passed now), travelled to Leeds from London in 1976. My sister met a young woman there and they became penpals for many years. We actually met the gal and her husband in Orlando years later. Traveling is a great way to meet people and experience new things.

[@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!

[@debbydhill]

You guys stay safe and whatever you give us next, we'll be with you.

[@hide366cc]

It is a great honor to have Japanese cars running in England, the birthplace of railways. When traveling in the UK, I want to ride an "Azuma" and also an old traditional vehicle! I love it UK!

[@jonmason1955]

Honest but brutal. Gotta love having Mike as a friend! For whatever, I'd bet your channel will never be "average", because you'll never, ever, never let it get boring!

[@harrydillon]

Live in England born in Canada stay safe will be back home when all this is over great videos

[@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!

[@battina]

The “leather” seats are found in the old train carriages, the fabric seats belong to the new Azuma carriages. In general, the food and drink service is better on a weekday, while weekends have a reduced service.

[@johnnyp9205]

Damn the new national rail fire safety guidelines

[@mythicalmermaid5757]

Prefer the old first class. Love the comfy seating and food was better.

[@jamesbrien1944]

Thanks for this! Interesting observation that it is a "commuter train" and practical . It looked quite nice and comfortable for a 2 hr. trip. Glad to see you again and to hear your positive attitude in our challenging times.

[@TravelCat]

AZUMA means EAST, INAZUMA means thunder in Japanese! very exciting movie😻😻

[@lukeycc67]

London to Leeds in four hours with traffic? More like 6-7 hours! Used to hate driving between East London and the Northwest. Trains are the way to go.

[@toheebadeshina2740]

How much is the train ticket, both first class, and economy

[@helenbennett1630]

lnteresting to see the newer trains. I used to do the trip from Milton Keynes to Aberdeen and back again 13 years ago, with three kids, every school holiday for two years. One time as a treat we took the Caledonian Sleeper from Watford to Aberdeen, first class so teenager had a room to herself and middle child and I had interconnecting rooms, with the baby in the single bunk with me. I forgot the pop up cot! I loved it. We all slept reasonably well and I woke to views of the Firth of Forth.

[@ericka8284]

Too bad your travel is on pause but I’ll still look forward what ever comes next ! 😎

[@andrewkast4087]

Great video! I found your site only recently and enjoy it tremendously! I will be right here catching up on you previous trips plus whatever you get to post through the pandemic. Glad you are staying healthy. Thank you so much for the enjoyment you post!

[@gabrielstravels]

The Class 800! What a lovely train. I haven't been on the LNER Azumas yet, but I certainly have been on the GWR IETs and they are great to ride!

[@diannewi]

A year ago I was riding the trains you review in this series, the LNER, ScotRail, and the Caledonian Sleeper. The rolling stock has changed on two of them, much to the better, but the experiences are similar. Thanks for your reviews and stay safe at home for the time being.

[@juliac8240]

I must admit it gave me a giggle when you did the whole "WassSSShhhRRRoooomm Tourrr" - it made me subscribe.

[@DownieLive]

Yay! Thanks Julia! There are a few washroom tours in my train videos

[@juliac8240]

@@DownieLive I'm just trailing through your videos now! The Caledonia Sleeper looks amazing. Would love to see you experience the FirstClass/Business Class of the Eurostar from London to Paris. I was upgraded on my last Journey back from Paris and let me tell you.... lowkey ruined me for other trains haha

[@deichkind1974]

Thanks, Mike for your video and the effort you put in it. I hope you and Nicole are still safe and healthy and can enjoy the Easter days in sunny weather as much as possible in these times. Happy Easter

[@gabrielstravels]

As for North America (especially the USA), which desperately needs an European/Asian world class regional, intercity and long distance high speed rail system, you guys should get the Class 801 (same as 800 but electric only) one day! Ideally, the Class 801, with its great fast acceleration (but only a 225 km/h or 140 mph top speed) would be suited to medium distance intercity rail services (I'd say up to a 500 km / 300 mile radius) with frequent stops. For example: an intercity Amtrak service from Chicago, IL to St Louis, MO. Or the Acela Express. Or an intercity Amtrak fast train service from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA! Outside of the Acela Express and the NEC (Northeast Corridor), the Class 801 would be a huge step forward in improving rail services in the United States.

[@ladybarbarapinsonartist431]

Mike, thank you. I rode the London to Leeds train, twenty years ago for a business meeting in the North. You definitely highlighted a much needed upgrade for highspeed commuter trains. As you suggested, I signed the USA Congress petition, as the USA must improve mass transit. Thank you for all you are and all you do.

[@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. 🥰🥰

[@lukethomas658]

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

[@joevermillion9748]

I think that a fast train will be a great idea. Stay Safe and God Bless You Mike and your family.

[@stephenclark9917]

Can't be a better place to end this season of your travel videos in Leeds. Wonderful city to live, work and play in. Come and visit when we get through this.

[@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!

[@jadedavis822]

I’m glad you are home and being safe....but I do so love your train travels....until next time stay safe 😘

[@barryread423]

Wow. Such a flashback. I first discovered your videos when the UK was is lockdown. You visited Fort William a few weeks before I did on a road trip. If I visited a week later restrictions would have made it impossible. I still sense the emotion in your message at the end. However it was great to see you back in the uk visiting our canals! We are still with you. Even if we don’t know where you are going next either 👍🏻

[@10reubenl]

The Azuma's only get up to a maximum of 125 mph at the moment. I believe 140 mph is planned though as an upgrade.

[@lukewheeler6726]

Reuben Lee never heard this news as rail infrastructure would have to be completely replaced

[@AeroMad91]

@@lukewheeler6726 Correct. the Azuma trains are limited at 125mph due to the lack of in-cab signalling. A complete overhaul of the existing signalling system is required before this can be achieved.

[@davidprescott7463]

The previous trains on the East Coast line were also capable of doing 140 mph but never ran at that speed in service because of the signalling system. The new Azuma trains may never reach that speed either. However we may get a genuine high speed line on a new route from London to Leeds, called HS2. That should get people from Euston Station to Leeds in about 1 h 30 minutes at speeds of around 200 mph. Sadly not for another 10-15 years or more.

[@tescotrain]

High Speed 1: Am I a joke to you?

[@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...

[@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.

[@markds2]

You can be forgiven for thinking Kings Cross & St. Pancras were one entity, after all they're labelled as a single entity on the Tube/Underground map; enjoyed your honesty. You might be interested to read about how St. Pancras was threatened with demolition back in the 1960s, if you don't already know about that. So pleased it never happened!

[@williamgardiner2010]

Yes among those who campaigned to save St Pancras station was the Poet Laureate John Betjamin whose statue graves the station today. Sadly the quite wonderful neo-classical Euston station and its famous arch were demolished in one of the great acts of architectural vandalism in the 1960s.

[@liesl7617]

Great video! I love the Azuma and travel on it regularly when travelling to England for work (never on 1st class though - the Civil Service won't go for that). We still occasionally have to travel on the diesel 225s, and there's a huge difference in comfort! Hope you're coping okay with lockdown, and hope to see you out and about in the world again soon. Stay safe.

[@mariavandenbosch2723]

Now it's time for a comeback! You're welcome to our trains👍👍👍

[@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.

[@karenshort3880]

Wow! I found you after Covid. So you’re still going on

[@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!

[@tobeytransport2802]

1:48 the NATIONAL RAIL stations are two separate station’s but the Tube station is just one thing with entrances in both above ground stations

[@TVHouseHistorian]

Fellow Pacific Northwesterner here (Portland, Oregon USA) I only discovered this channel this morning. Will be watching all of your videos. Totally addicted... I need to get on a Train. :-)

[@DownieLive]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@westcoastelectrics]

The best first class seats are on the older class 91 trains, they are leather and very comfy with better tables

[@thechilterntrainspotters]

Form a uk rail enthusiasts POV the older trains are deffo better than the new ones. They have a really cosey charm to them :-) I very much enjoyed this vidieo it's a great insight to what other people from different countries think of our trains 😁

[@armychic15]

Thank you for posting this video! I saw the St. Pancras Station sign and thought it quite awesome to see a place that brings back great memories! My sister and I took the train from Paris to St. Pancras Station - staying in the hotel while touring various places. One of the best trips of my life♥️

[@cajmo8635]

They have a max speed of 225, but following tests in the 1980s under British Rail at 225km/h with the Class 91 Intercity 225, the HMRI said only trains with in cab-signalling could operate at that speed. This is present on HS1, where Eurostar services operate regularly up to 300km/h(186mph), but not on the ECML. Network Rail, however, intend to install it in the next few years.

[@BelieveLFy]

I appreciate you posting this and the sweet message towards the end. Hope you and yours are doing well. I am patiently waiting for more vids!

[@dobbinism]

Great video, still love those leather seats on the '225' train sets (the older train), so comfortable.

[@rd3ster]

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

[@DJCiro-w1e]

Got that right

[@ivanwan8660]

I was surprised after supporting the High Speed Rail Alliance in the US then you went to the loo and said washroom. Welcome home to Canada.

[@oliverstemp9132]

Thanks for pointing out the old First Class is way better than the new version

[@CheshireTrainspotter]

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

[@rarevhsuploads4995]

Unfortunately the original Euston Station was torn down in the 1960’s & replaced with the modernist black box which is in turn being redeveloped for the HS2 line up to Birmingham. Leeds is a beautiful city, you missed out in not staying longer & the large Armouries Museum at the canal dock is worth a visit. LNER 1st Class is pleasant, but Caledonian Sleeper is in a class all of its own.

[@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!

[@agawam68]

Your editing is the best I have ever seen in the "train" genre.

[@mcrachelgrace9568]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@albertweir5070]

good luck mate thanks for all your vidios you kept an Aussie bloke amused

[@gsimonin1]

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

[@DownieLive]

Thank you so much!

[@lupimali9504]

Japan historically owed most of railway technology to the UK, which had been the originator of train tech. Therefore, it can be said that this project, in a sense, was in return for the favor of our mentor, the UK. Greetings from Japan.

[@beegee22]

Here's hoping that you're back on the rails soon! Enjoy your videos!

[@DownieLive]

I hope so too!

[@charlesmcdermott6139]

Mike! I feel less isolated and dream of the time when I can hop on a train to see everything!

[@mariearmstrong7718]

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

[@barbarajordan7636]

Enjoyed your videos. Happy days ahead.you too.

[@timothyhill1461]

You gave me a needed laugh today when I saw your click for my favorite underwear link lol. You looked so sad when you announced you have no more from your trip. This will all end eventually, my friend, and like you said we're all in this together. Stay safe ..

[@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.

[@Nynke_K]

7:45 "how does my hair look?" better than Michael's without the cap, man ;)

[@MTTPokerSchool]

Thank you!

[@DownieLive]

Yeah, I don’t know why you were asking me about hair 😄😆😆😆

[@RedaSerraj-gy7kn]

DES IS SO COOOOOOOOOOOOOL😵‍💫🤯🤯🤯🙀🙀🙀🙀🙀

[@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.

[@devon896]

When things get better you want to try the GWR Paddington to Penzance trip. Try going on the 12:05 train as it has a Pullman coach as well.

[@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 .

[@suechun8871]

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

[@g4viscon]

First time watching your channel. I've watched 3 videos so far and really enjoyed them. Really good work. I can't wait to go through your back catalogue and watch your old stuff.

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Gavin. Welcome aboard

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@TheARGblue]

When the world safely opens up again. Please consider going to Japan and enjoying all their trains!

[@DownieLive]

It is at the top of the list!

[@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.

[@travisandrews5207]

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

[@DownieLive]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@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.

[@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. 😊👍🏻

[@rachelbeckingham4324]

Awesome vlog. What ever you post in the coming weeks will be awesome also. Keep smiling and stay safe. From a fan in Ontario Canada.

[@petraz.6631]

Another awesome video!!! Lol the train looks like a huge caterpilar from the front 😜

[@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.

[@Cole01676]

I can’t wait until you can get back to doing what you love. I know that these people on here who love you will be here post apocalypse to watch you travel yet again. I know I will and I can’t wait. Until then stay healthy and stay happy. ❤️

[@604kev]

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

[@criancaemontessori9030]

Hi there. Thank you for this video. My 2.5 year old son loved the video. He loves trains. The train system here in Boston is far to be something like Azuma. I will love to take my little one day to travel with Azuma. so so cool.

[@DownieLive]

That is awesome! You two would love it!

[@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.

[@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

[@jimDally-w2e]

Love you Mike, take care.

[@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 :)

[@tobeytransport2802]

It’s funny how your so so impressed with it, I like taking the train to London and I live on the HS1 route which is the UKs only dedicated highspeed line and I go 140Mph to London and it takes about 1 hr 30 mins whereas on the normal train (that is cheaper but slower) it takes about 2 hours and in a car 2 hrs 30 mins and I do get a bit excited but I don’t even get this excited 😊

[@TheRailwayDrone]

If you've been on a train in the United States, you'd understand his excitement. We lag way behind you guys in high speed railways.

[@dlittlester]

@@TheRailwayDrone Same in Canada. We've let our rail system go.

[@TheRailwayDrone]

@@dlittlester We need progressive people who understand how valuable railways can be and how much more efficient they are in moving people. I've been on trains in so many other countries and they are YEARS ahead of us.

[@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

[@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.