This Strange Swedish Retro Train Company Only Runs 1 Train a Week - Tågab Review

Join me as I travel on Tågab, the Swedish train operator you probably have never heard of. With a fleet of retro first-class coaches offering comfortable armchair-like seats, this is one of the best first-class products I've ever traveled on. So join me as we take a trip on their limited service network on a journey through Sweden.
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Train type: Rc3 + Various old cariges
Route: Stockholm to Hallsberg continues to Karlstad
Train: Tågab 7055
Distance: 197 km
Journey time: 1h32m
Average speed: 128 km/h
Price: 340 SEK ~ 30 Euro

[@drdewott9154]

As far as I know Tågab was created by some ex SJ workers in the Kristinehamn area after SJ planned to introduce service cuts in the area, which they did not agree with. So they banded together, made their own company and bought some of SJ's old equipment, and keeps running these trains to this day on the services that SJ won't run but which still economically work, using the same practises as SJ did in the olden days. Also given that this train only has a max speed of 160km/h, that average speed is really impressive. On par with some high speed trains in other countries. So good job Tågab... (also imagine if a company does something similar in Denmark with routes like Copenhagen-Struer once DSB leaves that route in 2030)

[@perpersson1072]

wrong the man who started it his name is lars yngstrom the founder and still boss of company

[@ExodusCore]

I only wish that they hadn't refurbished those old trains. They looked much better in the past. Does anyone know if there are any old wagons from the 80s (especially sleeping wagons) that haven't been ruined/remodeled? I would have loved to at least have some pictures or videos from them. I remember the lamps in those wagons were hidden beneath sharp metal things (that you could flip up?)... there were also some classic stickers on the fake wooden walls that warned people about thieves. One, if I remember correctly, depicted a cartoon man wearing a suit and a hat, that looked back and spotted a wallet on the ground? I have fond memories of these wagons, but I have never seen them again.

[@perpersson1072]

@@ExodusCore well in gävle railway museum i think they have it

[@macjonte]

The old Swedish built trains from 60-70s are still one of the best trains I’ve used. Flexible, reliable, comfy. I heard the point from the beginning was to stock up with more train cars if they were fully booked, something that isn’t used nowadays. I think they built the model all until the 90s when the Cold War ended and most of Swedish self sufficiency unfortunately ended.

[@mattiasthorslund6467]

I recently took the Tågab train from Alvesta. It has only three carriages but was otherwise similar to this train. What surprised me was the number of passengers. I thought it's such an odd train. But being available in the SJ booking system means that travelers looking to travel on the particular day and direction will find it. Those going to Värmland get a more direct journey with fewer transfers. And the price is good too. So this one train on Fridays will stand out in the search results of those customers. And SJ gets to sell the return journey, so it's a win for them.

[@BustaHymen]

I never knew we had such cool trains in Sweden nowadays! Thanks for sharing this :)

[@flickrscreen]

This is exactly the travel experience I want in Europe and Scandinavia. No more plastic trains with hard seats. Older trains, like like this and Talgo, ooze style and comfort.

[@larshelmin]

SJ once run those 1960s mixed 1st and 2nd class coaches on only 2nd class regional trains between Helsingborg and Kristianstad with Rc3 locomotives at each end. Very comfy they are!

[@chriswade7470]

The layout of those mixed class coaches reminds me somewhat of stock DB used to use in the 1990’s on Interegio Services

[@fredskronk]

Love all these videos from Sweden. I think that that funny first class area used to be called “the living room” back in the days. Perfect first class lounge area to have drink and, due to being in the seventies and eighties, probably smoke.

[@Aohalm]

I love the design of the train - very comfy and cozy!

[@hans-jurgenfreisinger2495]

What is probably not so well-known: first class comes with a free coffee or tea from the buffet car. You have to pick it up there.

[@Simon-Andersen]

I certainly wasn't aware! Thanks for sharing

[@rico4.700]

god that locomotive is beautiful. and the station is so big, so many shops, i wish copenhagen was like that.

[@matsv201]

The locos and wagons was originally built to match.. or rather, the loco was made to match the wagons that is slightly older. But over time there been changes and the design have fallen apart a bit.

[@petertyckare3432]

It was trains like that that made you travel a lot first as a child then as an adult in the 60-70s and "the wonderful Restaurant wagons with white cloths" it couldn't get any better and at every major station there were excellent restaurants! Glad I got to experience those times.

[@oskarsyren]

I'm so jeallous... What happened? Born '93.

[@delibakerytravel]

All I Can Say Is Wow!! I Really Enjoy Your Channel So Much. Just Fabulous. Greetings From San Diego.🌴

[@Simon-Andersen]

Thank you! Greetings from Copenhagen 😄

[@henrik1743]

That blue train is one of my favorite looking swedish trains

[@anteeklund4159]

There are a few stations between Kristinehamn and Falun only served by Tågab, and hence only receiving a couple of trains a week. True American frequency!

[@Simon-Andersen]

Oh that's interesting, almost deserves it's own video!

[@anteeklund4159]

@@Simon-Andersen I think it does! There are four stations, Storfors, Nykroppa, Grythyttan and Hällefors

[@davebowman6497]

I really enjoy your videos, but if I'm not mistaken you've now made the same mistake several times. So here's a tip for the next time you and your camera enters StockholmCentral Station from the east (the original 19th century entrance): Immediately after entering, point the camera to the roof. That is the roof in the smaller hall before the main concourse. It has been restored to its original state and is remarkably beautiful. You're welcome! 😊 PS. Maybe also mention that, when in the underpass, going in the opposite direction from going to the trains/platforms, you will get to the Stockholm metro (Station "T-centralen") and the Stockholm metropolitan area commuter trains (Station "Stockholm City"). You'll get to both without needing to go outside, which is nice when the weather isn't.

[@davidwittberg683]

If you're going to be this smug please learn the difference between roof and ceiling.

[@Simon-Andersen]

Thanks Dave! I will try to remember next time 😊 - I was in a bit of a rush for this one as I had just arrived on the Arlanda Express after a delayed flight

[@carlosrosas7249]

Such a nice train . A train you can really enjoy . 👍🎉 From Portugal 🇵🇹 .

[@elfleader8930]

This my favourite way to travel between Stockholm and Karlstad. The chairs are awesome and it gives you the classic train feel that you long for when travelling by train. I highly recommend

[@Schnaitheimer]

03:45 So now we know, that SJ seems to be the inventor of the window seat without window. Maybe some ICE engineers were on holidays in Sweden ;-)

[@Thomas1980]

Excellent Video! BIG LIKE!

[@Simon-Andersen]

Thanks Thomas

[@anderspemer358]

This was really nice to see! I should travel at least once soon to Karlstad. I realize that I totally need to go by Tågab. :)

[@Simon-Andersen]

I hope they will suit your times next time you need to make a tirp there!

[@TUXmint]

I lived in the top floor of the apartment building seen at 11:09 while studying to become a train driver. These Rc3 locomotives are fundamentally the same as the RC6 used by SJ today (built up to 1986 i think). The only difference between the Rc3 and the Rc2 is that the Rc2 had a gearbox that limited the max speed to 135km/h. I used to drive the modernised version of the Rc2/Rc3, the Rd2 for Green Cargo as well as the slightly newer Rc4 (built in the mid to late 70s). They're great locomotives to drive. Hector Rail also operates old SJ Rc3 locomotives pulling cargo trains.

[@andersnilsson8303]

Fascinating! I only travel a handful time per year, but never stumbled upon Tågab. However, based on their limited route network, guess it's not that surprising. Thanks for the video!

[@Georg-Gruber]

This is looking fantastic and I have to say that I prefer the comfort in old cats like this over all new ones. Especially the seats. Only thing that I would miss in summer, is probably air conditioning.

[@57thorns]

I was lucky enough to start working while first class trains was still standard for business travel, and I did see that rotating seat layout once.

[@RKMa64]

Lovley film on Tågab

[@jonaslind9505]

Happy to hear our place names pronounced so beautifully on a non-Swedish channel! Thank you for a lovely video! 😊

[@Simon-Andersen]

Hoped you enjoyed hearing them in the most danish way possible :-)

[@alexhansen393]

I haven't looked on the video yet. But just knowing TågAB i do miss using them. Those old seats are a blessing from the modern ones. Maybe everything isn't up to standard but i would take TågAB any day rather than the double deck trains.

[@HSTHoward]

I rode on this from Hallsberg to Stockholm, it was amazing!!

[@henning1152]

5:20, a small small error there. The commuter trains operate to and from the underground station Stockholm City, located in a deep tunnel under the main station that's used for Regional and Inter-city travel (technically a different station according to the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket))

[@Simon-Andersen]

Ah yeah good point, I view the whole complex just as one thing, so I trend to forget that the main station, city and metro actually got different names 😁

[@ann-louisewetterskog8431]

So nice to see this train! I often travel by train in the 80:s, After that i mostly drive car. Thank you 😊👍

[@Simon-Andersen]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching :D

[@---cm9lq]

i traveled from borlänge to ghotenburg one time it was pretty packed full it was a sunday. many students.

[@eightsprites]

Fun to see the train. Remember it from when I was a kid in the 80s

[@vicsams4431]

Having seats that can swivel to face different directions, used to be common in Norway (B3 and B5 coaches), common in Portugal (Sorefame coaches) and on older Canadian coaches (stainless steel, Budd coaches). The odd layout reminds me of some older DB coaches. I have ridden with SJ three times. I was staying in Trondheim, and decided to do a daytrip to Ostersund. A Rc3 there and a Rc6 back east of Storlien. I also rode behind a Rc6 from Fredrikstad to Oslo S. NSB in Oslo S being reluctant to sell me a SJ ticket, and the SJ train guard saw me board the train and rushed to check my ticket to make sure I was not in a NSB ticket.

[@lzh4950]

Swivelling seats are still common in Japan

[@vicsams4431]

Many thanks for your advice. My father worked for a Japanese company, and rode the Shinkansen when the line from Tokyo to Osaka opened in 1964. Alas I have never been east of the Ukraine.

[@Katt1n]

They used to run direct trains between where I live and my home town. Goated company.

[@SimonTog]

Great video Simon :)

[@Simon-Andersen]

Takker Simon :-)

[@hin_hale]

Fun, if a bit disturbing fact: that big, round hole between the upper and lower level at Stockholm Central Station is nicknamed Spottkoppen, "The Spitting Cup". When I was a kid, you would actually run the risk of getting a loogie on your head if you went through there. I avoided it like the plague.

[@Simon-Andersen]

Oof, I'm glad that's no longer the case

[@hin_hale]

I can't guarantee that it never happens. Best to stay clear, just in case. 😉

[@per-olamjomark7452]

I just passed under the Årsta bridges (which can be seen at around 5:00) earlier today with my little boat which is moored close by. The weather was definitely nicer now in May than in February when you filmed this. As for the seating layout at 8:30, I have traveled in a similar waggon on Snälltåget a few times. Not sure if they are still in traffic.

[@Simon-Andersen]

Snälltåget also has a lot of older random wagons, but I think most of them have been refurbished by now with that interior long gone!

[@MegaMrDanne]

The one time I went with them it was total chaos. There was a forest fire and electrical problems and they went "SJ would have cancelled this trip a long time ago but we will solve this" 😆

[@sugarpolecat4781]

What's crazy to me is that you didn't capture any shady deals on Plattan. Or perhaps I just didn't notice , but those deals happen there like 24-7.

[@lcxgaming9889]

I would like to travel on an old school someday. Probably not traveling on this one yet though. Also never seen a sink like that before.

[@SpotterCrazyperson]

Great video!

[@Simon-Andersen]

Thank you!

[@57thorns]

I believe one of the reasons for the extra compartment is that they could have been the smoking compartment. Luckily that is long gone now.

[@Rubbe87]

I see it quite often. Live next to the railroad station.

[@PirrePuder]

2:00 - we call that open ring spottkoppen, "spit cup"

[@DeZweedseMachinist]

Hector Rail sold Rc3 1064 to Tågab right before I began working at Hector, that's a pity... I have an H0 model of 1064 and it would have been fun to have it as a "colleague" as well. 😄

[@Simon-Andersen]

Maybe its time to find an opportunity at Tågab next ;)

[@hallvard74]

The best route to travel by Tågab is Göteborg Falun. Then you get to travel on the line Kil- Nykroppa- Ställdalen. Tågab is the only company running on that line and only a couple of times a week in the summer so a very exclusive line.

[@zylos9016]

I take this train pretty frequently as a “as needed” replacement of SJ when traveling Karlstad - Stockholm

[@TheExileFox]

the SJ booking system has recently removed the really useful feature where the mobile app would tell you where on the platform you should be standing. Usually it's somewhere between section A through E but platforms may have more sections than that. I hate it when i have to walk through half of the SJ x2000 to get to the seat that I picked when booking because the app no longer tells me where i should position myself prior to boarding. The interior of X2000 is cramped when moving luggage.

[@triphora]

The Swedish definition of "retro" - 1960s - is just the standard consist age on Canada's VIA Rail

[@matsv201]

We consider the wagons retro.. or even museum wagons, but not the locos, despite they where produced pretty much at the same time. Granted, those locos was pretty high-tech when they was made. But they are still the mains stay of Swedish railways.. Well and Norwegians, and Romanians, and a few other countries.

[@tazareal]

I rode 1st class on SJ from Goteborg about 10 years ago, I think I recall the seats being able to rotate.. I do recall the interior being old fashioned and the seats being very soft with plush upholstery. Rotating seats used to be the norm for first class ("parlor car") daytime service in the USA (as opposed to night time Pullman sections), you can those in old photos of those trains.

[@piotergod]

In some Norwegian trains between Oslo and Stavanger they have rotating seats which are turned around in Kristiansand when train changes direction of running.

[@tazareal]

@@piotergod What I am talking about is seats that rotate like office chairs, liker this: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parlor_car#/media/File:Amtrak_Parlour_Car_(3727678549).jpg

[@skyde72]

The loco-hauled train was a surprise.

[@petter5721]

Tack 👍🏻

[@raidkoast]

Benefit of our great nation. You can walk from front to back in such a train with a camera... Without annoying small talk. It's awesome. :P

[@Simon-Andersen]

It's great!

[@arsenicCatnip413]

skön tåg!!! Jag alskarr tåg i Sverige

[@sveannnnnnn7578]

The ring in the big area inside the train station is called "ringen" - "the ring " and there is a rumor gays is going there to hook up

[@piotergod]

They run very intereststing route from Göteborg to Börlänge through Nykroppa, Grythyttan, Hällefors and Ställdalen. Never took it, it runs on strange days and very rarely. Will try it one day...

[@Simon-Andersen]

This sums up tågab very well, they run trains, but only sometimes and it changes, so you have to seek out to ride tågab xd

[@HelloOnepiece]

On the Budapest-Bucharest line that cabin would pass as contemporary if not modern XD

[@Simon-Andersen]

Similar aged rolling stock iirc

[@hypatiatv421]

10:08 Thanks, everything is clearly unclear.

[@jimmyandersson4599]

Tågab is the most comfortable train i ever have traveled with.

[@PerBengtsson]

Try it on a hot summer day

[@KjellEson]

2:59 ASEA the first letter is first in the Swedish - Swiss company ABB ASEA Brown Boveri

[@maxslamer]

10:43 Before arriving to Hallsberg, doesn't the voice in the speaker say "Halmstad nästa"? My hearing isn't perfect though. 😉🙄 Fun video.

[@larshelmin]

I heard Halmstad too😅

[@Simon-Andersen]

I am honestly not sure now either! I hear Halmstad now too 😆

[@A2n7tA]

I had to listen multiple times, but he says "Hallsbe". The drawn out emphasis 'ha' totally makes it sound like he says 'halsta' though, which I definitely interpreted as Halmstad the first time.

[@maxslamer]

@@A2n7tA You could - and should - be right. I still hear "Halmstad" though, lol. But I'm so old that I made my military service in the 80's in Halmstad. On the way home for the weekend I switched train in Hallsberg and had just about time to have a "Superstar" burger. They tasted heavenly back then.

[@clangerbasher]

Are dogs a common sight on Swedish railways? I have seen two so far. I can't remember the last time I saw one on the railways here in the UK.

[@Simon-Andersen]

Its not a uncommon sight for sure.

[@clangerbasher]

@@Simon-Andersen There was even a kennel compartment on the train.

[@Takraf]

What do you mean with "one train a week"? Tågab drives at least seven trains a week from Stockholm. I'm a traindriver at Tågab and sometimes drives these trains.

[@Simon-Andersen]

Its a refrence to the 2 very infrequent routes you guys have as explained at 10:05, ofc the Stockholm is a bit more frequent. :-)

[@Allofrancois]

Nice video. Funny way to pronounce "Coop", it's normally pronounced "co-op", as in the word cooperation.

[@frankkrunk]

It's not pronounced in English, we don't have the English vowel diphthongs (where the first "o" makes two distinct vowel sounds). The original Swedish name of the mother organization is Kooperativa Förbundet.

[@Simon-Andersen]

As frank explained quite well, it's a bit different here in the Nordics. I just went for what we call the chain in Denmark 😊

[@AlfCalson]

2:56 Logo for Tågåkeriet i Bergslagen AB abbreviated TÅGAB tåg-train åkeri-haulier åkeriet-the haulier i-in AB(aktiebolag)-joint-stock company

[@sveannnnnnn7578]

We also has "Blå tågen"

[@NortOfficial]

Tågab might actually be a very clever way of making a company with a simple name, Tåg AB, Train PLC or Ltd

[@dosvidanyagaming4123]

And officially it's TågÅkeriet i Bergslagen AB, or in English "Train Carrier in Bergslagen, Ltd"

[@CB-fn3me]

@@dosvidanyagaming4123 I'd just like to add that Bergslagen translate as The Mountain Teams or Crews. The region got its name from that there were many mines in the area.

[@RealCadde]

There's basically no difference in comfort between 1st class and 2nd class. It's normally (but never ridden these carriages) a matter of how crammed it is. Been riding IC between Stockholm and Gothenburg a few times and i actually prefer the longer journey time of 4.5 hours over the 3.16 hours (IIRC) of the X2. This because on that frequent SJ route, the RC6 and the older 80's wagons 2nd class seating is PERFECT if you reserve a seat and no-one reserves the one next to you. You have two seats to lay back in and sleep. I once made the mistake of reserving in 1st class (only 25 SEK extra) and i could not sleep at all, even when the seat reclines. So what i did was move over to 2nd class, finding a seat pair that wasn't reserved and laid down there and slept for 2 hours. Though this Tågab consist's cabins look like the PERFECT place to lie down. I am surprised they were empty. Did those seats cost more to reserve?

[@Simon-Andersen]

Compartments are excellent for sleeping, it's the same price as far as I'm aware but as there is no seat map you have to know the numbers to manually be assigned a seat there

[@Takraf]

In those wagons there realy are a difference in comfort. It's not as in modern trains whit bad seats.

[@RealCadde]

@@Takraf Are you speaking from experience or is it coming from somewhere the sun don't reach?

[@Takraf]

@@RealCadde I've traveled with this kind of wagons since more than 30 years. I've also traveled a lot with trains in Europe, both 1st and 2nd class.

[@RealCadde]

@@Takraf And i am speaking from my own personal experience between 1st and 2nd class seats like those. They are basically the same. Difference is amount of space around them and the fact 1st class tends to have armrests between seats, which means you can't lie down over them. Now, stop telling me what i think or i will start telling you what you are thinking.

[@nakfan]

Great video 👍

[@Simon-Andersen]

Thanks 👍

[@matsv201]

6:48 oh no.. you should have filmed 10 more second and you would gotten my workplace. ;) 8:33 When i was a kid i always use to sneek over and sit in that part of the train when the conductor was not watching

[@Simon-Andersen]

8:33 I think you can sit there now if you have a valid 1st class ticket :D

[@matsv201]

@@Simon-Andersen yea. But when I was a kid my parrents never bought me first class... and.. well now. Its not often i go by train. Well if I need to go to Stockholm alone. But that dont happen that often.

[@isakh2815]

tågabs the best fr

[@hj43falk56]

Hej Simon. Gode tog videoer du lægger op. Jeg kan godt anbefale Zugspitzebahn toget som kører fra Garmish Parten Kirchen til Zugspitzeplatt via Eibsee. Efter Eibsee går det stejlt opad gennem tunnel til endestationen. Hvor man kan tage en kabelbane de sidste 400 meter op til selve Zugspitze. Besøg også Wank, Hausberg, Kreuzeck, Hochalm og Alpspix. Brug mindst 4 overnatninger i Garmish Parten Kirchen for at se det hele.

[@Simon-Andersen]

Tak! Jeg håber at komme ned til det område på et eller andet tidspunkt 😀

[@markvogel5872]

I feel like that sushi place was also in Cologne...

[@Newbyte]

Sushi Yama has restaurants all over Sweden. Not sure about Germany though.

[@Simon-Andersen]

Maybe it's definitely a chain!

[@daffhead4975]

1 minute isn't a delay in Sweden.. That's even a lot less then avarage.

[@vogel6554]

Påminner om tågscenen i “Dom kallar oss mods”

[@Felix-dq6uq]

Tager dig selv samme Simon… Kan du udtale byerne endnu mere på dansk?

[@Simon-Andersen]

Hvis du vil have dine byer udtalt korrekt, er du på den forkerte kanal.

[@krooks6367]

If Blå tåget still excist- its a better trip

[@mattihp]

2:30 or use the escalator on the other side

[@globetrotterwien]

The Old Trains are Hundred Time better I'm in Love

[@Nooticus]

Great video, but you didnt explain WHY these trains run?! Seems a strange company!

[@Simon-Andersen]

Afaik it has to do with some people thought SJ's cut in the Karlstad area were too much so they got together to run these trains.

[@Nooticus]

@@Simon-Andersen very interesting, thank you

[@TomasGraf-rr6co]

This is infinitely nicer than some ugly new train.

[@DeDe-by9se]

Depressing day in Stockholm? Just cuz grey clouds? Lol

[@treddevontopratz]

Could you try a Västtrafik train sometime?

[@Simon-Andersen]

I plan to come try out the X80 when they enter service

[@treddevontopratz]

@@Simon-Andersen Ah Nice!

[@rubberduck3066]

Retro?

[@maxjohkna]

All trains should have coat racks

[@mathiasschoenning]

Du kan altså godt sige coop rigtigt

[@Simon-Andersen]

Vi siger koop på Lolland :P

[@Jens-tc5yz]

340 kr var billigt för 1a klass❤❤❤

[@pontushaggstrom6261]

"karlst'll"

[@Ditch_Killer]

hi

[@Simon-Andersen]

Hello

[@gizemlikisi6213]

we still have worse ussr version of those trains in bulgaria and they are being used for daily transportation

[@Simon-Andersen]

Bulgaria has some intresting railways, I hope to check out in the future!

[@tha_tram_man]

i wishd they use a d-lok

[@musikogfis203]

ROFL, no way😅 ASEAs tyristor lok fits well

[@samtrak1204]

Your seat offers no window view.

[@Simon-Andersen]

That is a good point, recling helped!

[@raresore]

These trains are not fun to ride in the middle of summer when it's 25+ C outside, they don't have AC.

[@16jan1986]

Tågab can do a cafe car and this shows how useless DSB is

[@ExodusCore]

That train does NOT look like it did in the past. They took old train wagons and COMPLETELY ruined them. It is really depressing, especially concerning the night wagons from the 80s. The sleeping wagons from the 80s in Sweden were some of the most cozy... but they have all been refurbished and remodeled and now look like crap.

[@Keikdv]

Shops, shops, shops, shops and, very confusing, some platforms, well hiden away... Taga AB should do what they did an do and leave running trains to real companies. People want relialble trains, not grandmothers heritage rooms...

[@mattiasthorslund6467]

They're not a major competitor, so you have plenty of other trains to choose from. They provide cheaper transport for those on a budget.

[@physiocrat7143]

The latest SJ type X3000 are dire.

[@iCE2sKY]

Old time trains are amazing!!! :) 🚂🚃🚃🚃 Great video but you are wrong :) only very south of Sweden is gray in winter, mostly winter is white, We have a lot of snow 5 , 7 months a year ! ❄🏔🌨☃🏂

[@oliveralmquist7272]

HALLSBERG MENTION!!!!!!!🚄🚅🚆 ALL WE HAVE IS RAILWAYS🎉🎉🎉