Is the "NEW" Intercity Train in Germany Really as BAD as Everyone Says?

[@K2YU]

8:55 I think that it summarises the reason why this train is nicknamed Teppich-RE (carpet regional express) well.

[@carlosrosas7249]

You should be riding trains in Egypt to know what carpet means . 😊😄

[@AlwaysRM_]

Te fact that it drives as RE on some sections (Like Bremen-Emden) makes it even more true lol

[@seadogg0]

@@AlwaysRM_to be fair the IC1 is also used as an RE here in Thüringen

[@Jakob_732]

Genau die richtige Bezeichnung

[@MJK-91]

Maybe you should have shown the "onboard bistro", which is more or less a joke in my opinion.

[@nedzhmiyusuf6557]

Der Teppich-RE

[@AntonasBW]

Stimmt! 😂

[@LMB222]

Bier-Teppich RE

[@AntonasBW]

Musste mit dem am Montag 3 Stunden fahren (im stehen)

[@popeter]

with the removal of the dining car on IC1's as well (Berlin-Amsterdam is 6hr with no food options now), at this point IC is now what used to be IR and ICE is IC now

[@tyteen4a03]

Berlin - Amsterdam will once again have a dining car when the ICE-L enters service.

[@popeter]

@@tyteen4a03 thanks for that, i did assume ICE-L was going to be same as DSB sets with no dining car, thou does show what i mean with it becoming a ICE service rather than IC

[@szymex22]

They sold the dining cars to Polish company "SKPL". And also some other IC1 wagons. They are now running in Poland. Seems that Germany will soon get rid of IC1 completely.

[@knees0cks_49]

@@szymex22 i sure hope so lol. i was recently on what i can only assume was an ic1 between hamburg and copenhagen. the chairs were so hard they left bruises (overnight train)... not good lol. in the same journey i was on the ic berlin from amsterdam-osnabruck too and even that one was more comfortable, it made the ice between osnabruck and hamburg feel like heaven lol.

[@FLTech]

IRs had dinig cars tho. 😭

[@Brauiz90]

I've taken this IC train a few times from Leipzig to Hannover. It's a train called "nicer regional train" because these double-decker cars are well known in DB red for regional trains and the IC ones have a carpet and WLAN (if it works). I've also been on the ex-Westbahn Stadler Kiss ICs - they're nicer because DB kept the vending machine corners Westbahn has at the end of every traincar. There are 4 car and 6 car versions...

[@AlphaHorst]

I was in both the new IC and new RE and the only difference is the colour. They have the same seat spacing and capacity per car, same outlets and W-lan and are generally either structured the same or a bit shorter. the IC is also just marginally faster on average but has fewer stops as the ne REˋs now also take over stops from discontinued RB lines.

[@the_b737guy7]

I used the train regularly between Hanover and Bremen as a commuter when it was still quite new and I liked it. Yes, there is a little less space for luggage in the upper section and the seats could also have a little better adjustment options, but I still find the TwinDexx IC much more comfortable than the second-hand KISS trains of the Westbahn, which are also used as IC2. Especially on routes that have not been or are not being upgraded for high speeds, I think the IC2 is a very suitable product for higher quality long-distance services.

[@carlosrosas7249]

If you want an ICE train go and pay .

[@Wakajce]

I don't understand the praise the KISS gets. I've also travelled on both and I'm aware that the general consensus is that the TRAXX IC 2 is awful, and the KISS is amazing. Now I do agree with the uploader on the TRAXX being not much more than a slightly more comfortable RE, but I think it is still passable as an IC for comfort. The KISS was really disappointing though, the seats are just terrible and you can really tell that it's an old train. I also can't really understand another large criticism of the TRAXX being its 160km/h speed limit. Pretty much all of its routes don't even touch high speed lines, so a 160km/h set is fine.

[@Simon-Andersen]

I quite like the KISSes but its all personal prefrence at the end of the day. As mentioned in the video, i think these are alright for the up towards 2-3 hour trips but not way longer runs these also get used on.

[@kuchenblechmafiagmbh1381]

6:10 The Name "Verden" also has a large similarity to the word "Pferden" (a declension of "Pferd" - horse, like "zu den Pferden" - "to the horses"), however the name was derived from "ford" or "ferry" (maybe because the Aller mouths into the Weser nearby), but it's in fact also called "Reiterstadt" - Equestrian Town because there's a lot of horse breeding and riding in that area, so a quite funny coincidence. The Coat of Arms of Verden itself has only a cross, but that of the State of Lower Saxony has an iconic white horse (and Hanover-based Continental also a prancing horse (they produced rubber-dampeners that were put between horses' hoofs and horseshoes), decades before Ferrari and the Italian fighter pilots).

[@Parakeet-pk6dl]

If you want to ride on really bad trains in Western Europe, you should take NMBS (National Belgian railways). Reliability is actually quite good and a lot better than DB, but the trains themselves are on an Albanian level. Full of graffiti inside and out, ancient, dirty and very little comfort. Staff is friendly and helpful though, but their government seems to couldn't care less about their railway pride...

[@Tortank-006]

Hi, Belgian here, I actually quite like SNCB. On the trips I do, the train are always nice and clean (most of the time). And from what I know, yes a lot of SNCB are indeed covered with graffities, but they do a good job at cleaning thenm I think. I don't know what kind of experience you had, but mine is really positive.

[@Tortank-006]

( you probably traveled on M4, M5 coaches)

[@lukestevens8735]

Having been to Albania, the Belgian railways have doors, and windows with glass in them. In Albanian there were doors missing, windows with condescension, toilet with either no water/ toilet paper. In one case the toilet bowl was missing 😮. The Belgian railways are far, far, far better!

[@hypernewlapse]

Yeah it is kind of crazy that they have so old trains, only the Desiro MLs are new and even those have a bad interior. And Netherlands similar; there are some coradias and flirts but a ton of very old stock. Germany and France have much better trains IMO

[@peterw.8434]

I think it’s a very diverse thing. There are a lot of comfortable Intercity trains for example on the IC1 Eupen - Oostende (the ones with the single level cars), that have super comfortable seats and are really cozy. Especially considering the low prices for the flexible tickets you get. But on the other hand they have the Desiro HC they use on Intercitys, that just have the worst interior I ever saw in any train, even S-Bahn trains. Hard seats, no armrests, not even foldable tables! And it’s these trains you are supposed to make a more then 3 hour journey from Brussels to Luxembourg on…

[@brilliantroads]

Honestly, I don't get the hate, I traveled a lot with it from Leer - Bremen - Hannover and even Leer - Leipzig and it is quite comfortable and smooth. Seats are good, there's power and I find legroom to be great (for someone who's 6'6).

[@gigganigga262]

Possibly because the intercity 2 is quite a bit slower, it has a top speed of 160kmh like the other RB and RE. The intercity 1 with the br101 had a top speed of over 200kmh

Lack of dining car and severe capacity downgrade compared to IC1 (pre 2023)

[@AlphaHorst]

the issue is that it is still as expensive but now much closer to an RE in service than to the ICE it was supposed to complement. Its like replacing your Metro line with a tram line and askimng for the same money at worse service. The new ICEs are hated for the same reason. They still ask 160€ for some of the trips but offer only half as much service and are slower. REś are facing a similar problem. some RB lines have been closed and now the RE stops there to continue service, causing some REˋs to stop twice as often and taking almost 3 instead of just over 1h to get to the destination, yet you still pay the RE prices. At the current rate we will loose all RBˋs and the Re will be the new RB, while the IC will replace the RE and the ICE will get worse but as of now not replace the lost IC. So prices will hike, service will drop and an entire, quite well liked, class of train will be no more with you now having to choose between multiple hours of aditional travel time or paying twice as much as before in cases where your stop still exists on an ICE

[@TheDunbartxeen]

you are basically being ripped of because the IC trademark has a level of speed and quality that just is not met. a regular train would basically have same perks.

[@ft4709]

@@gigganigga262Top speed OVER 200 km/h?

[@ombagi1386]

The RE from Magdeburg to Uelzen is nice. But if you look at the RE from Bremen to Hannover, you'll probably find the IC the far preferable option (if it wasn't for the price).

[@distinctdipole]

I'd be very happy travelling long distance on that train. Beats the GWR Class 80x I have to suffer here in the UK!

[@Simon-Andersen]

For sure, the GWR 800 might have been the worst newer train ive reviewed this year kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIiXlJqHftJ7b80

[@Halozocker104]

Relation is always what makes stuff acceptable, in relation to trains world wide? This is great! 9/10 at least. Compared to other german trains.. its a 5/10. It does what the regio trains do, but usually for more money.

[@BruscoTheBoar]

Aaaah the 2431 and 2432 are the only long distance trains serving Cottbus...and my home town of Lübben. This train can be used between Bremen and Hannover as well as between Potsdam and Cottbus with a normal regional ticket^^

[@ofgjf]

Regional tickets aren't valid between Bremen and Hannover

[@Simon-Andersen]

I dont think regional tickets are valid between Bremen and Hannover but it is between Bremen and Emden Aussenhafen

[@minetont2450]

Makes sense, as the IC runs just a few minutes after the regional one and is equally as fast

[@lennartdragon9589]

oh no, another furry 😇

[@richardbridges7664]

A couple of years ago, the IC2 was introduced on the Munich to Karlsruhe train. I used this train daily on my commute to work approx 1 hour journey. No complaints about comfort but the trains were super unreliable and would make an emergency stop in the middle of no where. Usually the complete electrics were shut down and the driver would reboot the systems. It could take upto 40 minutes to get moving again. I heard that there was some sort of communication error between the non engine cab and the locomotive which could be fixed but would need a requalification of the train. Luckily after the yearly timetable change the IC service was replace with an ICE.Now only standard DB problems 😂

[@SilentdragonDe]

Eh, I think they're fine. I actually much prefer these seats over the bucket seats in the ICE2 (1st class). IDK if I'm just too tall for those seats, but I can either ignore the backrest entirely or sit in a terribly slouched position which gives me back pain after 30 minutes. The IC2 (or any other DB train for that matter) does not have this problem.

[@thomasnovacek4686]

The big dilemma of the IC 2 trains begins before the journey: it takes a very long time until the train is ready to depart, and in the early days this meant that trains had to be cancelled due to numerous faulty automatic checks on the train and could not be made available on time. All credit to Bombardier here, because Bombardier vehicles are always very prone to errors, so that these trains also had to be completely taken out of service again and again in the early days, with the 2nd series of the IC2, which is driven by the Br 147.5, being even worse and in some cases still being worse than the first series with the BR 146.5 locomotives. The series cannot be interchanged with one another, for example: locomotive 146.5 with carriages from the 2nd generation of the train... They are also not popular with passengers because the trains are slower (IC2 160km/h versus IC1 200km/h), offer less space (the trains are fixedly coupled), rock back and forth heavily on some routes (which causes some people to feel unwell) and the old vehicles offer more comfort...

[@class77sncb]

This trainset is new, basend upon the Regional Expresses with a drifferent interior fittings. Ready to run 160 km/h, state of the art bogies and climatisation inside, I had nothing to complain about it ! Traxx 2 oder neuer Traxx 3 as locomotive.

[@RicardoCristofRemmertFontes]

Wait, wait, wait! Bremen Hbf indeed used to have a model railway! Haven’t been there for years, though

[@emjayay]

I had no idea that any German stations had model railways, and I've been in a bunch of them.

[@Simon-Andersen]

I couldn't find it, if it still has one at least. 😭

[@Simon-Andersen]

Many of the larger stations have one, its a nice touch!

[@kuchenblechmafiagmbh1381]

@@Simon-Andersen Even some small ones, my hometown Brunswick has one and Wolfsburg doesn't have one at the moment but I'm pretty sure they also had one. Lehrte (eastern of Hanover) doesn't have one directly in the station, but there's an old signaling control very close to the train station preserved as a museum and on one floor they have a model railway of that area (Lehrte was and is an important junction) in 1960.

[@lukassteinbrink322]

Oldenburg still does. But I never seen one in Bremen HBF and im living in the near since 1996, yes I also was in the Brill-Tunnel before it was closed.

[@SebastianKrockel-gj7zd]

Thanks for your video! I like the IC 2, I took it today on a two hour journey from Rostock to Berlin. Yes, it‘s not as comfortable as an ICE, but it‘s good enough. The only thing I missed was a Dining Car/ Bistro. I‘ve more experience on the slightly different Stadler KISS IC 2 which I like a bit more than the Twindexx. And there you have at least the vending machines in the „Reisecafé“. 😁

[@Simon-Andersen]

Yeah, there's a clear difference between the two. The former Westbahn KISSes were designed with some long-distance travel in mind from the start, whereas this really feels more like an upgraded regional train.

[@MattiBlume]

The difference in terms of confort between Kiss2 and Twindexx isn't "slightly". It's like day and night. The Kiss2 is a proper long distance train.

[@mariadelmarjimenezarroyo]

Excellent video thanks for sharing

[@RegenTonnenEnte]

"Everyone hates this" Surely almost all passengers don't really care... or even notice it's a new model.

[@mx338]

IC trains used to be old one floored trains all the with dated but more comfortable interior, that was actually suited for long distances, the old IC trains still run on some long distance services like Berlin-Amsterdamm.

[@ft4709]

@@mx338There‘s plenty of IC routes that previously used former IR rolling stock. You‘re not going to convince me that those were anywhere near as comfortable as the IC2 is.

[@MattiBlume]

@@ft4709 Even the old IR stock has more ergonomic seats in 2nd class. But most IC1 stock has got the same seats, that were originally equipped on the ICE 3 and thse are some of the best 2nd class seats ever.

[@ft4709]

@@MattiBlume I‘m sory but no, the old IR seats are some of the most uncomfortable seats ever designed. There’s next to zero padding, no ability to change seating position whatsoever and pretty much everything about these cars, especially the lack of air conditioning, is just so much worse than what you‘d find on an IC2. And don’t get me started on that stupid interior layout. Sure, the eventual IC mod upgrade for IC1 coaches was fine. But you never knew what car you‘d end up in and both charged full on IC prices. Meanwhile, quite a lot of the IC2 routes can be used with regional tickets.

[@MattiBlume]

@@ft4709 That's a matter of opinion. I've never been in 1st class on an IR. But in 2nd class, I'll take an IR coach any day over a Twindexx.

[@richardvanderlaak826]

8:20 that's NOT accessible boarding. Some people -like me- cannot sit in their wheelchairs for 2 hours. You need a normal seat with it to transfer. That's a bike carriage with toilet and a wheelchair symbol.

[@MattiBlume]

There are proper seats in the "accessible" area as well.

[@morbvsclz]

This is not an IC, but what used be an IR (Interregio). -> White and blue livery. And imho it shoud be again. The train category made a lot of sense for passengers - but maybe not for DB earnings targets. They were trains with elevated comfort above regional services with a very limited number of stops and faster travel times for travel between neighboring regions. Kind of the train for the 1-2, maybe 3 hour journeys. And unlike IC and ICE long distance services, without surcharge over the normal regional services. Given that Regional services (your journy being a great example) between neighboring regions like Bremen and Hanover, are probably 80'% or more made up of people going between those Hubs cities, the IR was designed to do that quicker for them, and at the same time reduce overcrowding regional trains with passengers that more than anything are annoyed at having to stop at so many small towns and villages.

[@gnupfo]

The funny thing is that for this connection you showed, the train actually does simultaneously serve as a regional train and IC from Emden to Bremen, als there aren't enough regular regional trains otherwise. Bremen itself is kind of a regional hub station to and from many destinations that are otherwise difficult to reach in East Frisia, especially Oldenburg, Leer and Emden and has a cursed regional connection to Hamburg that never works (I was quite surprised when you positively commented on the Metronom, as in my experience they are ugly, dirty and unreliable). Oldenburg is quite nice and has a model railway, and will in the future serve as a stop on an international train from Bremen to Groningen (NL) that will hopefully connect the region better once the new bridge across the Ems is finished, I am planning to check it out as soon as it is.

[@Belgian_public_transport]

I took this train between Düsseldorf HBF and Köln HBF in 2nd class and it was comfortable, well lit and the luggage racks are a good idea (I never see this on “normal” trains, only on TGV and Eurostar). I think the problem is repeated delays and accessibility for people with reduced mobility, it's a good train!

[@doctorhabilthcjesus4610]

Nice NOHAB at 9:32

[@jabberwockytdi8901]

Major plus point for me is that from a seat on the upper deck you can see over all the sound screens that now ruin the view from normal carriages on many many parts of the german rail network.

[@cedrikewers4684]

I really like these IC services. The trains are way more comfortable than regional trains and it is very quiet and usually not very crowded. I spent nearly 6 hours on my trip from Bielefeld to Dresden on one and it was a very relaxing and comfortable journey.

[@Simon-Andersen]

Glad you like them!

[@marcbrasse747]

They have been taking a very close look at the Dutch doubledeckers we have already been traveling in for years. Our impressions where the same then. Much more cramped then the previous generation. We would however probably even get used to something which would have to be exited with a can opener. 😁

[@MarcelosalivaTRENESArg]

Excellent video my friends 😊fantatic 😮like 👍🏻 and Greeting 🙋 from Argentina 🇦🇷

[@Simon-Andersen]

Thank you! Greetings to you from Denmark!

[@antonnurwald5700]

I don't hate it. It has a family deck on the upper level at the end of the train, which is really spacious and nobody bothers you because nobody comes through. Perfect with little kids. But i get why people aren't happy. It's a scam to call this an IC. It's a slightly upgraded regional train. ICE L in turn should be called IC.

[@FreekyFreezer]

i like them because i live along a line where standard commuter tickets are valid for these type of trains, as they alternate with actual regional express trains for a de-facto hourly service. i wouldn't be happy to use them though if i had to pay a premium

[@Simon-Andersen]

Yeah this makes total sense and there are quite a few places in DE where this is this case. Maybe they should be branded IRE or something instead.

[@Sallstrasse]

Better than the old Intercity's from the 1970's (for example Rügen - Rostock - Hamburg - Frankfurt am Main- Karlsruhe).

[@wernerwalther4364]

Are you sure? A West-German Intercity on the Rostock-Rügen line? The Wall did not fall before 1989. So, what are you trying to tell us?

[@Sallstrasse]

@@wernerwalther4364 Those old Intercity's are still in use.

[@Sallstrasse]

Those Intercity's from the 70's are original West German, but after 1989 they are driving in East Germany as well.

[@MattiBlume]

Even those IC1 have better seats. On the other hand, they have a rougher ride.

[@Sallstrasse]

Well, I'm excited to the New ICE L (by 2025 from Berlin to Amsterdam) the first long distance train in Germany with a low Floor made for wheel chairs. Sorry off topic.

[@Erikwiktor]

just like the SJ intercity doppeldecker Ljusdal-Gävle-Stockholm-Linköping, the same train as the regional trains but is just called SJ IC

[@Anderten1989]

0:03 hello Hannover, my Hometown 2. Class is very bad on this Train. The Ridequality is not IC like.

[@bretzelito2340]

I took the IC2 on my Interrail Pass holidays in Germany between Nuremberg and Karlsruhe in 2021. For sure, it is different than classic IC or ICE trains, but for connections that are not so much in demand, it is a worthwhile product in 1st class. If you ask me, I would give 8/10 for this train while standard ICs get 9/10. So it is OK, nothing really to complain about.

[@reinerjung1613]

The seats are ok. They are not the best, but ok. However, the lack of a restaurant or bistro car or floor is my main concern with these trains. Long distance trains need a café on board.

[@holger_p]

The amenity people need, is having a seat. These trains have more seats, hence they are better. "speed" comes from not stopping at minor stations.

[@Simon-Andersen]

Long-distance travelers tend to bring more luggage and make longer journeys, which creates a need for better seats and more space for their bags. What you're describing sounds more like a regional express or interregional train to me, so if that's the case, these trains should be branded as such.

[@holger_p]

@@Simon-Andersen You don't seem to realize, there is no relation between ticket sales and available seats. If all seats are occupied, you have to stand or sit on your luggage. In this case all comfort becomes obsolete. And a simpler seat on a double decker, is better than no seat in a single decker, isn't it ? There is no kind of "branding" in a international mannor. German trains don't limit the access of people to the train in ANY class available. You can also buy a 1st class ticket, and stand first class, when seats are occupied. (there is a famous foto of Greta Thunberg, sitting on the floor in a German train).

[@mx338]

I think the this IC2 is actually decent, the other multiple-unit IC2 bought from Austria is awful, the interior is ugly, and a lot of the seating is even benches.

[@Simon-Andersen]

I like the seats on the Austrian IC2 tbh.

[@MattiBlume]

@@Simon-Andersen Yes, the KISS2 seats are much more comfortable.

[@Peizxcv]

Why are the luggage racks in the middle of the carriage instead of more at both ends? And since most people are not standing at their seats, they should lower the overhead rack so it would fit at least a carry-on like on airplanes

[@Simon-Andersen]

Because this train really was not designed with long distance traffic in mind and it shows in all its compromises.

[@Ralf_Essen]

3:43 , 3:50 schön mit die Fettfinger auf dem Glas rum patschen. Wozu wurden da eigentlich Griffe in die Türen eingebaut? 6:46 auch wenn die Fenster geputzt sind kann man da nicht durch gucken, denn die Scheibe der ungenutzten Übergangstüre ist mit einer milchigen Folie beklebt worden. Die Züge bleiben ja immer als feste Einheiten zusammen und deshalb wird man diese Übergangstüre auch nie brauchen.

[@ichbinwiederda100]

That design is not new at all it is on the rails for almost a decade now, you are not well-informed. The real new IC2 is the Stadler KISS version and not the Bombardier Twindexx. Both are doing their job quite well.

[@Simon-Andersen]

Hence the use of quotation marks around 'NEW'-it's the easiest way to convey that these are the new generation of intercity trains meant to replace some older ones and open up new markets, not necessarily referring to their age. The Stadlers are also from a decade ago but obviously didn’t arrive at DB until after 2020

[@michaelb4047]

I don't think the trains are bad, but they are not an IC1 alternative. I think the way DB uses them is ok. However, the software problems with the Twindexx platform run through the entire product and are unacceptable. I would have liked to see a Regiojet introduced like the CD, but this would have required Europe-wide tenders. And this is where the problem lies. The Twindexx were there, the Viaggio or similar were not. ICs also have more to do with the distances between stops, and yes, the 160km/h are concept-related, as we don't have the NMBS Dostos, which can run at 200km/h. With 200km/h the discussion would also be different. I think the seat quality is good for what they are. I don't understand why something like this is used in cross-border traffic, especially because there is no ETCS. At the end of the day, however, they aren't FV trains, but rather something like an Interregio.

[@JaN0h4ck]

Honestly what bothers me most about this train, is the abysmal overhead luggage space. That aspect is a lot better in a lot of other trains.

[@szymex22]

I think it's OK. Could be better especially more luggage racks and seats should be same as ICE though. It's more expensive than RE because IC is not subsidised, it is a private service by DB.

[@rickkirkham4539]

Simon what is strange to me dont they usea train horn when moving off they have to here in Australia excellent videos you have tocome too Austraia cheers mate

[@Simon-Andersen]

Horns are not very common in western Europe! Love Australia, had a great trip earlier in the year, already posted a few videos from my trip, cheers :D

[@5mnz7fg]

Annother issue with these only five coaches long trains is that you can (for technical reasons I have never understood) neither add additional coaches nor couple two train sets together.

[@miktr7664]

The reason for that is that the loco and carriages act the same as an EMU would (connected and paired software-wise and maybe also electrically, I'm not sure), so adding "foreign" additional coaches isn't possible. Also means that the loco can't be swapped if only it is defective and the rest of the train works. And coupling two together just wasn't ordered I'd guess, since these were on a tight budget and time schedule.

[@paulthiel5145]

​@@miktr7664so basically this product is the result of a bunch of wrong choices 🤷

[@5mnz7fg]

@@miktr7664 I see. But this solution appears to be rather bad. Why didn't they put just coaches and loco together like any other loo-hauled train? It doesn't make sense at all.

[@Simon-Andersen]

Yeah its seems very stange as that would be one benefit of these at least over an EMU/IC2 Kiss

[@erik_griswold]

Is there ever any food service or vending machines on these IC Double-Deck trains?

[@Simon-Andersen]

Small trolly service is supposed to be there i think, but i did not see it on my trip!

[@simonrogers2918]

Your English is always great, but throwing in "per se" just floored me.

[@user-eg8pv2om7j]

There must be regular travellers,commuters on expensive journeys who may find buying an Inter Rail pass cheaper than a season or regular train tickets.

[@Simon-Andersen]

Thats why Interrail is only valid for 1 outbound and 1 inbound journey in your home country.

[@samtrak1204]

Train exterior is dirty. Is this the initial terminal?

[@Simon-Andersen]

Train started its journey in Emden some hours away.

[@1258-Eckhart]

I get your point exactly, but I think you were a bit hard on DB. I accept that double deck stock is a bit strange for long distance travel (the French do it too with double deck TGV's) because of the space constraints especially for luggage and the absence of the operational reason for double deck stock - the short platforms at little local stations served by commuter trains in the outer reaches of big cities - but the stock itself is very comfortable when compared to many of the DMU or EMU stock on RB and some RE routes. Compare it with the "InterCity" Voyagers (Class 222) in the UK and IC2 is a HUGE improvement. It is even loco-hauled, which makes for a quieter cabin and full absence of traction harmonics rattling and fizzing at different speeds. Between Stuttgart and Ulm, there is a 200 km/h RE with similar stock to this, which is more of a gift to RE ticket holders than the IC2 stock is an imposition on InterCity ticket holders. My criticism: I think that the IC-brand should guarantee MINIMUM 200 km/h capability and should never have halts in towns like Nienburg or Verden which nobody has heard of. Those are I feel more substantive criticisms than the stock used, which yes, is RE-quality, but very high RE-quality.

[@svenlakemeier]

IRE200 between Ulm and Wendlingen runs old IC stock, so not comparable to this, but the stock this replaced and why people complain because of the downgrade.

[@rezaalanshari1587]

Wait, you guys consider 122KM as Long-distance? 😅.. that's still considered as Commuter train in my city, not only that, the configuration is similiar to Metro (which side seat)

[@Simon-Andersen]

This train travels 600+ km on its full run from Emden to Cottbus, i just only took at 122km part-journey on it ;)

[@Michaelgoestofrance]

What is DB doing with the class 101s if these new trains are to be hauled by newer locos? Interesting to see but after the classic IC rakes (fair enough, some of the stock is probably getting long in the tooth), hauled by a 200km/h capable 101, these new sets do smack of glorified Regio trains. (That being said, the replacement of Corail coaches here in France by some of the more modern offerings isn't much better except the new trains offer level boarding).

[@Simon-Andersen]

101 are to be retired eventually from passenger work with the introduction of these and the new Talgo IC trains.

[@LMB222]

It's crap. I've taken it for business trips. The seats don't adjust.

[@shyviking]

Looks like the good old Bombardier double-deckers, meant for regional and commuter traffic, have been rebadged as an IC train. Good enough for a ½-1½ hour commute. Certainly not by any means an IC-worthy train. No mystery that it didn't sell in the public... :-)

[@robfriedrich2822]

10:27 The train is too close to regional trains.

[@UweSuendhoff]

You didn’t mentioned reclining seats. Are they reclining or not ? This is one of the important quality for long distance journeys.

[@Simon-Andersen]

Oh i must have forgotten, they do recline a slight bit by the base of the seat moving a bit forward in both travel classes.

[@UweSuendhoff]

@@Simon-Andersen Thank you for the update and for your great work 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MattiBlume]

@@Simon-Andersen That's not entirely correct. The seat in first class tilt, but not in second class.

[@NickBurman]

One more downside... no on-board catering service. Any IC train must have some sort of food and beverage service, preferably a small cafeteria-buffet tucked in a corner, at worst a couple of vending machines.

[@OnkelJajusBahn]

Honestly, apart from the lack of a restaurant car, it is actually pretty good

[@Nobody-jo3tv]

2:26 that's an ICE T (stands for "tilting train - tilt mechanic isn't as stable as expected, therefore deactivated.

[@miktr7664]

it was deactivated in 2008 due to mechanical issues, but re-enabled after resolving them though

[@Wakajce]

@@miktr7664 Been reactivated since 2017

[@Simon-Andersen]

Was deffo working when i took one last year ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYCbaoujZpahgtk

[@Nobody-jo3tv]

@@miktr7664 Ah, ok thx

[@wernerwalther4364]

1) It is not an ICE (inter City Express (300km/h), but an IC only. 2) These trains are definitely no tilting trains, adn have never been.

[@Sofus.]

Hello, I don't know anything about trains, that's why I ask: Why are many of them so dirty, can't you install a quick wash hall on the line? 🚅

[@Mighty_Ogrelord]

A lot of trains basically work a constant rotation, where only the drivers change. They are usually being washed during routine maintance, which takes place every couple ten or hundred thousand kilometers (not exactly sure). Washing them in between would require aditional personell that is tasked with driving the trains out of the sidings, in the case of these loco pulled trains disassembling the consist, driving it through the wash and then setting the train up again. Meanwhile the train would have to be replaced by another unit to serve it's timetable. In short, washing the trains in shorter intervals would create a lot of additional costs for little use, given that they get dirty very quickly again (especially electric locos during rain, because the panthographs rub off graphite which mixed with water leaves lovely gray streaks on the sides of the locomotives)

[@SquawkGamingYT]

Even when it comes the departure procedure It is treated as a regional train.

[@Teddini]

Its not bad if you see it for what it is: A (better) regional train. Its not bad, thats the whole thing. Its just bad for what DB wants it to be.

[@Simon-Andersen]

It would be a great product for something like a IRE or RE product, but thats now how they have chosen to market it

[@MattiBlume]

Emden to Cottbus is not a regional route by any definition.

[@Teddini]

@@MattiBlume No one said that it is.

[@lausimeyer6558]

I like the IC2 trains. Solo seats in 1st class, a smooth ride and no compartmens are nice for me as a passenger.

[@liamburke1741]

A beautiful train. I wish we had these in the UK! The Germans don't know how lucky they are! They should try the trains we have to use in the UK. Hitachi and CAF rubbish.

[@JohnStokes-c1o]

I agree, we would give our right arm for trains like that over here in the uk.

[@paulthiel5145]

Sorry to bring this to you guys, but UK train travel is unfortunately a benchmark for nothing over here in the civilized world 🫣

[@Simon-Andersen]

Much better than the 800 for sure! I need to try more UK trains at some point :D

[@wernerwalther4364]

The people living here (Bremen to the North Sea Coast at Emden) are quite happy with these trains. In the region, there is no surcharge above the regional servces, buth then 3 or 4 stop instead of 15 or 16. Did you ever hear about the Niedersachsenticket? The whole big Bundesland + Bremen + Hamburg and public transport everywhere at 27.00 Euros one day, 8.00 for an additional person, and/or 8.00 Euros to include a 80 km stretch to Groningen/Netherlands.

[@kobichief]

well, since people complained so much, here in the south they put ICE trains everywhere, where ic1 used to run. Ofc for full ICE price... Bit sad that is.

[@Mapgamingdk]

Sage du lige at toget var on time det må da være breaking news i Tyskland 😂😂😂 2:37

[@wernerwalther4364]

And at Hovestadtsregionen, are they on time?

[@derekmeller5873]

From your video it looks absolutely fine?

[@TeamasTwiffleton]

I am going on a German train tomorrow as I’m going on holiday to Berlin, hopefully it’s bearable enough 😂

[@Simon-Andersen]

As long as its just a few hours it should be fine if this is your type of train :D

[@johnhaynes710]

The trouble with these is no catering. This seems to be happening more and more.

[@carlosrosas7249]

Catering cost money . There's some trains that have no catering because don't have costumers . Enough costumers to be sustainble . Most of the Japan trains don't have catering . Anything against Japan trains ? Eat before your trip or buy take away food .

[@szymex22]

Yeah, it's bad. And if there is catering, the trend is more and more just microwaved meals and not actually freshly prepared...

[@carlosrosas7249]

​@@szymex22 What's wrong with your mom's soup ? Put it in a container , plus a nutricious sandwich , a dessert and a piece of fruit . All that fits in a quite small bag . No ? Then book the Orient Express . 😊

[@szymex22]

@@carlosrosas7249 I do take soup with me on the train often, doesn’t change the fact that a proper restaurant carriage with fresh food is nice to have…

[@carlosrosas7249]

​@@szymex22 I knew that you were a practical person . I agree with you about the restaurant car but there's always the economic viability of those services . I think that's the main reason for many trains without catering services . In Portugal there's no hot fresh cooked food in any train , even in the long distance routes . However the " high speed " train Alpha Pendolino and in the IC trains there's a quite nice snack - bar car . Greetings from Portugal 🇵🇹

[@Roadman3235]

Our regional trains is even worse. Philippines has metro style seating.😢

[@ExplorebyRail]

So how did you like my hometown of choice, Hannover? :D

[@Simon-Andersen]

I stayed for about 13 min before i caught my connecting ICE, so not much to say about it :P

[@hawkertyphoon4537]

In Luxembourg we run similar Doubledeckers on your local lines (CFL) - from your video i see why the expectation for long distance travel was not met. No seat reclining function means no sleeping, and the small overhead luggage storage tells every train enthusiast AND long-distance traveler that this is a normal "city bus" pressed in "cross-country" service - capacity of tre network was most likely a major factor for the operational choices made. It sparks a "meh" reaction.

[@Simon-Andersen]

Could'nt sum it up better with the "meh" thats these trains

[@demil3618]

It's badge-engineering: They just put a different livery on the train and re-branded it. Doesn't sound right!

[@hepdepaddel]

Especially if you have a seat downstairs and it is really cold outside, you get a breeze of cold air at every stop. Other than real long distance trains, there‘s no door between the entry doors and the seating area. Even in first class. Uncomfortbale seats, no restaurant/ bistro, less space - acceptable for up to one hour, but any longer and I prefer a car. Or an ICE connection, if there is one. Whoever ordered this train certainly goes by car everywhere.

[@uwanni]

6:04 What happened there? 🧐

[@Simon-Andersen]

Not sure!

[@nashorn9745]

These trains are far better than any Swiss IC or EC train.

[@randomcookie2350]

i hate these so much although the locomotives sometimes make quite nice acceleration sounds if accelerating hard enough but if you look at the photo at minute 5:55 you’ll see the hideous blue light that they installed in the red non-carpeted “IC” trains i’m relatively convinced these blue stress lights are only there to create an artificial downgrade to the white “ICs” so that theres a noticeable difference in comfort because it’s next to impossible to sleep on these

[@cattythecat9161]

Ein wenig Holzfurnier machen aus einem RE noch lange keinen IC und noch weniger einen ICE

[@myob894]

There is nothing wrong with the train. It is one of the better looking ones too. German long distance trains are constantly starved of luggage space. A large number of passengers board as if they are setting off on a 7 day hike of the Himalayas.

[@MikamoLimo]

basically these days u pay more for less speed, service and reliability

[@niftynige]

Why still using locomotives?

[@SchwarzeSonne130]

don't compare an IC to ICE but instead to other IC

[@paulthiel5145]

And it still loses out against the classic IC1 🤷

[@Simon-Andersen]

Its nothing like a regular IC either, those had similar seats and most of the time a bistro like any ICE.

[@SchwarzeSonne130]

@@Simon-Andersen The IC2 doesnt have a bistro the IC1 had. Its a cheaper IC train but def not comparable to an ICE Maybe compared to other IC in other countries but for german standards pretty low tbh

[@Roadman3235]

No Mcdonalds in Naga Legazpi Regional Train try it.

[@ajfrostx]

This is what next generation of RE trains should be, not IC.

[@paulthiel5145]

Welcome in the race to the bottom 😬

[@MattiBlume]

It is the current generation of RE in many regions of Germany (e. g. Schleswig-Holstein, Hesse, Bavaria, etc.)

[@MrsG7swr]

looks like what we have in CZ called city elephant but with a bit more wood panelling less grafiti and more luggage storage. not really up to standard for intercity in my opinion.

[@nose10620]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@ft4709]

Well, let’s face it: It’s an IR. It runs at the same speed as most IR did, it serves former IR routes and it comes with most of the amenities the IR came with safe for the Bistro. Hell, I‘d even say reclining seats and carpet make this thing a lot nicer than the IR coaches used to be. Why is it called IC then? Well, since the ICE took over all previous IC routs (as it was always meant to be), DB just changed the designation. It’s not even a rip-off most of the time due to some of these trains accepting regional tickets. Considering what qualifies as IC in the Netherlands or Belgium this fits quite well into that same category. I honestly don’t get the hate. It’s a fine train and it‘s perfectly suited for the kinds of services it operates on.

[@MattiBlume]

Reclining seats are only in 1st class. So for 2nd class passengers, even the old IR seats are more comfortable.

[@ft4709]

@@MattiBlume You can extend the seating area in 2nd class and recline in 1st class, none of which you could do on the IR coaches, not even in 1st class. The IR had a shitty interior design that’s being romanticized in hinsight. Which is unfortunate because the product itself was great.

[@erikvaros]

COTTBUS MENTIONED RAHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[@MrFritz123ification]

I mean the train is bad for long distance services, but DB is actively trying to improve its reputation ... by buying the even worse Talgo units, that are even branded as ICE . 🤦‍♂

[@Simon-Andersen]

I can't wait to try the Talgos next year! It's going to be interesting to see what they're like for sure. 👀

[@SimonKeller-s7z]

the only good thing about this crap is if you book smart won't have to pay anything and ride for free and that's totally legal!!

[@PaulPSP]

Its so funny when a english speaker speaks german Im from Germany

[@Marcel-W3]

And the guy who made this video is from Denmark

[@Simon-Andersen]

I try my best, but i am danish so the accent can be all over the place at times :P

[@PaulPSP]

@@Simon-Andersen You are very good

[@spenny45108]

It is Loco hauled/pushed so it's a big plus for me.

[@BruscoTheBoar]

On the hardware side yes. But on the software-side of things it behaves like an EMU, means swapping the loco can't be done easily. So the train can't switch from electric to diesel traction.

[@MattiBlume]

Why tho? What's the advantage of a loco hauled train, like this?

[@BruscoTheBoar]

@@MattiBlume The advantage of a regular loco hauled train is flexibilty. If the loco breaks down you can just swap it for a new one. The route ahead is not electrified? Swap it for a diesel one. Plus on most traditional trains additional cars can just be added to the consist. The loco hauled IC2 eliminates all of the advantages

[@MattiBlume]

@@BruscoTheBoar but exactly that isn't possible with these Twindexx units.

[@BruscoTheBoar]

@@MattiBlume What i said in my last sentence

[@schreilix]

Der Gute alte Teppich RE 😊 The good old carpet RE 😊

[@Workaholic42]

Jammern auf hohem Niveau… 😅

[@Video-josef]

Very ugly train, locomotives i saw, ugly too. I mean the front part designe.

[@g1umer39]

They really brought 20 year old trains from Czechia ("CityElefant") and called them new.😂

[@Simon-Andersen]

I dont know about that, these are from the Bombardier family that are quite a bit older :P en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombardier_Double-deck_Coach

[@RodericCeorlred]

This is no Intercity train. This is an overpriced regional train, painted in a highly dirt-sensitive colour scheme.

[@Ottakring-us3xi]

so the first third is about the station , than a rout map, better than uk trains , so boring

[@Lord-Wolfie]

They are better than the Dutch IC-trains, like the DDZ and vIRM.

[@paulthiel5145]

But not better than the ICM or new ICNG 😉

[@Simon-Andersen]

IC trains in the NL runs much shorter trips tbf. The new ICNG looks great tho!

[@samtrak1204]

Ride quality?

[@Simon-Andersen]

Perfectly Acceptable