I tried First Class on Britain’s WORST high-speed train...

This is one of the worst trains I've EVER been on! 🤢 But today, I'll be trying out the GWR IET in First Class on the company's longest possible route, to see if this premium product makes the on-board experience any better.
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Journey Details:
Origin: Penzance
Destination: London Paddington
Company: Great Western Railway (GWR)
Train: UK Class 800 'IET'
Accommodation: First Class Seat (1st)
Distance: 304 miles / 489 kilometres
Price: £33.00 (€39.80 / $42.90)
Time: 5 hours 14 minutes, arrived on-time
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[@stepheng7586]

I'm absolutely convinced that whoever designed the seats for these new trains have never travelled by train.

[@user-tw7hq4cp4m]

You are right about the seats, someone sat in one for a seconds and pronounced them excellent and would never use them personally. Mk3 and Mk 4 coaches were so much more comfortable. A refurbishment is urgently needed.

[@22pcirish]

The spec for the seats was by the department for transport. So therefore cheaply. Blame them.

[@robtyman4281]

It's the lack of attention to detail that I find most noticeable. Getting little details 'right' really matters - it's not being pernickety or anal..... especially if you've paid a huge amount. You deserve better than this. And the train operators need to spend more time on the design process, when it comes to the overall interior - from ergonomics, and practicality, to the actual look (little design touches).....not to mention how comfortable the seats are, or should be. And they need to be comfortable if you're going to be sat in one for five hours. How can they not get this right??! Very good review btw. I have subscribed! You notice how wrong we've got things when it comes to travelling by train, when you visit other European countries....and use the first class on trains in France, Spain, Germany etc.

[@22pcirish]

@@robtyman4281 Not to mention we have a govt that cares very little about the railway.

[@keefr22]

@@22pcirish Is that why they're wasting billions of taxpayer's money on HS2....??!!🤔😂

[@christianbrown4066]

I worked for Hitachi (EU) as an interior developer and advised that the seats were of a commuter standard and the lighting was like being at the dentists . Early morning travellers need to catch up on their sleep . A team member also commented on the welding of the lifting points . We were both dismissed after a year with them .

[@Nelsonwmj]

Talk about being fired because you weren't a "Yes Man".

[@spottymaxy1628]

Ditachi

[@Zauchi]

@@Nelsonwmj probelm when the people higher up than you have a superiority complex.

[@mrflynn1205]

@@ZauchiProbelms probelms !

[@FizzzieCat]

The dreadful seating has no lumbar support. Just compare the seating to the old 125. GWR have ruined this service.

[@jujuUK68]

You could electrify the line completely and power the trains, just with the power generated by Brunel spininng in his grave.

[@benlewis4241]

Underrated comment!

[@Abandoned23345]

Bro you had me dying 💀

[@micsan381]

😂

[@arch9enius]

Electrify between Newton Abbott and Plymouth first . Which was what Brunel did after all, just without electricity .

[@noelht1]

Ha ha brilliant comment

[@AndyPerry1972]

So basically, First Class is what Standard Class should be like. Comfort seems to have halved in the modern trains and yet prices seem to be double. You could actually say that about most things though

[@nigelbenn4642]

It's as if privatising them is a con job

[@tonygreenfield7820]

Pretty much the same across the country. Calling the service "First Class" should be regarded as fraudulent. Yes it's better than standard. Just. But not by much. Certainly not worth the extra cost. Most countries would see British "first class" as being substandard class.

[@infamyinfamy]

Standard class used to be great back in the 90s on this route. These carriages are awful!

[@user-oc5xt7nl7e]

Skimpflation as it's been called these days.

[@RegiyThornton]

Couldn’t have said it better first class is literally a coach seat 💀

[@formidable38]

I know of a couple of drivers that work these trains. When they were being trained on them, some Hitachi techs came over from Japan and they expressed their suprise that the UK were using these on long distance, intercity services! They are a short hop commuter unit and nothing more. So sad when we remember what went before them!

[@manomaylr]

Well the train is InterCity but the seats are commuter!

[@DJTrainBrain]

The Hitachi techs have good reason to be surprised. These trains are based on Hitachi's A-train family, which is designed for commuter and "limited express" services, the latter being a Japanese term for *local/regional* express trains, so short/medium distances and lower speeds. Then when Hitachi started exporting them, they went on to also market them for intercity and long-distance trains. But the UK's experience with them goes to show that they were not originally designed for that. They'll stay in one piece - at least so far, but the ride quality, seat comfort, and to some extent the interior design, are rather more what you'd expect on local/regional trains. It's perfectly adequate there, but it's unbecoming a long-distance train. It's a trend we're seeing more and more these days. Train operating companies that need new long-distance trains in the low end of the high-speed spectrum (around 200km/h) end up cheaping out on upgraded regional trains. I'm guessing the train manufacturers can apparently make it all work out on paper, upgrading the regional train design a bit to stretch the original 160km/h top speed to 200km/h so they can just about meet the buyer's specifications (which I then wonder if those are adequate to begin with), and that compared with the manufacturer being then able to offer lower prices - because it's still a regional train - makes these upgraded regional trains outprice the proper high-speed trains, even those designed for around 200km/h. And here we are. I should again mention that that theory is conjecture on my part, but it seems very likely to me.

[@marionbloom1218]

It's a race to the bottom on price with the buyer not looking closely enough at whether what they are getting for the lowest price is actually fit for purpose. These trains are not.

[@barrieshepherd7694]

@@marionbloom1218 The buyer (DfT) could not care a flying fig what they were getting so long as the cost was low.

[@maxhaughton1964]

By japanese standards most of the journeys are probably "short hop". London to bristol for example isn't even 200km. These trains are already too big to be easily used for a lot of UK stations, as well.

[@abigailturner2775]

A GWR employee told me that the reason why the seats are so hard is because fitting more comfortable ones would have cost an extra £100 per seat. If you have a bad back and sore backside, it's because of money saving.

[@wv7417]

It's more to do with the over the top fire safety standards that are imposed on trains in the UK these days Padding and comfort of any kind is somehow believed to mean the train can imminently catch fire at any time 🙄

[@sacrilegiousboi978]

@@wv7417that’s just what the cheapskate TOC’s and DfT want us to believe so they can justify penny pinching at the expense of our comfort

[@junfa8686]

@@wv7417why defend profiting？

[@sinadiatta9905]

And ofc they're not willing to pay for the extra comfort... I'm glad to live on the other side of the chunnnel

[@Eagle3302PL]

@@junfa8686 Eu bad, Engrand good. Simple as.

[@markclifton14]

The train itself is very advanced technology. If GWR was to upgrade the seating in both First and standard class and offer proper food on board and make the ride more comfortable. This would be a great service.

[@drziggyabdelmalak1439]

😂 So basically, scrap the whole thing and start from scratch!

[@spiderbhyd3]

@@drziggyabdelmalak1439sounds like a brilliant idea 😂

[@daydays12]

How can the train be advanced if it causes the paying customers discomfort and hunger pains

[@laurencedunn5508]

Bring back BRITISH RAIL

[@gapthemind--mindthegap8524]

​@@drziggyabdelmalak1439no need, just take out the seats and replace them. No need to scrap the trains

[@morzee94]

I don’t hate the class 800, I just think they are average. The problem is they’re being used on flagship routes and are starting to absolutely dominate the UK intercity market. After all this time, the Pendolinos on the West Coast Main Line are still the best long distance trains in the UK.

[@updistant705]

Pendolinos are claustrophobic, cramped and have terrible window spacing. If they're the best then it shows how much standards have declined.

[@alisonwilson9749]

Yep. And the titling makes me feel sick- I have to stand in the corridor ends. I've actually seen an unfortunate passenger throwing up because of the motion. The only way round it is to stand up and concentrate on looking out of the window- I helped her to do this and she stopped throwing up. You have to choose a carriage end without a loo, as the loos stink. @@updistant705

[@luelou8464]

Greater anglia's 745 Flirts are by far the nicest modern era intercity trains. The standard seats are nicer than the first class seats on the 800s, and the low floor design allows for more headroom on top of being much better for accessibility. Combined with the lighter earth tone pallette they generally just feel a lot more airy.

[@morzee94]

@@luelou8464 They’re nice trains, but I’d put them in the category of commuter train rather than intercity simply because their top speed is 100mph rather than 125mph like the IETs and Pendolinos.

[@luelou8464]

​@@morzee94They serve four cities allong the Great Eastern, sounds pretty intercity to me. GA use Aventras for their commuter services.

[@jabberwockytdi8901]

Blame the DOT for allowing people who never travel om a train to tell the train companies what trains they are going to get and how they will be equipped , hence the suburban standard seating. Youl'll have to wait for the first refurbs for these faults to start to get fixed. LNER had to fight to get better catering on the east cost route.

[@Farleigh1050]

DfT*

[@pedromorgan99]

we need some more of that catering back.. like a nice meal.. and affordable..

[@manomaylr]

It was Virgin who did a lot of the fighting, actually!

[@legitibitmaster3264]

They do run rare Pullman dining sessions on those trains tho on only a few certain routes a day tbf 😭

[@Gokatgo]

Can you explain further? How does the DfT force these seating arrangements? Genuinely curious

[@Eddy2730]

8:50 - I. K. Brunel originally intended to have two tracks crossing the bridge. But the Board of Directors turned it down and persuaded him to only have one. Even today, it's a bottleneck!

[@markevans2294]

He also intended putting the section of the line between Teignmouth and Starcross in the sea on a bridge like structure. The video missed out the only remaining part of Brunel's atmospheric railway adjacent to the current Starcross station.

[@EllieMaes-Grandad]

No mention of the piers from the original timber viaducts that can be seen in several places. @@markevans2294

[@ChangesOneTim]

It became a real bottleneck as from 1973 when the single line was made twice as long on the English side [to save costs of another structure]. Up until then the single line was confined to the RAB itself.

[@francishuddy9462]

If it was a bottle-neck when it was built, why would it not remain so today?

[@ChangesOneTim]

@@francishuddy9462 My point is that as built the 15mph limit over the RAB was effectively a 4min block by each train over the single line. Since it was extended eastwards to St. Budeaux it's more like 7min (allowing for higher permitted speed over that bit), which in today's half-hourly timetable can worsen delay to late running as well as on-time trains.

[@100SteveB]

I am old enough to remember when train seating was of the sprung variety, with plenty of padding on top. Very, very comfortable to sit on for hours on end. Admittedly back then BR did very little to keep them clean - often being full of dust, but I still cannot forget just how comfortable train seating used to be. It would seem that back then the designers really cared about the passengers being comfortable. That these days seem to be a low priority for most railway companies. I used to love travelling by rail, I hate it now, unless it's a special chartered train, or a preserved railway. I remember back in the 70's when the class 43 HST's came into service, the showed how to be modern, but still retain comfort for the passengers. The MK3 coaches were a joy to travel in. Back then I would find an excuse to travel by train, now I find excuses not to.

[@traceyyelland2353]

I remember them to and used to love traveling in the carriage with my mum and brother, sliding doors, big long chairs that is children used to sleep on. I used to plan my entire journey to do something every 5 minutes. Magical. Now I travel first class to have quiet only. People used to be so polite. I had to sit next to a lady who thought it was acceptable to fan her armpits in my face, a large lady who left me know room. Unbelievable, then there's the drunks, the loud talkers , I could go on. I'm 54 but will never forget those old trains❤

[@charleslambert3368]

and yet upholstery technology is so much more advanced now. Memory foam is a consumer product rather than some experimental NASA material like it was back then.

[@stace3037]

The 125s in the 1980s were a dream to travel on in standard class, nowadays I'd rather drive than travel in first!

[@pizzamad3334]

Couldn't agree more. Avoid at all costs.

[@trevorhart545]

You young TEENAGERS, 54 hardly grown up. It was even better in the 60's when even a DMU was comfortable, ON TIME and Clean. APT on offer costing a Research Budget of Ten Bob a Week, no wonder it failed@@traceyyelland2353

[@dombat]

Such a comfort downgrade from HSTs. They were smooth, silent and had seats designed to be sat in for journeys of this length. I used to enjoy riding those along most of this route when I went to uni in Plymouth.

[@gainsbourg66]

The HSTs were a massive downgrade from the locomotive hauled coaches that preceded them. They were spacious, and had large, opening, untinted windows. The seats were sprung and well designed. They had dining cars, licenced buffet cars and trolley service. The worst thing about the HST was the crowded, stuffy feeling, coupled with the frequent stench when they were braking at high speed.

[@Mgameing123]

@@gainsbourg66 With this trend continuing the next generation of high speed trains will just be longitudinal seating.

[@chubeye1187]

HST used to feel smoother in the 80s, but the ones that EMR ran a few years ago were anything but smooth.

[@peterwilton9047]

Are you referring to the seats the HSTs had towards the end of their service? My feeling is that they blocked the view out of the windows, for me the most important factor on such a scenic and historically interesting route. I far preferred the original HST seats which were lower and gave me a panoramic view outside.

[@Quebecoisegal]

@@Mgameing123 The original GWR were the last I seem to remember reading to make things comfortable for passengers and crew, looks like they are indeed regressing.

[@mikeblatzheim2797]

Aside from the recline and headrests, these seats appear to be identical to the ones fitted to Siemens Desiro regional trains in Germany. In 2nd class no less. In that role they're perfectly adequate, but I'm not sure who thought that these would work as first class seats on a long distance train. As for the 2nd class seats on the 800s, let's just say I've been on more comfortable city bus seats.

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

The bum-numbing brilliantly named "ironing board" seats are , es tut mir leid, lacking in comfort because they are the product of the EU transportation fire resistance regs and as such, have as little padding as poss. Making a trip to Paddington a pain in the Posterior. I thank you...

[@mikeblatzheim2797]

@@JP_TaVeryMuch Somehow that doesn't prevent our operators from fitting at least somewhat comfortable seating. Like I said, what GWR put in their IETs in first class is the current second class regional train offering in Germany. Seats on actual long distance trains are far more comfortable.

[@userscott]

@@JP_TaVeryMuch that's not entirely correct. The requirements of EN45545-2 do not prohibit the level of comfort in any way and there are now multitudes of suppliers who are able to provide seats which meet this standard. The only reason for these seats is cost saving.

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

@@userscott I bow to your superior knowledge, sir.

[@barrieshepherd7694]

@@mikeblatzheim2797 Not GWR's fault DfT specified and bought the trains GWR had to take what they were given.

[@railwaystationmaster]

You totally nailed it regarding the bicycle storage, clearly intended to deter cyclists from travelling by train ever again .

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Exactly, there's capacity, but it's rubbish!

[@adamlea6339]

It is basivcally lip service, like the crap so-called cycle facilities found on the roads designed by people who have never ridden a bike since they were at primary school. The don't have to have a clue because cyclists are a minimal fraction of the market and so don't need to bother putting much effort into accomodating them.

[@railwaystationmaster]

BRUTAL HONESTY !@@adamlea6339

[@stephen8035]

When you look at how far things have advanced over the last 40 years in terms of technology, engineering and materials, it's astounding they came up with something so poor as a replacement for the HST and is meant to be in service for decades to come.

[@micsan381]

Britain used to set the standard. Now other countries look at Britain for how not to do it.

[@JackMellor498]

Guess what happened around 40 years ago? Privatisation, only a profit over providing a great service motive can be responsible for this.

[@a1white]

Nothing wrong with the actual trains, it’s the interior that’s the problem. Hopefully when they eventually refurbish them they’ll resolve the substantial issues

[@iamaduckquack]

Welcome to (not so great) Britain. ​@@micsan381

[@daydays12]

@@micsan381 that's true for most things ...water companies for example!

[@vividblonde]

I’m so glad I saw this. I have written to GWR twice telling them how uncomfortable these trains are, they replied “the rest of our customers like the trains” or something along those lines. I agree with the 3 remarks, seats, lights and refreshments. What the hell are they doing?

[@alisonwilson9749]

Lying, they all do it thee days.

[@daydays12]

putting more money in their pockets...they don't care about their customers

[@iskra1234]

A very fair review of a beautiful route with very average trains. The Pullman Dining is a must, although it’s not cheap and I doubt it’s as good on an IET. I can’t agree with your description of the Night Riviera as a luxury sleeper train, it’s pretty much Premier Inn on wheels, but it is at least priced accordingly unlike Caledonian Sleeper.

[@Trainman10715]

thats because the night riviers is subsidised by the rest of GWR while the caledonion sleeper has to sustain itself

[@iskra1234]

@@Trainman10715 Not really, it’s now run by the Scottish Government who give it a vast subsidy. It would make more sense back in the Scotrail franchise operationally, but with separate CS branding.

[@Trainman10715]

@@iskra1234 I'm not reffering to government subsidy, gwr are government subsidised too, as we're Caledonian under serco. Gwr can subsidise there sleeper as they almost run at a profit, Caledonian sleeper runs at a massive loss

[@SirKilot]

The speed you go as you travel closer to London shows how well levelling up is going :D

[@trevorhart545]

DOWNHILL into London ? Stops everywhere in Cornwall BUT as usual IGNORES Maidenhead.

[@DanTheCaptain]

It’s a shame these train sets are so poorly designed because I do quite like their livery! I’ve never travelled with GWR, but their livery is something I do enjoy.

[@updistant705]

I find it a terribly dreary livery. Dark green just looks dull whether the sun is in or out.

[@Clivestravelandtrains]

That's a bit superficial. The last thing on your mind when travelling in a train is what it looks like on the outside.

[@osasunaitor]

I do agree with you, the shiny emerald green livery of GWR is one of my all time favourites probably. In general, UK trains tend to have always interesting, clean and varied liveries which is a nice touch (for comparison, all passenger trains in my country are plain white and half of them have a layer of graffiti on top anyways). This being said, I've traveled in this train once from London to Bristol and it is true that the interior was remarkably uncomfortable. I tried to take a short nap during the journey, something I often do on trains, and found myself incapable due to the painful seat design and bad stability of the train.

[@michaelpoole587]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6fCl2agibp-n6M

[@samsaltwell]

@updistant705 GWR’s rich emerald green is classy in an exclusive way (sadly not matched by the experience any more). It’s goes beautifully with their 1930s style posters.

[@charlotteoleary196]

I have been on this journey many times and mostly it's bearable but it can be horrendous. They frequently don't have sandwiches so you have to pay for the same sandwich from Standard Class, which is madness when it's already included in the cost of the ticket. The seats are like ironing boards and only slightly better than the ones in Standard. The old leather seats were fantastic. The train is really bumpy particularly between Reading and Paddington, the train driver even warned us about this and I nearly bit my tongue off when it hit a major bump. My worst experience was being delayed by two hours, being thrown off halfway and told to get on a slow train, I got into Paddington and tried to use the First Class lounge as I was desperate for the loo by this point and I wasn't allowed to because the GWR woman didn't believe I had only just got off the train. I then tried to claim back my ticket but I wasn't allowed a refund because they said I could have got on a faster train behind my original one - but the train manager said it was full and to get on the slow train and not attempt the fast one. I ended up having to write a complaint to get my money back. I've not traveled in GWR because of covid and I am not looking forward to going back on there. Take your own food is my advice!

[@peteb1594]

It’s such a shame how they downgraded from the HST with their beautiful interior to these horrendous machines. Worth noting you also travelled on the ICE in Germany which have much better seat design, no stupid pole supporting the table, better catering options (yes…. It has much improved!) and ample ample luggage space.

[@johnhammond5379]

When it comes to space on a train, the wider loading guage in Continental Europe always help.

[@neilburns8869]

Penzance is a lovely well kept wee railway station, and a real credit to those charged with looking after it.

[@daydays12]

it is pity that Penzance station is stationary and doesn't take its passengers anywhere

[@DavidBromage]

GWR used to have a full restaurant service on the HSTs even before they were upgraded in the 2010s. I had a delicious full English breakfast on board while enjoying the Dawlish scenery back in 2009. On another occasion leaving Paddington, a cup of tea (in a proper cup with a saucer), snacks and a copy of The Times had been brought to all first class seats before the train had departed. The only regular UK train service that served better meals at the time was the now defunct Wrexham & Shropshire.

[@still_guns]

I remember that. The only time I believe I ever travelled on a Valenta HST with my aunt, she bought me breakfast on the train (Something with sausages, I wish I could remember what). I went on a Class 802 two years ago and had to buy my lunch at the WHSmith at Exeter St. Davids because of the lack of even a trolley service.

[@mattcalder1936]

I went first class Plymouth to Truro to meet my ex and went first class because it was cheaper than normal class, they SERVED STANDARD FIRST and First last, I dint even get a coffee till one stop before Truro, I am deeply ashamed they serve standard first when we have paid more for a first class ticket

[@davidpphillips]

I remember GWR used to do free wine Fridays in first class, then it moved to the lounge at Paddington rather than on the train. Suspect it’s just biscuits and coffee now!

[@wessexdruid7598]

I remember when GWR used to do gastronomic journeys to the South-West, featuring guest chefs and local produce. They have lost so much...

[@scj00380]

For a so-called 'developed' country, railways in the UK are laughable. Looking at your excellent video it's like a journey back in time. The last train I was on was the Limoges to Paris TGV... now that IS the future!

[@peterclarke7240]

It's what happens when a country sells its soul to capitalism.

[@Dehydratedpencil]

​@@peterclarke7240If you think the UK is a capitalist country then you're too far gone mate. It would take hours and hours to list all the government enforced regulations that suppress true capitalism, the free market.

[@michaelstaley2241]

You don’t give a favourable insight on the uk railways..

[@sekhmet7774]

@@michaelstaley2241 When they were invented they were a marvel of engineering and something that Britain could be proud of, but nowadays the railways are just badly managed and too expensive.

[@ianbradley220]

I wasn't impressed with the long-distance French train I was on this week. Yes, a larger seat but very worn and uncomfortable. No food served on French trains in First Class either: a trolley passes through the train with mediocre but expensive snacks you can buy. Although I was against the privatisation of our railways, it has led to competition between operators in terms of what they offer customers. To be fair I don't think GWR is too bad but, if you want to see how First Class should be done well, try LNER.

[@algojeff]

Here in Canada, that shameful first class offering would be second class on Via Rail network ! Ok, our trains are frequently delayed but, at least, you’ve got a very decent seat in 2th. You deserve better.

[@oceanlnr9414]

I took one of these from Newport S. Wales to Paddington in standard and thought it was great. But I’m an American so my standards are very low and I’m young so the seats didn’t bother me. There was also a very friendly golden retriever seated next to me so it was always going to be a great trip.

[@nixcails]

I'm surprised an American knew what a train was. I had the dismissal experience of Amtrak. Why the feck you have to check in for a train and have your bags weighed as a mandatory seat reservation for an empty train from Providence to New York is beyond me.

[@oceanlnr9414]

@@nixcails I think the bag weighing thing is because labor laws say that transportation workers shouldn’t have to pick up bags that weigh more than 50 pounds. Because remember that almost no Amtrak trains have level boarding so all those baggage car bags have to be lifted up a couple feet

[@NoOrganHarvesters]

Your not wrong, I live in the UK and took this train from Bristol last week, nothing wrong with it, this guy just wants views by saying that everything is “the worst”

[@EdwinWalkerProfile]

​@@NoOrganHarvesters To be fair, he did highlight all the features of this train that make it worse in comparison to other high-speed trains in the UK. It's not totally misleading.

[@NoOrganHarvesters]

@@EdwinWalkerProfile I agree, but if you look at his videos, most of them are titled something like "This is the WORST train in (insert country here)"

[@uncle_monty]

Totally agree about the standard class seating. Unbelievably uncomfortable. Cannot understand how that got signed off....

[@barrieshepherd7694]

DfT looked the tenders and took the lowest - DfT are beholding to Treasury who want to be rid of the railways.

[@tonygreenfield7820]

If they transported cattle in equivalent conditions the animal rights mob would be all over it. But as it's fare paying people no one gives a damn.

[@kiwitrainguy]

If Treasury want to get rid of the railways then they are probably beholden to the oil companies.@@barrieshepherd7694

[@daydays12]

I am distressed by this

[@yarpyarp5647]

I love that the single seats has a permanent table, not a flip down aviation style, makes a more prominent look that informs you there is a table and please use it

[@s125ish]

I actually prefer a flip down table. The fixed table gets in the way and is gimmicky

[@youngjamesscott]

I remember the High Speed introduced in the 1970s but things have steadily got worse. The ride at speed is awful.

[@jasonlittlewood3874]

As someone who has travelled in every class, on every varient of the 80x series units, I rate them as follows, with the major points listed, good & bad. 1st Lumo - Best seats, but cramped. 2nd LNER - Best catering, best attempt with luggage. 3rd Hull Trains - Great staff, but NO Std class catering. 4th TransPennineExpress - Would have been joint 3rd, if they could be guaranteed to turn up! 5th GWR - Seats seem to be hardest of all operators, poor catering. (Not tried the Pullman) Apart from LUMO, they all have issues with seats & all have luggage space issues, which LNER have removed seats to try & help out with.

[@pedromorgan99]

Having travelled in Japan.. the common theme is their second class, is better than our first..

[@mrquickogaming]

I once was in GWR 1st class from Bristol TM to Reading and once never received anything or any announcements, complained and they said they didn't have to come round!

[@mrquickogaming]

Also to mention no ticket checks so people just sat in there, saw the crew in the kitchen on their phones

[@TwoWholeWorms]

It's shocking how much (F)GW(R)'s services have declined since the HSTs stopped running on the routes.

[@NoOrganHarvesters]

They still run on this route. Check your facts

[@WilliamDavidKirbyUK]

Dont blame the rollling stock. Blame the useless government that we have had for at least 13+ years and please use your vote at the next electtion@@NoOrganHarvesters

[@Trainman10715]

@@NoOrganHarvesters no they dont, check your facts

[@updistant705]

If you mean the Castle class HST's they will all be gone by December, another crazy decision.@@NoOrganHarvesters

[@TalesOfWar]

@@updistant705 HST's are obsolete and well behind modern safety standards. They basically splinter apart in a collision, especially the drivers cab. They're just fibreglass shells on a rather small steel frame. Their record in derailing etc are pretty bad. They've been bested for years. They were great train sets when new and were for a long time, but they're past their prime now. Don't get me wrong, I love them, they're iconic, but they should be museum pieces now (and are). They served with distinction!

[@happyslappy5203]

"high-speed train" : 5 hr 14 min, 304 mi (489 km).. 93 kph??😳 a "high-speed" train??😂😂 Try a "real" High Speed Train: TGV Paris-Bordeaux (575 km) : 6 November 2023, departure Paris 9:04am - arrival Bordeaux 11:14am, travel time 2hr10 min. Cost 45 euros.

[@chrisnightingale6917]

The high floors are a problem caused by the bi-mode multiple unit design of the trains, the carriages with engines in have higher floors than the ones without. The all-electric versions have lower floors. The old trains with an engine at each end, away from the passengers, were far quieter as well as being much more comfortable! I'm also a big fan of the Intercity 225s, with one loco and a driving trailer, which are now sadly all but retired from the ECML. With the awful seats and the rubbish ride, it's sometimes enough to tip the balance to driving for me these days

[@angrytrainguy547]

Duck from Thomas The Tank Engine would be very upset to see what the GWR has become.

[@BigPhilBigBike]

15:20 walk up tickets for 1st class is normally anything from £130 - £213 so that’s quite a good deal

[@Ass_Burgers_Syndrome]

A good deal? He practically robbed them at that price.

[@MichaelGGarry]

@@Ass_Burgers_Syndrome No, he paid what many countries consider a normal price.....

[@siraff4461]

So far as most consumers are concerned the full price when you need the service is what they are going to have to pay. If its possibe to sell the tickets at £30-odd quid then £200+ is just profiteering.

[@daydays12]

Unbelievably expensive!! I'm a Brit living in a big city in France and a train from my city to Paris covers the 400 kilometres in 2 hours and costs around 60 ( 51£ )or 70 ( 61£) euros first class and is v comfortable in first. I am now dreading travelling on the line on the video, obliged to take second because old and not rich.. I dread to think what my daughter ( French) who travels a lot on French railways, will think of the train on this video...I will feel ashamed and she will get a bad impression of Britain.

[@andrewcowling5804]

At last. A review that agrees with what I’ve been saying all along. GWR have a terrible offering for an intercity train. The worst seats by far. And for 1st class a terrible let down after a decent seat in the old HST.

[@stevemichael8458]

Same stock on LNER. Different colour, same discomfort. I can barely walk after 5 hours in a standard class seat.

[@daydays12]

@@stevemichael8458 Oh no! I will have to use these trains in 2nd in the next few months

[@nig87101]

Great vlog, thanks for taking this journey and posting your thoughts. Everytime I ride on a HST mk3, it blows me away how comfortable, quiet and smooth riding they are. To be replaced by this poundshop IET tat really grinds my gears! As you say, the seats and ride are horrendous. The mk3/BT10 bogie design and build team need medals, every single one of em.

[@mt5144]

The best seats for comfort on the Western Region were the HST Class 43 which use to run on the line prior to these latest Class 800 series trains, The seats on the IET are solid and like sitting on a rock, first and second class are virtually the same with the exception of a padded headrest in the first class section, I have also travelled on the LNER Azuma trains which are virtually the same seating but there is a major difference in 1st Class on the LNER services with excellent dining on long distance trains compared to GWR 800 1st class services with the odd cup of Tea & a pack of Biscuits. All GWR 800 1st Class carriage's should go back to be refurbished with a more decent comfortable quality interior if they want to gain more 1st class passengers.

[@tcraigh1]

Crosscountry have better seats in first class but catering is not up to much. If you can try 1st class on a cross country hst, awesome! Seating in hst and voyager standard is slightly better than IET. Seated accommodation on the night riviera is actually better than the IET if you are taking on a local trip from Plymouth to Taunton.

[@alisonwilson9749]

BR Mk 3s were the best and most comfy carriages. More luggage space, and a van for bikes and heavy luggage.

[@dorintic8915]

I won’t lie, everytime I’ve been on this model it’s been one of the most smoothest journeys possible

[@daydays12]

smooth - but was it comfortable in 2nd?

[@NigelWCole]

Well done I enjoyed taking the trip with you 😊

[@infamyinfamy]

Omg, I used to travel this route all the time during the 1990s. The trains were really comfortable back then. I can't believe what rubbish they're running on this line now. I'd have hated travelling from Plymouth to London, and vice versa, in these standard class carriages.

[@ivaniii9707]

I travelled this route quite regularly and it honestly isn't that bad. The carriage was clean and I didn't find the seats that bad. I have been on much worse trains in the Netherlands

[@Haawser]

Try those seats if you're over 1.83m... trust, they are torture instruments. Mainly because the bend in the back piece that's supposed to provide head support actually sits in the middle of your shoulders. Which after 30 mins or so is crippling. Horrible, awful, terrible design that could have been easily avoided.

[@ivaniii9707]

@@Haawser I am over 1.9m and all seats on public transport do that for me. The head rests come up to your shoulders and I have never used an arm rest to rest my arm on. Also it is a train you can stand up and pace around for a bit when the seats get too much which you can't in many other forms of transport. I remember there being decent leg room which is what I usually struggle with.

[@Haawser]

@@ivaniii9707 That's the thing though, the trains they replaced had much better seats. Ones that fit just about anybody. But no, they picked a seat design that's actually a huge step backwards if you're tall. I mean, how hard is it to get a range of people from, say, 1.5 to 2m and test the seats ? Because if they had I'm quite certain that the taller ones would have said 'Woah ! No way !'. Or maybe they did ? And just decided to ignore them. Either way, it should never have happened.

[@spankflaps1365]

I regularly ride on BR Mk1’s or LNER teaks on the NYMR. A full range of opens, 1st, 3rd, corridors etc. The ergonomics are all perfect. Loads of storage room for bikes or luggage, and they have some accessible carriages.

[@EllieMaes-Grandad]

I love the old stock too, but it won't run at 125mph . . .

[@alisonwilson9749]

Th Mk 3s were great. Mk 1s were fine but not as safe in collisions. @@EllieMaes-Grandad

[@EllieMaes-Grandad]

Development has continued since the 1820s . . . . but nothing is really 'safe' in a collision . . . @@alisonwilson9749

[@noelht1]

I really enjoyed this video. Honest and true. So now I’m gonna back watch everything on the channel you’ve gained a fan today brother!

[@qwerty69600]

Spent years regularly travelling from Paddington down to South Wales to visit my family on the comfortable, if usually overcrowded HSTs / IC125 trains. They switched to these god awful things and within 6 months I'd bought a car and travel by that instead. I've no words for the people who selected these trains. Just no words at all. I'm sure they got plenty of brown envelopes along the way though, so they won't care.

[@AliS-ec2tk]

I'm a regular commuter in London, but first time I travelled on an LNER from King's Cross to Durham & oh my word, I had a numb bum & a sore back. I was shocked on how uncomfortable the seating & lighting was. LNWR first-class seats looked better & that's for a commuter train. That's the issue, it's not built for long-distance whether it be the interior or food on offer. Abysmal.

[@LoneSheWolf09]

Bring back hst I say. I stopped travelling with lner as soon as they bought in hitachi classes. Can’t bring myself to travel on those trains when I’ve heard so many bad reviews on them. They look uncomfortable by far😖my back couldn’t handle those seats that’s with me only travelling from Donny to Peterborough on the regular before covid

[@nendwr]

As someone who buys a First Class annual season west of Cardiff, I can tell you these are a welcome escape from the awful TfW. They're not how it used to be, but they're still massively better than the competition.

[@BLX187]

bet that wasnt cheap.

[@lukethomas.125]

Superalbs: I think GWR has a pretty mediocre first class GWR: I see this as an absolute win and therefore have no reason to change it

[@kennethausten]

I experienced that trip from London to Penzance. A wonderful journey 30 years ago. Interesting to see the latest today's report. Thanks for the video. Incredible report. Since then i moved to MerthyrTydfil from Kent and enjoy every minute. Train fares are very high. Merthyr to Paddington was quoted £160 each . I walked out.

[@withoutwroeirs]

I use the 1st Deutsche Bahn service between Munich and Berlin every now and again, just over 4hrs for 370 miles. The 1st class experience is a world apart from what I'm seeing here. Am used to table service, a comfortable seat and a beer in a glass!

[@TomBradfordUK]

I travel on the 800s most days between Paddington and Reading to/from work and I’ve travelled on them dozens and dozens of times for intercity journeys too, and to be fair, compared to some of their alternatives, they’re not that bad. I’d much rather travel on an IET home from work than a 345, and I for longer journeys I think they offer a far better experience than a CrossCountry Voyager (even despite the difference in seat comfort)

[@mattwebb5532]

Agreed. I think they're an upgrade on HST. Electric so not filling PAD with fumes. Faster acceleration. Great reservation signage. Great toilets. You dont have to open the doors yourself! I think ppl are getting irrational nostalgia about HST!

[@EllieMaes-Grandad]

Take a trip on LNER and feel the difference . . .

[@updistant705]

You're easily pleased@@mattwebb5532

[@valiantwhiteknight]

You’re right. The old seats on the upgraded old trains were so much more comfortable. As you say, like leather armchairs. On a long journey like that you’d expect the possibility of a dining car which you could book a sitting with on a first class ticket. You could do this on LNER, in the day, but not sure if it still exists(?). They used to have a package; parking and first class with dining.

[@wessexdruid7598]

You could certainly do it on GWR - no booking, just turn up for a meal. Perfect for dinner going London to Plymouth, or breakfast the other way.

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

Agreed. very ruff riding, THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE.👍👍

[@isamuldn]

Shame about what GWR and other rail companies have done with the Hitachis. I used to commute on these Hitachi trains in Japan. Great ride, comfy seats, plush floorboards, nice lighting etc etc. I could go on - the lowest common denominator for our British trains unfortunately despite the high cost of tickets….makes one wonder where all the margin goes….

[@fewik8567]

only sits at about a 2% profit margin.

[@tonykerrison1983]

We went in 1st class from Oxford to Birmingham International a couple of years ago, & the first thing we noticed was that there was no telling where 1st class seating would be when the train arrived at Oxford. The train consists of two sets of coaches, & there's no way of passing between the two units whilst the train is in motion, so if you jump onto the 'wrong' end, you must wait until the next stop, then race along the platform with your luggage until you can get on again in the right part. We were only on board for an hour, or so, but we could feel that a much longer journey would tax most backsides. The staff were friendly enough, but the catering was pretty basic when one considers the price per ticket.

[@jerry2357]

Isn't Oxford to Birmingham run by Cross Country, rather than GWR? It certainly used to be.

[@ChangesOneTim]

That route is CrossCountry's operation, using 20yo trains called Voyagers (aka Vomiters) which are also dreadful albeit for different reasons.... With frequencies returning to 'normal' there are now much fewer of those services formed of two units.

[@classicalmidiorgans]

Great video ! Really enjoyed it ! looking forward to see more videos from you ! From Canada ! Where we have only a hand full of trains...

[@Beatlefan67]

Straight to the point and kept my interest - no BS either! Keep 'em coming.

[@khadeemjames7775]

I did this journey in standard class on a hangover this sunday, the 5 hours was killer on my back 😭😭😭

[@WilliamDavidKirbyUK]

Good news that the seat helped your hangover. Sleep well my friend and get some help with your back. Maybe an osteopath?

[@fredstrainandbusvids.]

I don’t think that any GWR trains have working Wi-Fi. It doesn’t work on any of the trains I’ve been on.

[@nixcails]

It's the lack of connectivity investment through Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon and Kernow. I live by the so called Saltash transport hub (buses on Fore Street, ticket machine, ticket office and permit to travel machineless station and the Beryl bikes to cycle over the bridge) both GWR, Go Ahead and Beryl want you to purchase via app. There is virtually no ordinary GSM signal never mind 3,4 or 5G most journeys from Saltash to barrier free stations remain unpaid journeys and penalty fares cannot be implemented as ticket options don't exist. At the start of the Football season the Gateline at Plymouth just opened the gates as the police (kreslu) were worried about crowd control. Nobody paid

[@andrewstorm8240]

The whole of England rail has poor wifi

[@stefanantoniuk3882]

Thanks for this review. I have traveled both first and standard class on these horrendous trains on this route and have to say I found the extra cost for first a con given the abysmal seating and the indifferent 'complimentary' trolley service. Standard class seats are torture and the trains' rough ride can be quite disturbing. They look, feel and behave as if 'cheap and nasty.' The lack of a proper restaurant or buffet service is dreadful. They need urgent refurbishment and overhaul.

[@updistant705]

Just like his country then?

[@madcarew5168]

60yrs ago,on "The Cornishman" crossing the Taymar bridge promised a glorious 2 weeks family holiday at Conner Downs,outside St Ives. Sadly this train now reflcts the state of this country compared to a lost age!

[@470danadidas]

I have to agree that the ride quality and the seats on the IETs are pretty grotty. The old HSTs were streets ahead in every way. Always looked forward to a journey on the HSTs travelling from South Wales to London, bit with the IETs I'm pretty worn out by the end and suffer a numb bum no matter which class I dare to travel. Deary me, what a let down!

[@samuelfitzgerald2025]

I've used the similar bike racks on lner and found it fine as long as your bike is light enough to lift - although they don't have the flip down luggage racks, which I can imagine interfere significantly...

[@WilliamDavidKirbyUK]

In other words, get a lighter bike (sorry)

[@stephenpegum9776]

That stretch of line through Dawlish is probably my favourite bit of track in the whole of the UK. It's been many years since I last travelled along it but I remember it fondly 😎.

[@bm8641]

Thanks for uploading this. Great capture of the issues we see today on UK railways . It feels we are stuck in the eighties.

[@marilson84]

you mean the eighties of the 19th century right? That is correct

[@fabiotanniguchi]

It would be great to see your review on the Pullman dining service. I tried in April and honestly for me it's a once in a lifetime experience: the first impression is great but when you remember what you paid it's just "meh". It'd be a lot more fair if they offered complimentary LNER-style catering on all long distance services from/to Paddington instead of asking an absurd extra fee for a "special" catering in a couple of services only on weekdays.

[@LoneSheWolf09]

So you would recommend it? Thinking going on it as I always wanted to go on it

[@charlotteoleary196]

My friend said he always went on the Pullman as you can just sit there for the full journey, and it's only a bit more than paying for First Class.

[@flyingdroneswiththescoob9488]

i travel these trains 3 times a year and sadly they are a massive let down. ive done both first class and standard class and there is very little different. The seats are horrendous and very uncomfortable when traveling long distances from London to Plymouth and vice verer. the rubbish they serve on the Dollie trolley service is shocking compared to what the buffet car use to sever also. the HST wins hands down for the best and more relaxed trips and travel in comfort which is something for the history books so it seems. for the last few years i have paid alittle more to travel over night on the Riviera while it takes longer the comfort and the buffet is all there. #bringbackthehst

[@willtrent3077]

Great video, lovely scenery, thank you! I've travelled on that train from Paddington to Newport, S. Wales and back. I agree with you. The seats are very uncomfortable and the ride is horrible.

[@trainadventuresuk]

Well made videos. Riding into penzance is always exciting. Me and my son did a video here a few monthd ago.

[@SuperalbsTravels]

That's awesome! And thank you so much. 😊

[@xxrockraiderxx]

So I visited a friend of mine in Reading these last few days (27th -- 30th) and had to use the GWR IETs (Class 800s, Azumas as LNER calls them), to go in and out of London a total of 4 times, and they were shakey above about 50mph. Now I don't think all of it can be accredited to the trains as I was on an LNER 800 back home just a few hours ago, and the ride was smoother and I think that's in part due to the fact that at least up to Peterborough, the quality of the track on the ECML is just better. But overall I'm still stunned that the smoothest ride of my trip was the Class 222 EMR service down to St Pancras on the Sunday cos Kings Cross was closed for works that day. The 800s and their derivatives are just a bit rough, and even though the Voyagers definitely needed some TLC, I'd still rather ride on it for smoothness and quietness.

[@manomaylr]

The 222s look really sad, neglected and run down these days which is a huge shame. There’s a staff training video from when Midland Mainline brought them in and they look incredibly smart, polished and taken care of.

[@darrylrichardson7940]

222 are MERIDIANS 220/221 Voyagers. Hope you had a fairly clean seat on the 222 as they are mostly filthy and the material around the bolsters (the bit beside your neck/ears ) are usually worn through to the foam padding.

[@deepwoodguy2]

good scenery along the coast......and great that you did not have any tongue twisting city names you usually run into on the Continent ...well handed with aplomb .....thanks 🚂🚂

[@timjones1406]

I travelled standard from Paddington to Oxford and needed to wash my hands, not a single one of the taps worked. Eventually I had to ask the guard to open up the mirror and manually hold the water on.

[@mikehoward4998]

I travelled on GWR in June of this year and found that the First Class seats were very uncomfortable. I also travelled in First Class on LNER and I found these seats were more comfortable than their GWR counterpart.

[@GlobalTradespotter]

I did not know so many shared my view that the seating was so hard and uncomfortable (aside from the inevitable few). I so miss the HST 125 MK3 carriages, (designed in the 1970's) they were quieter, more refined and had more relaxing lighting/interior too. Happy days for all those who enjoy sitting on a padded bar stool for 3 hours+ while being gently shaken!

[@alisonwilson9749]

Mk 3s were the best carriages ever built. And the trains had a guards van for bikes.

[@GlobalTradespotter]

For all those feeling a little nostalgic...The Intercity Relax Advert from 1990. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHWxiIZ4qKmaqa8 Watch out for the chess pieces, dead still...and beginning to fall asleep, such is the legendary smooth ride of the MK 3's!

[@MrMartinP]

Great review, and confirms what I experience (and many others comment below) as a weekly commuter between Plymouth and London on these awful machines. I have to travel in Working class rather than First, and it genuinely is as bad as you say. Perhaps worse, as your single trip wouldn't have highlighted the regular uncleanliness I experience, especially when leaving Paddington, when the cleaners often seem to have walked through the train and done nothing whatsoever; litter-pick at best. In fact I turned up very early once to find the train sat at the platform; I boarded to find the cleaners all sat down checking FaceTok or whatever, until finally leaving the train when the next one to not-clean pulled in. I walked up the carriage to observe the usual carnage of crumbs, crisps, newspapers and various nasties all over the place. It's also not unusual for toilets to run out of paper within half an hour or so, or indeed often start with none in at all. I carry my own, just in case. There's also often no soap or water. Perhaps the only aspect of your review I'd argue with is that early on you state the IETs are built in the North of England. They are not. They arrive on container ships from Japan in a form that looks to the casual observer like me to be almost complete. My suspicion is that all we do in the UK is screw in a the light bulbs and spray them. This masks the fact that yet another industry - train building - that the Britain pioneered is now largely off-shored. But we maintain the facade that we build them here; i dread to think what the "factory" at Newton Ayecliffe cost the tax payer. Sad when, as others state, the wonderful HSTs they replaced were British designed and built, are still in service over 40 years after introduction, and are now being exported as we replace them with these garbage cans that will last a fraction of the time*. Well done UK PLC! (*I'm told by a reliable source that they all still have major cracks - the ones which brought the network to a stand-still a couple of years ago - and they still haven't got a reliable fix). For balance, I have to say that as a regular commuter, the GWR on-train staff are, without exception, Great. Unfortunately that's the only aspect of GWR that is. Oh almost forgot, the refreshments trolley often doesn't make it down the train as the isle is so narrow, as soon as a few people get on board it's "not safe". And if you're lucky enough that it does reach you, half the time there are no hot drinks as the heater doesn't work. Whoever in the rail industry signed off on these as a viable replacement for HSTs should perhaps travel by train one day, assuming they haven't already. And then they should never work again in any role where they are able to make decisions!

[@alisonwilson9749]

The Pendolinos are crap as well. I don't think there has been a single decent bit of rolling stock put on the railways since BR Engineering was closed.

[@thetransporthub]

I'm liking the Cornish station names being included too!

[@Cordel10]

I took one of these trains from Exeter to Paddington last year in standard class. Yes it was a bumpy ride seats were hard fare was throw the roof but the train was spotlessly clean and the staff were nice they even gave me a free cup of tea.

[@petersmith4455]

hi, i told you some time ago these trains were like riding in a skip.we never asked for them,should have kept the HSTs as in original condition, i travelled to Plymouth in 1982, with great service from the trolley girls, how times have changed for the worse, but now in 2023 its about profit and filling seats no matter what,thats First Group for you,

[@updistant705]

They were ordered and specified by the Dept of Transport, nowt to do with First Group.

[@MickeyFKNMouse]

I used to travel 1st from Penzance to Exeter all the time. GWR had some of the comfiest seats I’ve been on and such a smooth ride. I stopped when they switched to these. I believe they still run the old sets but not as often by all accounts and can’t guarantee what you’ll be going on. The meal offerings weren’t the best but always got given a doggy bag of sandwiches, crisps, small pot of pudding and a coffee to take away.

[@mattcalder1936]

The old sets dont have first class or catering any more

[@ffrederickskitty214]

I’ve travelled on these Hitachis from Malvern to Paddington quite a few times. Not the most comfortable seats, but adequate. Trains themselves seem pretty good to me

[@rocstar2001]

You did get a bargain on the price! I travel on this line very frequently and I miss the buffet car and the comfortable first class seats I used to get when there was an offer on. There was a period of time when a first class ticket was only a couple of quid more than standard. Those were the days! The other main issue I have is the luggage space is completely unsuitable for a long distance train.

[@bjoernaltmann]

The seats on the old train looked very comfy! Yes, the same problem everywhere. The Thameslink trains must have the absolute hardest seats since 3rd class was abolished (and their wooden seats). The new Eurostar (already looking quite poor with stained carpets and no maintenance) is also much harder than the old one. I think the main reasons are weight saving. That's why there are now garden chairs on aeroplanes (thinking about British Airways here)

[@henrybn14ar]

Third class was much better than today's first class.

[@iank-dz6gg]

The lack of padding on seats is a "safety feature". It has nothing to do with weight saving, it is negligible. It is about the amount of dense black toxic smoke produced should your train/plane crash & catch fire. Fire retardant materials do exist - but they are expensive.

[@dickinsp]

Isn’t wool fire resistant? Or is that too expensive?

[@updistant705]

Please tell me how many people died of smoke inhalation in Mark 2, 3 and 4 vehicles from 1965 onwards@@iank-dz6gg

[@SuperNevile]

@@iank-dz6gg "Safety Features"? Should your train crash and catch fire, there are no seat belts such as on the plane (which you are requested to use whilst landing or during take-off). So I guess it's all probabilities. Are you likely to be crushed to death by being thrown into the table or seat and passenger infront of you, when your train derails at 125 mph, or by inhaling toxic smoke during said crash or by fire, or by all three? I suppose that when I get on a high speed train I feel safe in the knowledge that cleverer people than me have "done the statistics and the maths". It does make me think though.

[@fishbert17]

These trains are definitely less comfortable than the HSTs they replaced. But once you have done a few journeys on Sprinter class trains, e.g. 158s, these IETs suddenly seem luxurious. Not the most comfortable of seats but you do at least get treated to something called leg room. £33 for your journey in first class is the deal of the century!

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

Excellent review. Thank you.

[@jaybolt8757]

Brilliant video. Defo try the dining experience for your next one 🎉

[@lewis72]

Paddington's never been the same since the Valenta-powered HSTs departed. The area would be filled with resonating deep thrums from the V12s sitting their idling away or revving up to leave.

[@damiancook625]

Yes it’s nice being able to see across the station😂. But I do miss that Valenta sound track.

[@lewis72]

@@damiancook625 You couldn't really tell where the sound was coming from, it was just everywhere. Then you'd hear one of them rev up and a massive ploom of soot/smoke would belch out from one of them. It was such a welcoming site for me on my last leg of a journey from Great Yarmouth to Reading.

[@wynhughes9072]

That level of service and catering for the cost of a first class ticket is dreadful

[@jamesgalliel8895]

Superalb. That was a well put together review . I liked your style and found it very useful. I would certainly support your future reviews of GWR Dining Trains. James Galliel.

[@Boopop1024]

Yes, as someone who took their bike on one of these trains two days ago, getting your bike on board is indeed a nightmare. Not only was the space blocked by pushchairs, when I finally was able to get my bike there, I had to deflate the front tyre.

[@midlandshgdd]

I have been once on them travelling from London to Cardiff, when they run high speed at certain parts of the trip one might think they fly off the tracks ....,it is indeed an unpleasant experience

[@WilliamDavidKirbyUK]

Yes, that weird noise when they exceed 120 - a bigt scary. But don't wory they wont fly off the tracks

[@kiddoutdoors2426]

A very good and comprehensive review of these awful trains. I also took advantage of a cheap first class upgrade not long after these trains made an appearance on the GW mainline. Like you say the first class offering is pretty poor, standard class is awful. Hopefully when these trains get a refurb GWR might take some inspiration from the old hst’s.

[@Dreddingbath]

I'd forgotten how disappointed I was with the standard rock hard seats and bright lighting when these units arrived. At least the ride felt smooth but I reckon they've deteriated a fair bit since introduction. As for pricing, the walk up ticket at peak times from Bath to London (100 miles) return is now £220+ for Standard class! God knows what some people are paying for First and if they are happy with a few biscuits and a cheese sandwich!?

[@petecoventry6858]

I used to work on GWR as a travelling Chef. All but the Seats make sense. 12:25 that's the building where all GWR are trained as I was 27 years ago. We used to give 1st class massive cheese burgers then.

[@michaelmacmahon9350]

I was surprised that you described this as a high-speed train. Especially west of Plymouth there are frequent stops and speeds are low.

[@CanImperator]

I was thinking the same thing. Even in Canada, our train cars from the 1950s do the same distance in less time!

[@Sim0nTrains]

I did try First Class on a HST once between London Paddington and Paignton and it was one of the best journeys I've ever done, This was years ago and even had snow on the Dawlish sea wall which was beautiful, only tried a GWR IET first class once but this was on a Worcester Foregate Street to Bristol Temple Meads service which first class is declassified on this route. It was okay for a short distance between Cam & Dursley ad Yate but wouldn't mind giving it a go on a long distance service.

[@ChilternTransportProductions]

⁠@@garethhenshaw You’re spot on there! Sadly I don’t think those improvements will ever happen. I think we have gone past the point of no return with the deterioration and general bureaucracy…

[@updistant705]

The trouble is we're now stuck with this rubbish for up to 30 years@@garethhenshaw

[@zerog5041]

Having travelled the same route on the same train I totally agree with your sentiments about comfort and food service, I travelled in standard class and being in the rear coach saw no food for the whole journey, the trolley had sold out of just about everything. One thing that struck me was the sensation of tilting, but I was informed the train does not tilt it's just the improved cant of the line.

[@mgumn]

I really love these trains. I find the seats very comfortable, although I only travel from temple meads to Paddington and back. I think I must be the only one who doesn't complain about the seats though.

[@traceyyelland2353]

Travelled first class and the only benefit i found was the quietness, i still travel first class for that reason only. I travel alone and just like the reassurance of peaceful travel not having to worry about who i sit next to. Your spot on with everything you say. The trains seem short of staff and need a kick up the backside . Thanks for your video ☺️

[@davidl8849]

agreed

[@Morisu-Chan]

I guess if their train tickets are cheaper, there would be less complaint.

[@peter_smyth]

The standard class seats are fairly firm, but I use them regularly and don't have a problem with them.

[@AFCManUk]

I remember several years ago, myself and my then partner going down from Reading to Pewsey on one of the then-new GWR Adelanté's. THAT was an interesting journey! Severely overcrowded, but the seats were at least comfortable when we eventually got one.