Riding TFW's NEW Class 231 FLIRT Trains!

[@WellHelloThere_Donny44]

Its really good how the Penarth - Bargoed line evolved from 2 car pacers, to 4 car class 769's and then to 4 car 231's with battery packs.

[@shaneD7378]

They are identical to the greater anglia FLIRT'S even down too the seat fabric

[@EdgyNumber1]

Economies of scale. Piggy back onto other orders and they become cheaper.

[@GaryJohnWalker1]

I reckon the UK should standardise on Stadler trains - Hitachi, Bombardier and good old Alstom are all just less complete designs.

[@trevorharrison1434]

Everybody loves a FLIRT.

[@SamsVlogstrainsmore]

Great vlog and train review of the Class 231s G. Shame you didn’t get the full ride but still very enjoyable to watch. Caerphilly Castle looks stunning.

[@GLovesTrains]

Thankyou Sam!

[@stuartball4639]

Was just going to say we have had them on GA for 3 years now 😂 The raised seating should have a sticker in the corner of the window to warn people about the step up 👍

[@Thornaby37]

Brilliant video of you flirting with the TFW 231, even if it did go melons up with the points failure (but at least you saw Caerphilly Castle and made friends with the ducks and geese 🤣

[@GLovesTrains]

I like making little friends 😂

[@theshowmanuk]

Watching this I really feel the need to visit Caerphilly Castle . Looks great ! Loved the chat with the goose !

[@GLovesTrains]

Haha thanks! Would recommend a visit 👍

[@PaddyWV]

Looking forward to trying them out in Norfolk soon. The sad -ish thing is somewhere a Sprinter will get its wings. The other thing that occurred to me - they must be the first "above chassis" engined trains since the Class 205 DEMUs. Or Inter-City 125's

[@Carmel303]

Love the video , lived in Penarth brought back happy memories 👍

[@Andrewjg_89]

The Class 231 FLIRT are identical to the Class 756 and of course Greater Anglia Class 745 and Class 755 as they all have been manufactured by Stadler. I like what Stadler have built these fantastic trains to operate in the UK and are lot more quieter and greener.

[@EdgyNumber1]

Are they? GA FLIRTS (7xx classes) also run on OLE lines (bi-mode)

[@barrowc]

Excellent video, G! It does seem like a new era of TfW trains right now and hopefully they all help to give passengers a better service. It was good to get a bonus ep of "Castles with G and Lucy" as well!

[@GLovesTrains]

Haha maybe ill take her to some more 😂 thanks barrowc!

[@chris-io1ki]

Haha,you are so funny... knicker hooks😂😂😂 I quite like the FLIRTS myself. I always make an effort to try and sit next to the thrash cupboard😂 I like the electric versions too on Greater Anglia and the 755s too. Another great vlog too. Thanks for posting😊

[@CitytransportInfoplus]

I've been on these in East Anglia ... yes, really nice trains! The power pack means that as technologies change the train could be powered in a different way without needing to rebuild the whole train.

[@kaitlyn__L]

It's a lot more elegant than hybrid-mode DEMUs which "have the provision" for the engine(s) to be removed leaving great hollows of what could be seat space! Not only batteries or fuel cells as potential swap-outs, but if it's ever overhead electrified you could just get another regular carriage in there! Love me some modularity.

[@darrenwilson8042]

Bonus though - new terminus is at the home of salty creamy crumbly cheese in Caerphilly

[@Sim0nTrains]

Your babe, 175109 is wondering what the hell are you doing flirting with that train! 😂😂😂😂😂 That ending was just Goose! Brilliant G

[@GLovesTrains]

Baha yeah literally 😂 thanks Cyber!

[@stevieinselby]

As you were in Caerdydd, did the journey go *St Mellons* up? 😆 I think the plan is for the diesel-only class 231s to be used for Maesteg/Cheltenham and Ebbw Vale, and the bi-mode class 756s to be used for Rhymney, Coryton, Penarth, Barry and Bridgend via VOG, although from a passenger's point of view there won't be a whole lot of difference between them. Traditionally, Rhymney only got an hourly service because the line was single track north of Bargoed and it took more than 30 minutes to go up and back, but I believe the passing loop has been installed at Tir-Phil so I don't know why it hasn't at least gone half-hourly yet.

[@jamesglossoptravels]

Excellent Video G!! The Flirty 231s do look great. Definitely gonna have to try them out when i venture down to Wales in the future. Must take a visit to Caerphilly and see the castle as well. Looking forward to the next video 😁

[@MichaelSebastianTodd]

amazing stuff the TfW class 231s are amazing & i got to try out the FLIRTS for myself when i was in South Wales a few weeks ago & i rode one to Grangetown & Penarf when i did my day trip in Cardiff and when i returned to Cardiff to ride the Valley lines i rode one to Caerphilly and to another station up the line talking of which its amazing to see Caerphilly again as i visited the castle while i was there and its amazing awesome vlog

[@mark-edwynstephens4123]

Nice to see you "caer-fully" navigated us round TFW's new Class 231 (231005) and it's perfectly aliened windows, knicker hooks, armrest and between the airline styled seats fitted with a table tray the power sockets with USB ports. Gloves you did it again and must thank you for taking us to Caerphilly Castle, just loved the way you showed us the new Class 231, great! Kindest of regards Mark-Edwyn. 🚂🚃🚃

[@StripeyNick]

Cracking video G! Great to see you visiting my local again. The Flirts are fantastic units..... especially wjen you sit next to the thrash wagon. They sound surprisingly good for a unit. I've mentioned it to you before but don't forget, if you venture this way again, you should check out the old railway line that carries on from Penarth.

[@ianbolton9309]

Another fantastic Vblog G great new trains coming to Wales fun times, shame your ride was shorter then you wanted but I know your be back very soon to ride more of them 😉🙂

[@alanreader4815]

Looks amazing. hope they appear in Reading sometime. :D

[@jaybee1921]

Good video G, We on Greater Anglia have had these for quite a while now, they seem to be working well, apart from the occasional glitches...those "knicker hooks" are really useful as you can also hang coats on them too...😁 Take care, Job B.

[@jacobporrett]

The 231 is a brilliant train. I've been on one before and it was brilliant. Good fun to travel on. They look similar to the 755/745 GA have. Great video G.

[@AndySk81]

Awesome train! Awesome video 🔥

[@Isaac2012YT]

Great video G I remember riding on the 142s and 143s that where uncomfortable but it's good to have these new trains

[@danielwilliams199]

Lovely to see your videos only started watching them this evening very intresting

[@jeremyclarkson5548]

Currently watching this while doing a journey on a 231 from Ystrad Mynach-Cardiff Central. Very bouncy but very nice and clean and neat. Loved the way you pronounced Ystrad Mynach found it funny

[@GLovesTrains]

Haha enjoy your journey!

[@jeremyclarkson5548]

@@GLovesTrains currently now on 197015. Heading from Cardiff to Cwmbran. Another lovely and quiet train

[@BeakersAreCool]

Hi G, them 231's are hot!!! They look very nice both inside and out and most important of all they have knicker hooks. A pity about the points failure but it is par for the course nowadays, as ever informative and entertaining. Looking forward to the next one, stay safe.

[@andrewbutler6477]

They are smart trains my late dad was a guard on the line back in the 70s on the old 116 units and can remember the 150s brand new on the valleys so amazing to see some decent new trains on the valleys

[@carlwilson1772]

Another brilliant video G, loved it. Even though it was cut short. I am glad you did the Caerphilly/Carefully pun, I hoped you would.

[@energlynblues1563]

I think it must have been fate your train stopped at Caerphilly, given you the opportunity to see an amazing Castle.

[@jamesabbott5242]

Awesome Video G Loves Trains

[@rhunl]

Knickerhooks 🤣🤣🤣

[@ianjames9166]

You did it again, G, making me want to visit somewhere I haven't been - Caerphilly. I can only dream of having Class 231 trains on the Birmingham/Worcester/Hereford route. Great vid yet again.

[@arnoldspottingvideos5269]

Great video G. Hmm.. are you flirting on the new TFW units 🤣🤣

[@ReubenAshwell]

A flirtastic video G, I've had a ride on the Welsh FLIRTS (the 231 FLIRTS) myself not long ago and they are nice units I'll admit. Shame the journey was cut short but at leat you got to visit Caerphilly castle, I went there when I was a kid. :)

[@rayob9131]

Thanks for that informative vid. You are dead right about the incessant announcements. Recently between Cardiff Central and Newport it was non-stop announcements - unnecessary and annoying.

[@evangaines2303]

Fantasic Vlog, hopefully you visit us in the U.S G. We would love to have you & Lucy.

[@briancjohnson]

That is the squeakiest of train horns!

[@GLovesTrains]

Haha maybe! 😂

[@suffolkraider]

We call it the strangled elephant out east on the 755/745's lol

[@stuartrawson5057]

231 flirting units look very nice G i think they are similar to the Anglian trains great to see they put knicker hooks in for you they must watch your Vlogs😂shame your journey was cut shortnow i deffo need to go to Cardiff to ride on these❤

[@GLovesTrains]

Loool yes very similar im being informed 😂

[@dennisgoulding6185]

Your video's are always worth waiting for they're so enjoyable once again a great video went to Caerphilly castle years ago makes me want to go back, well done 👍👍✅✅

[@tremensdelirious]

Proper adventure would be the 1730 TFW 2 car 150 off Piccadilly after a City or United home game.

[@MrTransportAddict]

Jeez, g, she does quite love, FLIRTing 😂

[@michellebell5092]

We ❤ TfW , I must get down to Wales more often. To satisfy my quarter Welshness. I recently rode on TfW on a 197 from Crewe to Chester (on my way to the Wirral area)

[@stevecriddle]

"Knicker hooks". You got me with that.

[@bobbythedesertwalker594]

That castle is just so enchanting! So cool! 😎

[@YorksLancsTransportHub]

Wow, I didn't realise these entered service.

[@jcabral6231]

elevate your passion, return the much beloved pacers #blovedpacers

[@kaitlyn__L]

Oh wow, I love that level boarding. Thanks for that direct camera angle by the way, sometimes from bigger channels' visuals it's hard to gauge just how flat the gap filler is even when they mention it. That's better than most good dropped kerbs I reckon! And looks like it has enough wiggle room to accommodate some variance in platform height which is fantastic. I eagerly await Scotland getting some of these kinds of trains, hopefully in the next 10-20 years lmao

[@Welshy1717]

The train line app always makes the ticket to small to scan at the barriers........ I find it best to screenshot it, to zoom in and enlarge it 🙃🤩

[@allabouttrains5867]

Excellent video they look brilliant am I right or am I right

[@johnavery15]

It’s Rumney for Rhymney G!

[@pauljohnson4871]

Lovely new trains. G you are amazing & another brilliant video x

[@treadwear1003]

knicker hooks

[@Miguelbaines]

great videos

[@firefly24601]

Whew, you made it across the bay! I hear people crossing the locks tend to disappear!

[@user-nj4si3rn7f]

Gloves trian. goood video. and your goodlooking xxx

[@bobsrailrelics]

They are pretty good aren't they? Did you spot Tommy Cooper? There is a statue of him in the town square at Caerphilly. The 398's on the other line are due to start testing soon so you will have another excuse to visit - not that you need one 😁

[@wmsheep]

Not been back to Caerphilly for years (my old stomping ground). Grew up about 3 mile away from there- funny thing is that everyone just takes the Castle for granted and very few of the locals have ever been around the inside. Here is one for you- next time you are in the S. Wales area you should try to get to Castell Coch, just outside Taffs Well (though I'd take a taxi as it is a bit of a hike)

[@ChrisWar666]

Great stuff G! After watching some of these, I've found out about some plans for metro Soith Wales? What's this about a BRT in Newport? Take a vid for us, see if it's as bad as the BRT in Rio, dead air con, overheating/smoking/burning engines, jam-packed full (although they also have some nice new buses. Hopefully things are getting better here, heh)

[@AnitaSpankyBB]

Another great vid 👍👍👍👍

[@arvindkatiyar526]

Very good video just wanted to understand the difference in a similar train we have here your video was able to give a good idea

[@alanshelly7068]

We have got some of them down in Suffolk

[@twistedwelshtv7797]

What did you think of pengam and bargoed? My local town up until recently when I moved after 6 years there. I love the 231s. Have you seen the new tram-trains yet?

[@MontytheHorse]

Would quite like to see FLIRTs in Scotland. Maybe when the time comes to replace the 170s? Or as bi-modes?

[@JamesTheBell1]

I think that roll of toilet paper might have been put in underhand. In this situation that is definitely the wrong way to do it!

[@GLovesTrains]

😂😂

[@ChristopherPin]

Ive been on a new train this week too, Ive been on the new west midlands 196 trains which have replaced the 172s which its seat designs look very similar to this one but not identical

[@hiba_lamzouri30]

The End Train Class 745 755

[@stephenpinder9567]

Hard to beat a good knicker hook

[@MrGreatplum]

Did you and Lucy have the train to yourselves? Looks like a great train to me :)

[@Xantec]

hi @GLovesTrains, hopes you are well. Thank you for another energy packed video and today I am 4 days out of hospital, so do i need to shout out "SQUISHYBABIES!!!!" in celebration that I am on the mend. Those Stadler 231s look great as well

[@stuartrawson5057]

Hope you have a speedy recovery ❤

[@Xantec]

@@stuartrawson5057 I'm heading roughly in the right direction. :-) thanks buddy

[@hermitageroad4713]

i like the flirt units great video

[@garethdavies9700]

I've not seen you vids in a while and all ready you had me crying when you attempted to pronounce Rhymney lol rimney almost as good as Simon on saying Abercynon lol. But should check out the new depot for the new fleet of trams for tfw in Taff's well. As for rimney it's a nice place 😂 Rumney if that makes it easier lol 😂

[@GLovesTrains]

😂😂

[@sdfgfdsdfgdffg9825]

Good job You filmed today as strike tomorrow

[@Stevenspielburger]

The train CAERPHILLY pulled into the station!!!!! Sorry.... I'll get my coat........

[@GLovesTrains]

Good one 👏

[@wwebradbutt]

Great vlog plus any more vlogs for North Yorkshire as in wensleydale railway and North Yorkshire moors railway @glovestrains also what happens to the knickers song

[@Niallgr]

I saw 175 109

[@KEITHMU]

They look fantastic trains. Never seen ones with knicker hooks though. is that unique to Wales?

[@GLovesTrains]

They're in England too 😂

[@geoffunsworth7424]

Hi Jen I saw your favourite class 175 stabled just south of Chester station yesterday 1/09/2023 and thought of you when i observed 175109. Are these units due for withdrawal, its at the back of my mind they are....hope not.

[@Jackzilla2006]

Hello How are you I Love Trains

[@jackhaynes]

Hey G G I have missed you so much I have not bin to well for a while now I have just seen your video pop up and my face lit up you are amazing love you very much xxxxx ❤❤

[@toddrowlands2002]

Bore da G, What sexy, groovy-looking sets by TFW and I wish they could give some tips to Australian train suppliers, it was a shame that the journey went Melons Up but you did get to see the castle. Mae'r fideos hyn yn gwneud Dydd Mercher yn ddechrau gwych am y diwrnod cyn i mi ddechrau gwneud fy ymarferion adfer. Diolch.

[@shawnli4746]

769s were so unpopular they were gone in less than 3 years. Might as well retire all the 20+ year old electric stock while they're at it

[@NikitaBenCarter]

Hi what does FLIRT stand for ? 😊 does it look at you and then look away 😂

[@ianr]

Fast, Light, Innovative, Regional, Train. 👍

[@MercenaryPen]

@@ianr wikipedia tells me the I is Intercity not Innovative, though as with Stadler's other families of trains, the original acronyms are from German and not English, which is a shame because they also have the WINK, KISS and SMILE families of trains

[@ianr]

@@MercenaryPen I think you may be right, I stand corrected.👍

[@NikitaBenCarter]

@@ianr thanks everyone 😊

[@harryelliott4310]

TfW Class 231

[@alanshelly7068]

A very good Tuesday evening young lady how are you today hun from Alan in the hun xx 😘

[@kristianbarford]

Dumbass question, but aren't these the same bodies as the SPURT trains over here in The Netherlands/Belgium/Germany? Look bloody like it.

[@dylanklebald8123]

She has got her hair up again. Getting kinky about diesel generators.