I spent TWO NIGHTS on Kazakhstan’s “high-speed” train...

As a follow up to my ride on Kazakhstan's old Soviet era train, I decided to take a ride on their so-called high-speed train. The journey took two nights, and it was nice, but there was an annoying problem...
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Journey Details:
Origin: Aktobe-1
Destination: Almaty-2
Company: Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ)
Train: Various + KTZ Tulpar Talgo (Narrowbody)
Accommodation: Business Sleeper Room (T2)
Distance: 2705 kilometres / 1681 miles
Price: 62,430₸ (£108.20 / €128.10 / $146.50)
Time: 33 hours 22 minutes, arrived 8 minutes early
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[@TaronTT]

The carriages being 'bad' isn't the stock's fault, it's the fault of subpar Kazakh tracks. Any other videos of Talgo-style material in other countries aren't anywhere near this bad.

[@pangolin83]

But when the ride quality is worse than Soviet-era carriages on the same track, it's not a great look

[@TaronTT]

​@@pangolin83the thing is, Soviet stock is the toughest stuff out there, made to work in nearly any condition - while this Talgo stock is, in reality, more made for perfectly smooth tracks and infrastructure without flaws... 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Spanderson99]

We have a similar problem here in Canada. The ex-BR mk5 sleepers we got were meant for smooth European tracks. Over here, they ride much worse compared to our 1950s Budd equipment on the same track. Amtrak’s Talgos also had this problem. Big, heavy equipment really helps smooth out the bumps in the track, turning sharp jolts into gentle swaying. Talgo trains anywhere outside Europe are a gimmick if you ask me. Conventional stock seems so much more flexible, and easier to maintain in the long-term. The Ukranian strategy of rebuilding old ammendorf cars is the way to go, at least until track improves!

[@mariogambrelli]

Talgos are super comfortable on equally modern tracks. They just glide like a flying carpet, however, it is true that on derelict tracks, they can be awful.

[@chefchaudard3580]

Furthermore, to reduce weight, in order to keep it within the load limit of a single axle between carriages, the car must be very light. Through the use of light alloys… and limited amount of soundproofing!

[@jimhankinson4428]

I took that train in 2019 ifrom Astana to Almaty in First and was impressed. My compartment had its own shower which was most welcome. I thought the food was good and very reasonably priced.

[@Foxy_AR]

1:28 I love that they have a TGV on their website, even tho I’m sure that Kazakhstan doesn’t have TGVs 😂

[@SuperalbsTravels]

You are correct there! 😂

[@mrvwbug4423]

Seems like Kazakhstan needs to upgrade their railways to actually make good use of the modern rolling stock. Talgos are designed for continuously welded rail like you see in Europe or North America, not soviet era rail lines. As rough as that train was riding there was no way they were reaching the potential 200km/h top speed or anywhere close

[@MrPolandball]

Well you’re free to write a convincing letter for the corrupt government

[@tally1604]

Nowhere near that. Talgos trains make it from Astana to Almaty, an 1,100km journey, in 14 hours. Which makes the average speed below 80 km/h. Hardly high-speed by any standard, bar post-soviet, as older soviet built and newer russian built trains take 20 hours to make the journey.

[@KenanTurkiye]

I ❤ 🚂🚃🚄🚅🚈🚞🚝 I have a folder on ''transportation'' thank you chou chou chouuuu :)) --------------------------------------- Btw, here's something you may find interesting. :) The name of my country has nothing to do with the interesting and delicious bird ''turkey'', well let me explain. :) Name of my country has always been Turkiye, that is Turk-iye, where the -iye suffix means ''land of/belonging to''... ...just like the Latin suffix -ia in such countries as Latv-ia, Roman-ia, Eston-ia, Austr-ia, Austral-ia etc etc. Another example; decades ago Czechoslovakia Republic changed it's name to Czech Republic and a few years ago changed that to Czechia (that is Czech-ia). Anyways, most likely the Latin -ia suffix was derived from the Turkish version -iye, as Turkish is much much older. Because in old times people of different languages could only pronounce it as their languages allowed them, we got various differences in spelling like Turchia (in Italian), Turquie (in French) and Turkey (in English) all trying to resemble the pronounciation of ''Turk-ia'' thus Turkiye. Mind you this was way BEFORE the animal we currently know as 'turkey'' was found by the europeans when they explored the north americas.... ...they came across the bird and thought it was a specie of the fowl/chicken they had been buying from the country of Turkiye at the time, so they named the bird ''Turkey Fowl'' meaning ''Turkish Chicken''..... ....just like how a dog breed is known as German Shepherd (because it's from Germany), Rhodesian Ridgeback (because it's from Rhodesia), American Bulldog, British Terrier, Greek Harehound etc etc. In time you don't get to call the Greek Harehound as simply as ''Greek''; or you don't call the British Terrier as ''British''; or the German Shepherd as ''German'', but in time the Turkish Fowl started to be called just ''turkey'', and has been going on for hundreds of years. Now in 2023, this is causing confusion, especially when we have people across the world unable to point to their OWN country on the atlas, this ''confusion over the naming'' needed to be corrected. So my country decided to rectify this confusion that has been going on for so long and corrected the name in other languages to Türkiye, which it always was, we basically didn't change the name of our country, we changed the mistake made in the English language. : ) So, there's some tid bit information for you to have a great day, if you read upto this point you have a great night too, ohh just have a wonderfull life. : ) Best wishes. ;)

[@petter5721]

Spain does not make qualitative stuff.

[@BeknurZhanibekuly]

Have you seen the Astana LRT? They can’t possibly re build the entire network it’s impossible especially with no funds

[@MrBrianYoutube]

These Kazakh train videos are really interesting!

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Glad to hear it! I'm a big fan of Kazakhstan too, so it is good people are enjoying the content from there! 😍

[@mrmaggydo]

This video sums up why I love this channel so much. Unique journeys in far away places, without any unnecessary commentary! Keep up the awesome work!

[@lucem.glorifico]

Well, as a Russian train fan experienced to travel on various Talgo trains (now I don't live in Russia) I can say sure enough - your experience with shaking and noise of Talgo trains' wheel system does not depend of itself, but on the railway networks' conditions. In 2017 I travelled by Russian version of Talgo train (under the brand "Strizh", or "Swift" bought by RZhD for speed service between Moscow and Berlin) and noticed: there was no such kind of inconvenience on the segments of the railways between Moscow and Minsk when track were modernised or reconstructed (with 100 meters long rail lashes with new types of rails) even on 200 km/h speed (my perception how the train was driving was quite the same as Siemens Velaro trains in Germany), but in "old" parts of Russian railway system or in Poland I felt the same things as well as you during your trip in Kazakhstan. It means the railway systems in post-Soviet countries were made specially for cargo traffic with heavy trains (the standart is 71 carriages of cargo with gross weight 5600 tons). And if your tracks are built primarily for heavy cargo and the railway administration doesn't take much care of the tracks' conditions, any type of modern speed passenger train set usually gives you very unique (unique for Western people lol) trip experience. But there's another problem why Nazarbaev decided to buy and build Talgo train sets for his railways on early 2000's. I love Talgo trains for their unique design and features, but they actually don't fit to post-Soviet (or even more not Spanish) train systems. It was optimised for special conditions of Spain with its mountainous terrain: short carriages with pendulum tilt system fit very well for the train system when the train needs to drive on the track with a lot of small radius curves without without speed reduction, also carriage's widht is too short for 1520 mm gauge (because Talgo 250 was build for use on both Spanish gauges 1668 and 1435). It's a total nonsence for such countries as Kazakhstan (and also for Russia because former RZhD president V. Yakunin lobbied the replacement of "platzkarte" carriages with Talgo cars in early 2010's). Now Kazakhs want to build new passenger cars of Stadler, but without tracks' optimisation any type of passenger car can be something like old stagecoach.

[@nanderv]

I think also those talgo's go faster over the same tracks than a lot of other trains do on the same line. Thus, a 70 km/h soviet sleeper car may well be running more comfy than a 120 km/h running Talgo one. The talgo cars run well on basically any track sections, from a technical standpoint. However, the passengers may be less happy. A similar thing happened way back when in the Netherlands, when we switched from the good old 'dog-nosed' Mat54 to Mat64 (look the pictures up). Although visually similar, the Mat64 was among the heaviest single-decker EMU's ever produced (worldwide even I think), whereas the Mat64 is much much lighter. This resulted in a ride quality that's a lot worse on the Mat64 in some ways, because it goes over the bumps instead of absorbing the bumps using the suspension.

[@martinum4]

Thats really weird, especially when considering that shorter carriages can be produced wider anyway (since they dont reach out of profile lines in curves as easy) combined with broad gauge these could be waaaay bigger

[@patricktrakzel9657]

@@nanderv The Mat54 'dog head'/ 'hondekop' was really heavy. I worked a lot on these trains ( catering back in the days ) and I even prefered them over the Koploper. Last mentioned swiveled more side to side, while the Mat54 just bounced a little up and down. Over the ride quality of the Mat64 'ape head' ( which also had a 4 car variant 'Plan T' with a kitchen and buffet compartment ), it was terrible serving coffee or tea in that thing.

[@halfonso_0871]

I agree with you, but allow me to make a point. Talgo has a long history. First Talgo set, Talgo one, appear on 1942, its main characteristic was the use of only pair of wheels per car. Talgo II was actually USA made and operated both in Spain and in USA. Talgo III started using variable gauge system, to allow those sets to operate across Europe. So no, talgos were not only optimised for Spain, but for Europe. Talgo IV implemented the tilting tech. Those sold to Kazakhstan are modified Talgo VI, that has little to do, except in concept, with the Talgo 3, which was already adapted to operate in Europe in '69. Talgo`s are mean to operate on whole world.

[@vitoperez]

@@nanderv Si quieres alta velocidad en malas líneas no te queda otro remedio más que un Talgo de esa serie. Otros tipos de trenes a esa velocidad descarrilarían. Lo que no se ven por ahí son trenes británicos.

[@jasperpike242]

As a child i went from Malawi to Cape Town by train.2 weeks on 4 different country's trains. It was an amazing experience. The Rhodesian trains were like those in cowboy films with charming open balustraded decks at the back of each carrige. Portugese ( Mozambiq) trains were very modern air con cars, no viewing platforms how ever. Crossing the Zambezi and going slowly round the HUGE diamond mine hole in Jo' berg were memorable times. You should try it!

[@simferpol]

I have travelled on the RZhD Strizh service from Berlin to Moscow. I definately felt the difference in the quality of track between Germany and Poland and then from Poland to Belarus when it improved again. These did have the advantage of the automatic gauge changing system, but the other major disadvantage of these carriages compared to the standard Soviet and post Soviet types, is the very cramped cabins they have in second class. You cannot sit up in bed and they may even have shorter bunks. Everyone was complaining about it.

[@maestromecanico597]

I’ve ridden Talgo in the United States and their fatal flaw is that they are at the mercy of the condition of the track. When the track is all welded rail and properly tamped it’s the quietest conveyance I’ve ever rode. Jointed rail? Hang on!

[@alternateaccount4868]

Suspension doesn’t help?

[@cooltwittertag]

Talgo saves a lot of money by producing low quality trains that are very track dependent. Thats why talgo trains are cheap

[@maestromecanico597]

@@cooltwittertag I rode the Siemens ICE train in the United States back in 1993. Very rough ride. Talgo is not the only builder reliant on track condition.

[@cooltwittertag]

@@maestromecanico597 Siemens trains run significantly smoother on bad tracks, trust me. The issue is that the ICE in the US was an ICE1 that couldnt tilt. Its the least smooth ICE and it lacked the tilting functionality amtrack was looking for. And I bet it still rode a lot better than Talgo trains.

[@vincentchen6008]

Think the reason why the train rattled so much is simply because it’s not meant to be built for the Kazakhstan environment. While the tracks seems old and covered by heavy layers of snow, Talgo trains are known to be small and lightweight.

[@nq3ou]

It‘s a mixture of both. The trains are known to rattle a lot and provide an unsmooth ride. Being on the old kazakh tracks obviously doesn’t help. The „normal“ trains in kazakhstan are a lot smoother.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Which is a pretty big flaw, given they were ordered to run in Kazakhstan's environment.

[@andrewpepper8031]

Very enjoyable video. I can see that the rough ride can make sleep difficult to get. Still the journey across a vast country is something to behold.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@johnmehaffey9953]

First thing I noticed was the way the water was sloshing around the cup so I guessed that it was a pretty clunky ride , nice post

[@whatever8282828]

Despite the poor quality of the tracks, I was glad to see the nicer passenger cars rather than your other video toward Astana I watched recently.

[@ognjenstevanovic9858]

I'm glad you're making videos again.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thanks! Just took a few weeks off to catch up with some things.

[@BeknurZhanibekuly]

The reason why talgo isnt fast is due to the tracks being built during the Soviet union and that time the top speed was 70kmph and re building them would be expensive and would disrupt the network considering that 50% of Kazakhstan's cargo is transported by freight so the train can go up to 200kmph but the tracks don't let that happen 10 LIKES!!! TYSM

[@LYoda]

Was starting to think you spent a month on the train.. glad you are back with videos!

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Hahaha, was just making sure I was all caught up with things. :)

[@rezaalan3991]

Great trip. Finally another Central Asia Trip again and yeah back to Kazakhstan again. I think the noise and rough ride along journey is due to track condition. Overall, nice cabin, and nice food onboard. Can't wait for another adventure in Central Asia.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Soviet trains on the same route are far better to ride. Thanks, more from this region soon... ;)

[@samalaimukhametova7290]

On channel 808, the opposite opinion abounded about the European train, praise of Soviet trains, and Russian trains, and in this channel of praise Talgo

[@TheSrSunday]

Those carriages remind me of the old "Gran Clase" Talgo coaches used by Spanish rail operator Renfe in the 1990s in her sleeper trains.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

They are mostly the same thing. :)

[@JustBen81]

The wheel layout of the talgo trains is supposed tu run quieter than a regular layout. So I guess the tacks may be to blame. With a standard bogey you'd probably have 2 bumps in succession on these tracks.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

The Soviet-era trains are much smoother and quieter on the same track.

[@Bernie2288]

One reason for that: The floor is much higher. Furthermore, my experience: It depends very much one how far away your compartment is from the wheels

[@giraffestreet]

The station platform is reminiscent of The Polar Express movie intro.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Omg you're right 😂

[@MikayeYakovlev]

Aktobe is probably my second favourite 'vokzal' in Qazaqstan, built in the vernacular Socialist Modernist style. The 'modernisation' is really tasteless, like the total bizarre chandeliers, blue windows & incongruous cladding. Still, the interior decorations (marble cladding, metal reliefs & ceiling) is mostly untouched & I am obsessed by the 'Orientalist' stylisation of facade with pointed windows that are meant to resemble yurts or, more generally, what the Soviets imagined by 'Oriental' architecture

[@samalaimukhametova7290]

А вы не типичный славянский человек

[@kazakh-interista]

the modernization was done in the late 1990s. I remember leaving from Aktobe to Almaty in 2000 and the station looked just like that, a bit fresher though. But yeah tasteless af even for that period. Our governors don't do anything that can last

[@chrismcdonnell1695]

I have a hunch that the track clatter might be exactly that, and maybe not as a result of the wheel arrangement ( which works quite well on other networks). Rule 101 of HST’s, you have to have really good tracks.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

The Soviet-era trains on the same route offer a quiet and smooth(er) ride.

[@no-damn-alias]

Well the problem is that the single axle is more or less fixed to the jointed rail cars so all the imperfections of the track are directly transmitted to the cars while train bogies offer a way bigger freedome of movement and secondary dampening thereby being way better suited for bad tracks. If doesn't act like a bogie it drives like a Pacer train which was also criticzed for its ride quality. If you have new built tracks for high speed travel like throughout spain then yes it is a system that works although I don't see any advantages to it. Yes it can change gauge but so can other systems. Complicated system with little benefits apart from slightly wider cars while us

[@no-damn-alias]

using the same structure gauge as the shorter cars swing out less so your bunk maybe a few cm longer without making the gangway narrower.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

@@no-damn-alias Many complaints were made by locals about the Talgo carriages being too small.

[@no-damn-alias]

@@SuperalbsTravels that may be as Kazahk rails allow wider trains and possibly Talgo only offered the standard UIC structure gauge width trains so they're as wide as in western Europe where second class is 2+2 while in post soviet countries it's mostly 3+2

[@firstlast1047]

Passing thru one coach to board an adjacent coach is common for the New York City subway system. It is planned so as to alleviate departing, climbing a set of stairs to the adjacent platform/coach.

[@vitoperez]

Viajar en ese Talgo es como estar en casa. Si quieres alta velocidad en malas líneas no te queda otro remedio más que un Talgo de esa serie. Otros tipos de trenes a esa velocidad descarrilarían. Lo que no se ven por ahí son trenes británicos. Saludos desde España.

[@zenith_linear]

I did only ride train ~6 times in my entire life. Despite elderly and close to academy people saying Kazakhstan needs railroad experts and personnel, it won't see bright future in near decades realistically thinking. Public rail transportation system in decline, except may be in Almaty where it has metro and (still alive?) trams. Generally public chooses cars to commute city to city. My usual route across the country is Astana to Almaty(1000miles). Surprisingly it takes both train and car just a day to travel. Only way trains could outcompete cars is using high speed rail systems. Also never forget corruption that covers all tiers of administration. For example look for Astana Light Rail System or current railroad conditions. Unfortunately foreign media rarely discusses corruption in Kazakhstan. Administration in charge can choose two following options: A) Use allocated money accordingly and finish properly projects and plans B) Withdraw money using shadow schemes and go to vacation in Dubai and Qatar. I think choice is obvious. And remaining money will be sent to foreign establishments and useless forums. So the foreigners won't point their fingers on madness taking this country.

[@n.shadowbg.]

I absolutely love your videos!

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thank youuu 😍

[@tramcrazy]

‘The door locks automatically’ I think it’s a hotel room lock but for some reason they don’t provide you with a keycard to get in 😂

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Yeah, you're right. Some have keys, but some don't. It's quite strange.

[@SirKenchalot]

You spent longer talking about the toilet than you did about the food int he buffet even though you were on this train for 2 days so presumably ate there 4-6 times.

[@tally1604]

Well, I guess the toilet time vs restaurant time explains what happened after he ate and spent all that time in the WC.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Actually no, I packed a lot of snacks, so didn't visit the restaurant much.

[@NormanAllen-ps9ju]

How Tango can sell these rough-riding and noisy trains amazes me ! I also think they are dangerous !

[@JaniTrains]

You should definitely come to Finland and make a review about both the intercity and pendolino!

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Hopefully soon! 😉

[@iancarisi8342]

The deluxe cabin with shower is well worth it. I have ridden it many times in Russia. Have yet to take the trains in KZ.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I managed to get it on another trip! :)

[@intikhabhussainmirza1975]

Excellent vlog!

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thank you! :)

[@jappedut9009]

I am always interested in hearing about the onboard noise, especially on sleeper trains 😊😊

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Unfortunately this is a noisy one!

[@needywallaby2030]

I love this route, from capital to the West Kazakhstan. It is full of snow. You see how cold it is outside and how warm it is inside train. Very cozy I still remember how they renamed entire capital (from Astana to nursultan), when I was in the Talgo train near Nikel'tay Same thing happened when they announced the covid lockdown, and I had to travel back to capital immediately after arriving to my initial destination

[@SuperalbsTravels]

The trains really are cosy to ride in snow!

[@Martin_Trainspotter]

Great video! You should try one of our trains in Croatia. 👍👋

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thanks! I'd love to!

[@hardly.rivai_YT]

A train enthusiast would obviously know based on that water cooler that even if it's modern, these Talgo trains are very comfortable to ride on, though I argue that it's not any better on Soviet-style rolling stock. I was also fascinated that Astana's main station was called Astana-1. Is Astana-2 exist? If so, by then, the next name for Astana is anyone's guess... 😅

[@shk439]

The other train station is called Astana-Nurly Zhol. (Nur should ring some bells)

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I have been on a lot of long journeys on Soviet-style carriages, even up to 63hr, and they were a LOT better than Talgo.

[@Lefaid]

After watching the video on the international train you went on in the region, this one sounds almost luxurious.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

True! 😂😂😂

[@nickgeneral5646]

Really good scenery! You have very good videos! Please make a video on a high speed train in Greece

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thanks! I'd love to visit Greece, it's one of the few European railway networks I haven't visited...

[@nickgeneral5646]

@@SuperalbsTravels but this period we have some railway issues. In December it will work again normally! The section of Line at Tempi valley till Larissa is damaged because in September we had some fluids there but it will be working again this section of this line at December as I know

[@ChristIsKing4ever-l9w]

I think that if this train service offered noise cancelling headphones for the night, it could help to contrast the issue of noise.

[@Herowebcomics]

Wow! Talk about a bare bones station! The passengers looked like the people who work on the train!

[@SuperalbsTravels]

It was a pretty basic station! 😅

[@ZunaishaBaby]

Marvelous 😊

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thanks!!

[@MandyAndMelodie4ever]

I really enjoy travelling on this train, it is really comfortable, and it is the fastest train from Astana to Almaty

[@ericdunn555]

You mentioned in the vid something called a buck or bukk to be used for "entertainment" purposes; what is a buck please, and where can I get a bukk - are they common in western Europe and how do you use them? Thanking you in anticipation of your help and understanding with my ignorance of bukks.

[@ranjandasgupta2995]

I had thought that there would be long/ balanced video between train compartments & outside scenes of winter. This was not to be so. It was more in train itself, than on the winter outside.

[@KanishQQuotes]

KZbinr suffers hypothermia in Kazakh winter, no clickbait , train ride gone wrong

[@NormanAllen-ps9ju]

I read that , even on superb European welded, track these single axle Tangos are still noisy and rough-riding ! Even a bit frightening !

[@deepwoodguy2]

"not at the same time, of course"...........good info to know..........😉😉

[@SuperalbsTravels]

😂😂😂

[@maxim.g.5116]

What a trip!

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Sure was! 😅

[@natehill8069]

I would be interested to know what the engineers thought of the western locos vs the soviet ones.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

There's a funny video somewhere, showing a driver who looks totally bewildered at the controls of a brand-new TE33A. They seem to be really proud of them now.

[@arch9enius]

The'38 stock on the Isle of Wight used deep cushions instead ofsuspension, and welded rail would perhaps have helped them stay inservice longer- the ride was awful . ButI wonder how far that fare would get you in the U.k.?

[@Edward256]

Here's a trip you might like... although it is more of a tour than a one way trip, which would explain its pretty steep price. Train Suite Shikishima.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I'm not sure I'm rich enough for that trip! 😅

[@a156244]

This train requires proper quality tracks. This is why it felt uncomfortable. Had a ride on these couple times in Russia.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

The Soviet-era trains will run on any track!

[@Mladjasmilic]

Having only 2 wheels carrying 2 carriages to my opinion is good idea, but at high speed lines that are regularly maintained and rails often re profiled and trains can take advantage of lower friction. But having this setup, you need special facility to decouple the train and maintain it. Just a waste of money. Also, having a boogie with 4 wheels reduces the shock of going over the rail joint by a half at least .

[@IndustrialParrot2816]

Yep it only works In places with high quality track which is mainly in Europe, and east Asia everywhere medium or low quality track

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Yep, the bogied stock in Kazakhstan is a lot better. Obviously not perfect, but wow it's noticeable.

[@coolmasterztv3088]

Nice Train and Train Ride! Could you do Vande Bharat in the next video

[@SuperalbsTravels]

It's coming very soon... 👀

[@coolmasterztv3088]

@@SuperalbsTravels Ok :)

[@darkhi4488]

емаа мой Ақтөбе засветился

[@kazakh-interista]

ұяттан жерге кіріп кете жаздайсың. Балшыққа малынып, су кешкен шығар мына қасқа🤣

[@PlatformONE]

You forget to mention what was wrong or missing from the cabins. Except for the cabins with shower & toilet facilities, does this train have showers at one end, like the toilets? A Talgo train is meant to have carriage behind joined onto the one in front with the wheels, similar to how a caravan is joined to the vehicle.

[@Zuuu40]

Awesome video

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thanks!

[@halitosis75]

Great video ❤ it

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thank you!!

[@OofletWooflet]

I saw that beer at this hour comment

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Too early for me! 😂

[@rupeshjha0]

Please visit India's Vande Bharat semi high speed train. It's speed is not like high speed train but it's facilities are good. Recommended root :- (Delhi to Bhopal Vande Bharat express). Love to see your videos.❤🎉

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Vande Bharat Express video is coming very soon... 👀

[@mrbelton1871]

Those trains with passangers on the roof?

[@BrokenBackMountains]

That blanket with cotton cover is so Soviet.

[@Miniweet9167]

Those wagons look way more comfortable than what you get by paying a fortune crossing Canada by train.

[@Andrewjg_89]

Quite nice massive trains in Kazakstan. Plus does it always snows or does it get warm.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

It gets very hot in summer, and very cold in winter.

[@barryprice9962]

Great Video

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@shad0w137.]

I wish you could try similar Russian "high-speed" trains... I know it's kinda hard at the moment, but when you have a chance - go for it. Maybe I'm mistaken but I think current Russian trains are more or less better than in Kazakhstan.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

My friend's wife is Russian, and she has used both... I'm told she definitely agrees! 🤣

[@samalaimukhametova7290]

Типичный русский, который самоутвердиться за наш счёт.Пф 😁😄😂🤣Ух какая гордыня

[@chabissit]

Talgo was originally buit to run as fast as possible in the bad tracks of 1960s-1970s Spain which is relatively mountainous. The fact there's no boogies does not mean roughness wasn't taken into account. The dampeners go from the wheel all the way up to the roof of the coach. The coaches are very short, that's why weight is small and one axe per coach is enough. Short coaches are convenient for maintenance reasons in tracks with closed bends. I'm not a expert to tell if there was a sacrifice of comfort for speed in the design but I doubt it.

[@jmcaro4360]

@chabissit The Talgo III RD on Barcelona to Switzerland services. The final cities of the journey varied, from Geneva when TEE "Catalan Talgo" was inaugurated to when it moved to InterCity to Berne or €uroCity to Zurich. French passengers, who only used it on intermediate journeys within the SNCF network, took it into account because it was very comfortable and quiet. We are talking about from 1969 until it was eliminated from service as Talgo Marenostrum, between Cartagena and Montpellier to be replaced by branches of the Talgo Pendular in the early 1990s. Already limited to Montpellier to transfer to the TGV to Switzerland.

[@usacountryball4699]

Very nice video, man! I think that it's rather interesting to see this big country by train during the winter, isn't it?

[@Chrizz06041980]

Another really interesting video. Thank you for that. Which maximum speed was ridden? I guess 120 km/h.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I'd guess the same to be honest. They've been tested at 200km/h, I'll try and find a video for you.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2GogqV4o6xjrM0

[@Chrizz06041980]

​@@SuperalbsTravelsThanks a lot for the video.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

@@Chrizz06041980 Happy to help. :)

[@rztrzt]

The single bogie design shared by two carriages is also used by the French TGV.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Not quite, this train doesn't have bogies at all.

[@rztrzt]

@@SuperalbsTravels Thanks, I just googled it, interesting design. From afar, it looked like a single bogie, my bad.

[@pfsantos007]

I think they used similar Talgo trains between Lisbon, Portugal and Madrid, Spain. Terribly loud as you described. Could barely sleep.

[@vitoperez]

Si hace ruido es por el mal estado de las vías no por el material rodante. Ni idea de lo que es un Talgo.

[@TsaryuYT]

The "Beer at this hour!?" at 8:23 was a nice easter egg. :D

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Too early for me 😂😂😂

[@neten3328]

Хорошее видео, ждем следующее из великой и необъятной

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Thank you! I've filmed a lot in this region, so it will be coming soon. :)

[@MickeyMishra]

$146.00 is bad value for what you get. Sure its a sleeper car. But this is on the level of AMTRAK. That is NOTHING to be proud off.

[@georgeboothroyd7074]

Great experience 😂

[@SuperalbsTravels]

For sure! 😍

[@Hollaraedulioe]

While the single axle design doesn't help, the main issue here might be the way the journey is structured. Talgo units are directional, that is they are made to always run in one direction and be turned when making head. Which seems not to happen here, Rather it seems as if the set is running the wrong way half of the time.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I'm not sure that's still true for the newer ones! An interesting history, though. :)

[@Hollaraedulioe]

@@SuperalbsTravels Well, yes and no. While it's possible since Generatio II to run them backwards due the way the axles are steered, it still carries the issue of being hinged at two wheels and one connection creating a triangle. Hydraulic steering reduces that effect for most situation, but not 100%. In addition the last car is missing that steering force. DB used the same trains (Type 6) during the naughties (perfect rides) and turned them at each destination. Same reason why the new IC-L (Talgo 230) get regular 4 wheel bogies at both end cars.

[@standom2390]

Before becoming carnivore, that chocolate was my favorite. Had to hunt for it.

[@tec20111]

Really enjoy your videos mate. Myself and partner have just travelled Manchester to Tbilisi using many of your featured journeys, they've been useful and comforting! Any plans to take the Dogu Express?

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Awesome, enjoy yourself in Georgia. It's a firm favourite of mine.

[@koos48]

6:50 Is the locomotive named or nicknamed tezza? Remember the signs for three an z are identical in Cyrillic letters. The shape is 3, so both te33a and tezza are possible.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Officially it is TE(thirty-three)A, but because 3 and Z are so similar like you say, I coined the nickname a few years ago. :)

[@papaschlumpf332]

Looking forward to the ICE-L in Germany then, it uses the exact same Tango model... :(

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I really hope it's not quite as bad... 😭

[@reCAPTCHA_com]

This guy makes friends in like 2 minutes on the train

[@tally1604]

You might want to put a date on your video as not to mislead people. I'm in KAZ right now, and it's downright hot over here right now in early October 2023.

[@paul_ko]

Oh god I hope DB's new Talgo ICEs won't be as bad as this one, seems to be a similar model...

[@spygot]

The ratteling isn't created by the train itself, it's reacting to the poor quality of the track. A similar Talgo night train calles InterCityNight was actually known for it's good ride quality in Germany. So the ICE-L will be propably be fine in terms of ride quality.

[@avmz111]

@@spygot The ICN was very loud in the Frankenwald or other parts with tight curves.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I really hope so too, it would totally ruin train travel in Germany if they are...

[@izoiva]

Try to ride some Belorussian Chugunka. They operate Soviet era trains, but keeping them in perfect condition. Russian double decker trains arr also good thing to check.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I really liked my ride on a BCh Ammendorf coach back in 2020. 😊

[@moetocafe]

Looks amazing. The price though sounds a bit pricey for me, I guess the life standard in Kazakhstan is high.

[@KatMarBax]

Imagine if one day you leave the train to be nosey and it leaves without you 🤭

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Not happened yet!

[@no-damn-alias]

Well lets be positive about it. The carriages will shake themselves apart quickly so they won't stay long on Kazahk rails hopefully. Maybe they will come to the conclusion that renovating the old soviet carriages is the better option. I mean railways have used bogies literally for centuries for a reason and now some Spaniards think there's a more complicated and worse way to it.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

True, if it ain't broke, don't fix it... 🙄 Good thing they're being replaced by Stadler carriages - with proper bogies!

[@no-damn-alias]

@@SuperalbsTravels after the experience with Stadler trams in our city I have little hope for.Kazahk sleepers

[@scorpgal6087]

Instead of recommending that people bring their own tea bags, it looks like bringing a cup with a lid is more important.

[@marshalbagramyan_14]

1:36 can't believe this man recorded at the first day of russian war but overall this video is interesting!

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Yeah... ☹️ It definitely darkened the mood, a terrible day indeed...

[@KanishQQuotes]

They could use the Indian railways expertise , they too suffer from old tracks that aren't maintained well still they have developed some good trains lately. Talgo trains also were rejected after trail run in India for similar reasons Plus if the rain can survive in India , it can survive anywhere

[@SuperalbsTravels]

True! 😂

[@vitoperez]

Ni idea de lo que es un Talgo, precisamente están pensados para las vías en malas condiciones.

[@Bak807]

Don’t you ever eat? :) It would have been nice to see some food options.

[@brackenboy6321]

I was disappointed that there was no mention of the dining car or buffet car and what meals were available and the quality of the food.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I packed a lot of snacks this time, so I had those instead.

[@liliya_aseeva]

I imagine what would have happened to your patience if you would have taken the "usual" train of German or Chinese carriages from Aktobe to Almaty (it usually runs along southern border)

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Those Aktobe-Almaty carriages are awful, in third class at least. 🤢🤢🤢

[@liliya_aseeva]

@@SuperalbsTravelsAhahahahh :D At least I had some interesting and inspiring encounters with common people there, as well as dining alone in a super-cheap dining car. Somewhat of a "colonial experience" :D

[@SuperalbsTravels]

@@liliya_aseeva The restaurant car was very nice, but a little bit weird.

[@mudit1]

having talgo trains but no platform how odd this is😂

[@SuperalbsTravels]

😂😂😂

[@maiki947]

I'm Spanish and I must say those carriages are not the best option for every Situation. The single wheel shines the most when trains must change gauge. Having said that, I'have been on various high speed Talgo trains and whilst they are not as comfortable as Siemens Velaro train sets, their ride quality is more than acceptable. Could those tracks be particularly rough?

[@SuperalbsTravels]

The tracks aren't great, but the Soviet-style trains on this route are much better.

[@maiki947]

@@SuperalbsTravels Yeah not the best train for the job.

[@vitoperez]

Tú tienes de español lo que yo de chino. Ni idea de lo que es un Talgo, precisamente están pensados para las vías en malas condiciones.

[@petter5721]

Talgo single axle design will never be comfortable. If you know the basics of ride dynamics you understand why!

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Agreed...

[@johndonovan7018]

bed is like 5ft long... good luck!

[@Coole000]

You misundestood, it's says that cars are *capable* to do 200 km/h, not that they do that speeds on the route

[@SuperalbsTravels]

That makes more sense. Wonder why they ordered such fast vehicles, they'll never go that fast (except on test).

[@EinPinguin]

Oh man if its shaking that much the ICE-L is going to be fun, its just talgo too.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

I'm worried about them... 😢

[@Bohdan_Medvedskyy]

ТЭ33А - Т (тепловоз - diesel locomotive) Е (электрическая передача - electric) 33 (three-three or thirty three) А - basic modification It’s strange that the passenger train is not driven by the passenger version of this locomotive (ТЭП33А - TEP33A), which can reach 160 km/h. The letter П (P) in the name designates a passenger locomotive.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

There are a lot of TE33As, but only a few TEP33As, so the former often produce on passenger turns. Good fun!

[@Bohdan_Medvedskyy]

@@SuperalbsTravels So fun! Thanks for your!

[@TR-zy3ql]

The average speed of the train ist 81 km/h (with the stops) the is absolutely the fastest train in the world 😅

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Yes it is very amazing 😃