GWR’s Cheap Yet DISAPPOINTING First Class - Penzance to London on the Flagship Class 802 IET!

GWR’s newest intercity trains have now made their way across every corner of the routes out of London on the Great Western Main Line, however they are very controversial units with passengers for a number of reasons. Following my journey from Aberdeen to Penzance the previous day, I decided to treat myself to a first class upgrade on the way back to London at a very attractable weekend offer price; although I quickly found out why it was so cheap… so join me as I experience probably one of my worst first class journeys yet!
Journey details:
Date of travel - July 2022
Operator - Great Western Railway (GWR)
Origin - Penzance
Destination - London Paddington
Train type - Class 802 “Intercity Express Train"/AT300
Class of travel - First
Price - £42.35 (original advance single fare inc. Railcard discount of 1/3) Refund of £21.17 AND first class upgrade of £25 led to a revised cost of £46.18
Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoyed the video!
Music is from EpidemicSound and is used under license.
#class802 #iet #gwr #greatwesternrailway #london #cornwall #penzance #tripreport #vlog

[@Red_wine]

Imagine, we could have had the bombardier-siemens bid win the IEP....

[@chriso8485]

I don't think their backhander envelope was as full

[@kai325d3]

Wouldn't matter, it was up to gwr to spec out the seats

[@desmondatkinson4642]

Thank you for an informative video. I agree that the catering is simply not adequate, both in First and Standard class. Don't let the citizens of Truro hear you calling it a town - that was a cathedral you could see.

[@SirReginaldBlomfield1234]

I don't know but he's probably a millennial 🙈🥴

[@devon896]

GWR really need to bring back the HST style First Class asap. Ever since the introduction of the IET's people have commented that First Class is no longer worth it, now with Covid and the poor catering it really isn't worth it

[@yeeye3395]

GWR hasn't had a hot food service in first class for 10+ years now, they had the same offerings on the HSTs for first class.

[@devon896]

@@yeeye3395 HST first class included the big leather seats and a larger choice of sandwiches. Yes the travelling chef was axed in 2014.

[@patrickswan4537]

Thank you, an informative and accurate review. I've travelled this line 1st class in both the old HST and the new 800/2 trains. 1st in the HST had a sense of occasion, it was special, cosseting. 1st on the 800/2 series trains is an underwhelming, uncomfortable disappointment, coupled with an appalling catering offer. It's simply not worth the cost of a 1st class ticket anymore and standard in these trains is unbearable with my bad back, so I now take the car. A pity, I used to like this train journey. That these new trains offer such a poor experience that they are driving away business should be concerning for GWR management...

[@mikemasters1208]

The IETs have killed the ‘romance’ of train travel. They are nothing but mundane shuttle busses….. I specifically remember when my parents took me on a first class Newcastle - London KX service, with GNER in thr early 00’s….. I was so excited to go, and thought about my journey and the experience we had for years after. It’s such a shame that the excitement and romance of train travel has been replaced with milking the passenger in exchange for a mediocre service

[@profmargins]

take off your nostalgia glasses, hsts were very bumpy and were loud

[@kai325d3]

You were a kid, you are nostalgic for not that great of a product either

[@SteveSmithRailways]

Give me an HST over these all day long and thankfully, we still have them for our local services from Cardiff to Penzance. The commuters of Scotland are the ones that have benefitted with the migration the class 43's up there doing the Inter City7 routes, something I must do at some point. Travelled on the class 800/802 once from my home town to London and never again...rancid things! Welcome to 'Progress' they say. Glad I'm not a commuter on these. Good video by the way.

[@truckerallikatuk]

So long as you don't get the refurbished ones, those have concrete seat padding just like the 800s... it's a disappointment. At least the carriages ride better...

[@amanda_wm_3261]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos. Thanks

[@johnkeepin7527]

Another interesting summary! The route from Cogload Junction just north of Taunton, almost to Reading, Southcote Junction, where it joins the line from Basingstoke, used to be known as the “Westbury” line. All the old-style Automatic signals were labelled as “DW” or “UW” (for “Down” and “Up”).

[@tomhami]

Great to see there's still semaphore signals at St Erth and Camborne. Nice report, night Rivera is a great trip!!

[@Viator19]

I mentioned to a GWR ticket collector on a train that the HST's were far better. She replied "yes everyone says that".

[@MrJimheeren]

Have you ever seen the crash-worthy rating of an HST. It’s an absolute death trap in case of an crash. Plus trains should be electric by now and the 125 is a loud filthy diesel

[@seanward4545]

The problem is, people love the hst's and then anything that comes after them are never going to be enough, I use iet's all the time and there are bits where they fault, I will admit but a lot of these reviews are dead set on bringing them down as they are not *hst's*... not much is mentioned on how they are better, such as their speed, initiative design and space...just saying, now waiting for a hst fan boy too shoot me down 😂

[@alanmusicman3385]

"... jouney from Penzance DOWN to London" - so glad to hear someone getting that the right way round - in Railways terms it's "Up" but not in any other. Going to the south east is like a journey into an overcrowded ant hill.

[@KOE530E]

I don’t like the 8xx units either, but to be fair many of the same criticisms were made about the HSTs when they were introduced back in 1976 - they were 7 car fixed formations which led to overcrowding, the seats were low-backed and harder than the Intercity 70 seats on Mk2 stock, the seats didn’t line up properly with the windows etc. However, it’s got to be said HST catering was in a completely different class to the current lamentable “offer” (anybody remember the draft Whitbread Tankard and Heineken back in those early days?). Still, I suspect when the IETs are replaced in 30 years or so there’ll be a load of lamenting about how much better they were than whatever replaces them.

[@profmargins]

IETs will go on to be loved eventually mark my words... they'll be more iconic than hsts.

[@jacobporrett]

Great video mate. I've been on the train from Paignton to Exeter St Davids and back again and the views along the coast are lovely. Dawlish is a lovely place as well. The sea wall look impressive also.

[@user-hj6uf6nr9b]

Very good review, thank you. I find it frustrating that things like the first class lounges and catering are either shut or limited, just because it's Sunday. The demand is there, it's just not good enough.

[@RWL2012]

I just want to say that I've watched a few of your videos and they're really good :)

[@ReubenAshwell]

Brilliant video, never travelled on first class on any trains in my life and I honestly expect the food to be more than you got if it's suppose to be first class and a good dining experience they claim it to be.

[@Thursdaym2]

A grandson came home to Cornwall before Christmas. Train so packed and though a reserved seat he stood from London as far as Exeter. We have also had similar from Reading to Bodmin Parkway a few years ago, so nothing has changed.

[@rolandharmer6402]

Yes, the Hitachi (inspire the next) trains are a big, big disappointment. Rough riding to the point of being alarming, uncomfortable seats, thick window pillars leading to many seats not having a good view, blinds instead of curtains, over bright lighting, no buffet car, inadequate cycle storage, and the noise of underfloor engines instead of having larger engines at each end of the train. For many they are a step backwards from the 40 year old HSTs that they replaced. Compare with a Eurostar to see what is possible. Still the livery is good.

[@EdgyNumber1]

*Rough ride:* Sadly that's down to the track. Japanese railways are much better aligned than those here in the UK. A bogie redesign may occur during one of the mid-life updates. *Uncomfortable seats/lighting:* Those are specified by GWR. *Thick window pillars:* Modern high speed trains are mandated to offer good, effective crash protection as we saw with the Grayrigg incident. *No buffet car:* Not strictly necessary but a small shop could have been specified by GWR. *Underfloor engines* xMU trainsets were chosen for operational flexibility as opposed to (push-pull) locomotive hauled units - the ability to split/join the train at various points of the GWML. It also causes less wear on the track, spreading driven bogies across the length of the train. In electric mode this makes sense, especially under fast acceleration but in diesel-electric mode it suffers the same discomfort as the (Super) Voyager/Meridian train sets. Until the GWML goes all electric (which was originally supposed to happen) we shall have to put up with bi-modal trains for now.

[@thedemographicschannel611]

I've taken an LNER class 800 from King's Cross to Newark, and from my experience the ride quality was great, the train was quite, and the seats weren't that bad. I felt nothing, not a single bump or jolt, while cruising at 125mph (keep in mind these trains absolutely should be able to travel at 125mph without breaking a sweat as they are capable of operating at 140mph with in-cab signalling).

[@callumslife1906]

@@thedemographicschannel611 yeah Lner made the seats nice

[@callumslife1906]

@@thedemographicschannel611 but I do prefer the design of the gwr 800 colour

[@loveserendib04]

@@EdgyNumber1 Buffet car not necessary! for a 5+ hour journey. What miserable passenger care and service is this? What is wrong with this country? Standards of service are appalling

[@ACELog]

Interesting you mentioned changing to SWT. When I was unemployed, I used to change at Reading then to Clapham Junction then to Southern Rail to home (Crystal Palace). That way, the ticket was chaper being not via Paddington in zone 1.

[@lorijohnston4311]

I hope to do this journey from Penzance to London on my next trip so I appreciate your review. BTW, new subscriber!

[@Sim0nTrains]

Only done a GWR first Class experience once and that was travelling from London Paddington to Paignton on a HST but watching your video I would agree the catering was bad, not even free tea/coffee? However was a awesome video, enjoyed it

[@colinriley123]

A fairly typical experience with GWR. A mean first class offer and overcrowded trains. I have been on journeys when there are people sitting on the floor in the gangway in first class. LNER does things so much better, Why cant GWR learn from it, how to provide a civilized first class offer?

[@benclarke4470]

I did london-bristol in first and I was disappointed, nothing like LNER first which is probably the best in the UK. Seats are bad on both, but the catering was awful on GWR and very disappointing. Id just raced from kings cross to paddington and they made me feel like asking for water/coke was too much for them, and heaven forbid I want more than 1 on the hours long journey!! Absolute rubbish

[@gxhall]

I was on a Edinburgh to Kings X LNER just over a week ago, the friday between the strike days and in 1st class there were people sitting in the doorway parts of the coach, one person moving from non reserved seat to another as those who reserved them claimed them. Food was ok but not as good as pre covid Still compared to EMR on the Peterborough to Norwich part of our journey which really was cattle class - 2 old sprinter coaches absolutely rammed particularly to Ely

[@MrSofakinggreat]

@@gxhall you must have been in the same carriage as i on that day, i think the 10.30 Edinburgh - Kings X was cancelled, so folk were still trying to use 'their' seat reservations, but on a different train. Yes there were folk standing at the end of each carriage, and the trolley service was disappointing, nothing like when virgin ran it, or pre covid LNER.

[@Dosedmonkey]

Even cattle class on LNER is so much better.

[@code-on-Trip-app]

Then I will have to be careful when choosing a train recently, as I just plan to take advantage of the discount described in the channel to go out and have some fun.

[@themastergamer5941]

5:14 Here, I could argue that it’s not “Unacceptable” to have a windowless seats for plenty of reasons. It’s also LNER, LUMO + HULL TRAINS that have this as well. It’s useful if you want to tuck away to sleep. Or alternatively to do some work if it’s sunny outside. Good video overall.

[@theaccountant1295]

No. Firstly just because other train companies does this and is therefore the standard, doesn't make it less unacceptable. Secondly, no one wants to not be able to see out of window. Especially not on such a scenic route, and definitely not if they're paying more to sit in First Class, nevermind just paying for Standard. By the way, you usually don't get much choice in the seat you get reserved when you're booking online and even less choice if you bought your ticket in person. If you did get to select your seat whilst booking your ticket, whichever class you're in, there's no way you're gonna book a seat with no window, whether you're looking to work or sleep whatever.

[@georgesteam]

But what is unacceptable is that this is shown as a window seat!

[@afinecity1830]

Fine but would be great to have a choice when booking? How is it identified as a zero view seat?

[@physiocrat7143]

OK if that is what you want and know it will be windowless when you make your reservation.

[@bongman123]

@@theaccountant1295 some people do like them though. I've personally sat at a windowless seat once or twice to do work since its not fun having the sun glare on your laptop, while the rest of the time I sit at a window.

[@garybroadhurst3548]

My latest GWR IET experience was in First from Newport to Paddington. The food offering WOULD have been better than you got, had I got any! The train had originated at Swansea and by Newport there was nothing left other than biscuits and crisps. There was supposed to be a choice of sandwiches and salads too (I could see other pax. enjoying these) but the lovely and rather embarrassed staff-member told me the train was busier than expected, not enough had been loaded and the Cardiff passengers got the last of it. She did keep everyone topped up with as many biscuits, packs of crisps etc. as we could eat, even insisting that I take extra ones "for later", so you can't fault the staff and I feel bad for them. Interestingly GWR don't even advertise sandwiches and salads as an option, so I probably shouldn't complain too much.

[@marcusbrutus1999]

Good video, very informative. What a bloody nightmare though for the poor devils sitting on the floor. Some things don't change. One request, when you put the C.C on the screen for information, like the special weekend upgrade deals, leave them there for at least 10 seconds. There was not enough time to read the message before it dissappeared.

[@henrybn14ar]

I have been travelling by train in Britain over the past week. It seems as if a great deal of thought and expense has gone into making the entire process of travelling by train as difficult and unpleasant as possible, down to annoying security announcements every couple of minutes. The extent of this can only be fully appreciated by a visit to one of the preserved railways. The 800 series can't be fixed, except by someone like Sims Metals

[@Crepello100]

I first did this trip in 1973. Most trains at that time took 6h00 but two were faster at 5h28 and 5h30. This was with 90mph 'Western' diesels which I still miss so I'm biased! Although they were slower they felt faster than now, not because they were rough riding (they weren't) but because they were noisier, especially if you opened the window. No chance of that now. Anyway, happy memories!

[@etherealbolweevil6268]

You've not had to sit on top of an engine then?

[@Hattonbank]

They were only noisy due to less sound insulation in the Mk2# carriages.

[@thearsenalmisfit2414]

My first trip to Penzance was on a Hoover pulled Mark II set with a proper restaurant car. It was 1974 and I was 11 and became a Hoover fan that day. After that itcwas always on an HST in style and comfort. I did 1 round trip on a 8xx and that was enough to force me in to my car since then. Sorry GWR but give me comfort and a slightly longer journey time over the speed and discomfort you offer now. I'll stick to driving from now on heading west.

[@thearsenalmisfit2414]

My first trip to Penzance was on a Hoover pulled Mark II set with a proper restaurant car. It was 1974 and I was 11 and became a Hoover fan that day. After that itcwas always on an HST in style and comfort. I did 1 round trip on a 8xx and that was enough to force me in to my car since then. Sorry GWR but give me comfort and a slightly longer journey time over the speed and discomfort you offer now. I'll stick to driving from now on heading west.

[@georgethepatriot2785]

One of the best videos for me so far. Everyone ive spoken to say the seats are uncomfortable. Apparently the cheapest seats were chosen to save money

[@evilcdh]

The 1st Class on the HST was in a different league altogether. I made one journey on the IET 1st Class. The seats are so bad that I've gone back to driving the car.

[@georgecivil8354]

Thats really saying something! I've always disliked the IET seats, not suitable for long journeys, don't think I'll be trying out first class on them

[@rebeccajones4007]

Standard class isn’t too bad tbh

[@gc7820]

Me too

[@davidhall7811]

That moment when you set off on the long journey looking longingly at the HST still in the station :-)

[@downonthestour]

HST FC was so superior to this poor example of FC. Great Video as usual Midland 👌

[@SOSOwner]

17:22 This actually happened, but that was only because I gave up trying to reserve seats on GWR. Therefore, I took an SWR service from Waterloo to Exeter (and back again a few days later).

[@dukeofdevon5608]

I went on GWR first class on an early morning train. Couldn’t fault them at all. Coffee and food on tap and on way back used the lounge at Paddington which was outstanding

[@stephenrose783]

Great video thank you.

[@oliverturner128]

I literally just went on both of these trains today! What a coincidence

[@mariadelmarjimenezarroyo2656]

Good video, subscribed

[@michaelmontagu3979]

I know we can't go back, but the most comfortable first-class seats were those in the old carriages, with the thick moquette fabric, separate seat cushions and proper reading lights over the seats.

[@enricomonti156]

I have travelled twice on a Class 802, and I was literally in both overcrowded trains last June. Our train to Oxford from Paddington was quite late, so GWR staff told us get a train to Reading and change there. Unfortunately, the first train was extremely unpleasant and overcrowded, let alone the second one. At least I didn't have to stay for more than one stop each trip

[@SeanMidlandstransporthub]

Great video! I paid £33 single during the rail sale and did Penzance-Reading. While it's no LNER first class with hot food I actually enjoyed the service. Plenty of drinks where offered to me and I enjoyed the snack box too. As for the seats, I found the headrest cushion to be super soft and comfortable and the seats to be alright tbh. Much better then the Azumas comfort wise.

[@mattcalder1936]

I was in first class, all I got was a biscuit and a instant coffee, not even an proper brewed coffee and the sad thing is, Standard Class got served first, I was on from Saltash to Truro, Standard Class had food from Saltash, whilst I didn't get food and drink until Bodmin

[@SeanMidlandstransporthub]

@@mattcalder1936 that's a shame

[@TheArkamedBat]

That seat without a window is for people that just want to focus on their job.

[@MrDbone75]

A very good Saturday morning to you all from Wellington Somerset

[@adelestevens]

Class 50 and mk2D carriages back in the 70s was the real way to travel this line. HST in B.R days would come second because even standard (second class in those days) would have seating around a table at every window. Does GWR offer a free chiropractor if you travel all the way to Paddington? Worst seats ever...even Azuma beats these , and that's saying a lot!

[@yeeye3395]

The Azuma is the same type of train with the same seats. Just a buffet and proper catering

[@tommik1283]

I wanted to try Bristol to London but quickly changed my mind. They were asking for £60 compared to £9 on a bus and I could not even book an individual seat from a plan! Unacceptable...

[@xr6lad]

The interior of standard class looked absolutely horrible. That horrible lime green on and above the seats 🤮. It’s cheap like something you’d see on a local bus.

[@dronespace]

Great video

[@genuinepetermorgan]

Glad to hear the delay got past the golden 30 minute barrier and a partial refund was available!

[@470danadidas]

The paltry snack box affair was ridiculous. Would've been inadequate in standard class let alone first class. Good well narrated video.

[@AndreiTupolev]

Acceleration is pretty impressive, and they look pretty good. Beyond that, in just about every box on the checklist of quality, they're way below the HSTs, even after FGW's high density refurb on the latter

[@geraiswaiya2347]

Any good EMU nowadays can accelerate well, powerful traction motors & aluminium car bodies aren't just the preserve of a few manufacturers!

[@aviano72]

23:40 GWR "Cattle Class" 🤣

[@12crepello]

Class 800's not a patch on the 45 year old MK3's. Travelled down to Taunton on a rough riding, underpowered, hard seated 800 and then to Weston Super Mare on a 255 hst "Castle" set. The MK3 was superior in all aspects.

[@Listenerandlearner870]

Really nice to see this line in nice weather. It is great to escape onto SWR at Exeter.

[@desmondatkinson4642]

But no catering at all on the Waterloo line these days. The catering trolley used to come on at Axminster.

[@Listenerandlearner870]

@@desmondatkinson4642 yes no SWR catering. Thank goodness for Pumpkin.

[@madlad4912]

can’t believe you mentioned the 222 standard seat i find them comfortable enough

[@OMtheRails]

They are more comfortable obviously, but they do bare a slight resemblance (what I was referring to but didn’t make very clear) - there is room for improvement though.

[@shirellx5471]

I did this journey 8 days ago in first class too

[@AlfallMap]

Unrelated coincidence, I went to Penzance the EXACT day this was released

[@simondavey7787]

An excellent trip report. Thank you. What serviced operate the Pullman catering?

[@soundseeker63]

The scenery was sublime, what a pity the service GWR offered fell short. This COULD BE a highly enjoyable journey. I feel like a lot of TOCs have continued to cut corners with their catering provisions post-covid when they really ought to be getting back up to speed now. The IETs have never struck me as comfortable or refined long distance trains. They feel very built-down to a price and will do nothing to entice people away from the roads. GWR have many areas they could improve on it seems.

[@olliereed4206]

But I can commute from Exeter to London as is only a 2hr journey, no more staying at relatives or being away from home. It was an hour tube ride from my uncles into work. If you get a touch card, things are way cheaper. My quality of life has improved massively thanks to GWR!

[@jordanjones7172]

The seat with no window that’s a good one if you want sleep

[@michaelmontagu3979]

Or want to work and not be distracted by the view.

[@jordanjones7172]

@@michaelmontagu3979 true

[@dgattenb]

the 800's are nasty trains. On GWR no "Cafe" area like there is on LNER . as for the ride.... remember to always take a cushion !!... and a helmet ( for the bumpy ride )

[@ey7290]

Catering is somewhere GWR really needs to improve on, I'd call these boxes and their current style of catering fine on their regional services, but their InterCity services to Swansea, Cardiff, Bristol, Worcester, Devon and Cornwall, their catering should look more like what LNER does, proper sandwiches and meal deals

[@derisleybrittain]

Superb 🥇🥇🥇

[@roycedickinson3152]

Love your videos. All I've seen are very interesting, but please, please, please can you leave your captions up long enough to read fully and also use a typeface that doesn't get hidden by the video itself. Thankyou.

[@s208richard8]

Hitachi in Japan manufacture the 800 Series Shinkansen or Bullet train ( aka Tsubame) which runs very, very smoothly on the Kyushu line at 160 mph. Looks like the UK has been sold the model a few grades down, or they did not want to pay for a decent train set.

[@WildWildWeasel]

The latter, UK railways are cheap

[@geraiswaiya2347]

These aren't from the wide-body Shinkansen family, but the 'A-train', just narrower & with a longer car body length. As used in the classic narrow-gauge network. But that is no reason for the sub-standard service.

[@yeeye3395]

While yes, these trains are not nearly as nice as an HST, but I have only really noticed major problems on the Pistoia built 802s. The other week I travelled to Reading and Back from Paddington, to have dinner with a friend. On the way up, we were on a 10 coach, UK built class 800. The ride quality was one of the smoothest I have ever experienced, it was better than the Mk4s I had previously traveled on. Whilst the seats were very firm, the backs did have a teeny tiny bit of give. On the way back, I was on a Pistoia built 802, and BOY, the difference in quality was immediately noticeable. Although it had the same exact seat design as the previous train, the seats on this unit seemed even more uncomfortable, it seems as if the factory workers were to lazy to fill the seat cushions properly! The ride quality was appalling, and everything was rattling, it felt like it was made of un cooked pasta! I am not lying, the toilet was held together with duct tape! Also, I have noticed that the seats have different levels of cushioning between the different operators, even though they are the same design. The TransPennine units seem to be decently padded actually.

[@fredburley9512]

Snackbox reminded me of the days of the British Railways ham sandwich - an old joke.

[@andrewbutler6477]

Travelled on one of these this week from Newport to Cardiff 10 minutes enough on these trains

[@smudgycat6750]

Chances are I saw this train go through westbury out my bedroom window, I live wuite close to the line

[@Funnyvideosorcoolcontent]

I think I’m going to do this trip I think, because of this video…

[@susieayres7448]

Traveled to Penzance from Paddington 1st class yesterday. The train was filthy and was offered a bag of peanuts and crisps with 1/2 cup of coffee up until Exeter. After that, nicer staff but no food. 3rd class service for the price of 1st. Disgusting

[@SteamboatWilley]

That snack box looked a bit lacking. Imagine providing a dry oatcake with no cheese or anything to put on it.

[@bman20085]

I live in cornwall and has been to penzance many times do a trip to penzance to bristol temple meeds on a HST

[@cooltrain-ce9ze]

Nice video! I'm sorry to hear that your trip to London went wrong. I'm sure LNER provides a better first class than GWR and I've heard that the catering is much better.

[@beccabush1252]

LNER first class is brilliant.

[@cooltrain-ce9ze]

@@beccabush1252 I haven't been on LNER first class yet but I really want to try it out. I've heard its amazing!

[@alant1647]

Excuse me? No catering outlets on Penzance station (because its Sunday? Oh, we don't eat on Sundays....) on-board catering for a 5 1/2 hour journey pretty well non existent, unless you count a biscuit and a bottle of water as a dining experience, overcrowded, late, uncomfortable. I call that a pretty rubbish experience, more like a train trip to the Gulag. Bring back the "Golden Hind" of the 1970's, when I used to wallow in a first class dining car, with proper meals, waiter service, the works. Call this progress?

[@EE12CSVT]

It's pretty shoddy that you'd have to find a petrol station or something open first thing on a Sunday morning to get adequate food to eat on a 5hr+ journey to London. At least in a car you can stop at Motorway services for food. On GWR you just get biscuits and water. Not even an option for coffee.

[@Class777]

To be fair, TransPennine 802 1st class in my opinion i can't fault but thats the North. Shameful about GWR.

[@David-The-YorkshireMan]

What would you say is most needed for rail in this country? tracks that can take real high speed or trains that can run faster or both?

[@DIEMLtdTV]

I moan about Avanti's First Class menu never changing, but at least you can get complimentary hot food (excluding the full breakfast which is always excellent). The last time I travelled GWR first class the was only one type of sandwich available until I said something and the steward miraculously produced another type (was she saving this until later?). There was some poor "over refreshed" chap in the coach totally fast asleep. I was travelling out of Cardiff and they only checked his ticket at Swindon. He was only travelling one stop and as he was bladdered he was out for the count. So much for the "Pullman" dining experience!!!!

[@nendwr]

Rough riding... Yes, just order the soup on the Pullman...

[@H4RL3Y448]

Nice video of the IET. Also what app do you use for checking line speeds?

[@shirellx5471]

What website or app do you use to look at line speeds If someone else knows can u tell me plz thank you

[@cobalt8619]

This shit is like 99% better than 90% of the trains in north america 😭😭

[@elliesanders885]

00:20 It is a step change... no one said it was a step change for the better though :p

[@Bob_P]

I thought the Class 800s have since been de-restricted to give them the same power output as the Class 802s? They were originally different (as per Wikipedia) but this has since been changed.

[@stevenmccolm1531]

Bring a cushion as the seats are hard in the standard class carriages.

[@michaelmontagu3979]

They are like sitting on an ironing board.

[@Ass_Burgers_Syndrome]

Last time I did London to Cornwall was in the summer of 2018 and I'm not looking forward to the next trip on one of these horrible things.

[@pritamkoli]

Why that bridge before Plymouth is still single line? Is anything hindering to build another bridge or the traffic on this route does not justifies it?

[@brickleyyard4966]

Classification of class should be scrapped on all transport it no longer fair or equal to get charged so much more

[@profmargins]

cry more lmao

[@MrJimheeren]

It’s the year of our lord 2022 somehow the English still haven’t figured out how to electrify the whole line and are the only country in Europe that still uses diesel electrics to connect major cities. How far a country can fall

[@profmargins]

honestly

[@tonybowen63]

I couldn't agree more. The new Hitachi ISTs first class compartments are really bad. I've travelled on them lots of times and I found the seats to be hard and uncomfortable after a short time. Every effort was spared to give a first class experience with these coaches. They are definitely not worth the extra fare money.

[@millercool21]

GWR should change the seats but keep the model

[@profmargins]

yes

[@Ryan-Hooper]

In my experience the ride quality varies massively between units

[@nendwr]

I think it also varies massively by journey segment. The Bristol Parkway - Swindon one is peculiarly bad - it feels like a line that should have a 110mph speed limit with 125mph trains operating on it. Everything west of Cardiff West Junction is very smooth, despite running on diesel out there.

[@georgesteam]

Which App do you use that shows the line speed and train speed?

[@jamestoyn9755]

great video i have been to penzance myself by train how long was your GWR train i mean was it 5 cars 10 cars that sort of thing

[@Harry_Townsend]

Castle class trains are the HST’s

[@TheOracle65]

I live in west Cornwall and use this route from Penzance a fair amount when traveling up country for work, especially in London, although mainly on weekdays rather than weekends. I also often use first class when I can get a good deal from SeatFrog. Although I agree the seating and ride are not up to the standards of the old 125 trains, they do offer a much cleaner, lighter and more modern experience. I also find the at-seat services and food choice/quality better on weekdays than you experienced. Also less crowded although Friday evenings from Paddington are busy as you would expect. The best experience for this journey is on the Cornish Riviera sleeper, which I highly recommend. They use modified MK3 coaches and a Diesel locomotive up front so the ride is smooth and noise levels low. Looking forward to you reviewing this service, which is cheaper than you might expect if booked early. I have not tried it in seat (a very cheap option to travel) only in a sleeper birth.

[@martinreed9565]

I ask GWR for refund on my first class upgrade. The 800 /802 will not last as long as the IC125HST built in uk .i travel home one one from Bristol Recently. Could make out why we run on Diesel all the way to Paddington .

[@profmargins]

it will

[@jamesdoyle8442]

👍👍👍

[@pritamkoli]

Five star coverage

[@Dosedmonkey]

Did you just use the word cheap and trains in the same sentence. 😐

[@PDUCKELS]

The first class section of these trains is very spartan, other operators of these trains standard class coaches are as good if not better than GWR, they really need to up their game, on older stock the { mk2 & mk3) the first class fit out was a much higher quality, as well as smoother riding and quieter.

[@sameccles5164]

What is the app used to show train speed?