LNER Azuma Standard Class Review

[@colin.d]

Like you I didn't have an issue with the seat comfort, though a staff member did admit the problem initially with the Azuma trains was lack of storage space. This has been partially addressed by re-assigning some seating areas at coach ends to additional luggage space. I travelled both first and standard last year between Edinburgh, York and Newark and enjoyed the experiences.

[@stars_pov]

Can see exactly where I stood after college every day on the train back to Falkirk Grahamston at Stirling! Brings back memories of some crowded Edinburgh-bound trains :)

[@kippen64]

I feel sorry for the passenger who needed medical assistance. To not only need medical help but to know that your plight is causing people to be very delayed, would be distressing.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Ik right but the passengers on the train understood. I'm more than happy to have to wait an extra hour or so if it means someone is getting the medical attention that they need.

[@AymanTravelTransport]

@@DylansTravelReports would you have been able to leave the station and walk around Newcastle for a bit in that situation?

[@capnskiddies]

I'd be more than concerned that it's taking so long for an ambulance to arrive. +70 ex Newcastle suggests a minimum 45 wait for an ambulance. I mean you wouldn't want to be dying.

[@DanielsUKT]

Good to finally see a positive review on these trains 😂😂😂 usually see many negative ones (no thanks to DFT of course) but anyway Yh these trains are quite nice and I like the design and livery and supercheap price for 300 mile journey

[@Wacky_Races]

Poor train. Lights are far to bright. Found the seats uncomfortable. Due to the lack of aerodynamic flaring on the roof there is a lot of wind noise. Suspension suffers from stiff yaw dampering and hence makes the ride less than ideal. No entertainment system. Couldn’t think of anything worse than going to Inverness on an Azuma.

[@lightchipster]

This makes me want to visit Darlington. That is a very impressive station building, I have passed through on the EC train loads of times but never got out

[@DylansTravelReports]

This was my first time (other than when I arrived the day before.)

[@RushfanUK]

It's not a great place to visit, before I get shot down for that I lived and worked in Darlington for over 5 years.

[@robtyman4281]

@@RushfanUK The station building is impressive, but yea the actual town isn't anything to write home about. Worth exploring for a hour or so but not for more than this, and certainly not a whole day! Better to get out at Darlington (where most of the fast trains stop) and spend an hour in Darlington. Then head back to the station and get a train that will take you onto Durham (which few of the fast trains stop at). Despite its small size, Durham is easily worth spending a whole day in. Darlington isn't.

[@Frserthegreenengine]

It does seem that the LNER Azumas are much better than the GWR's Class 800s. Sure I've heard the seats are not quite as good as the HST, but LNER's ones are good enough and much better than the GWR ones. Not to mention that LNER retained the buffet in their Class 800s, something that GWR controversially dropped. So it seems that LNER learned from the mistakes of GWR and have avoided the backlash.

[@robertmorgan3935]

Having travelled on an Azuma earlier this month (May 2021), my comments about the comfort level of the seating in 'Standard' (or should that be 'Lower'!) Class are that it is comparable to sitting on a wooden bench. To be blunt, it was not just a proverbial 'pain in the neck' but in other parts of the anatomy as well! ......and for the record I was only travelling from Grantham to the next station on the line (Peterborough).

[@thearsenalmisfit2414]

In regards to GWRs huge mistake with no Buffet car their big problem is that the ordered a huge number if their trains as 5 car sets which means that you can not walk the entire length of train in the 10 car set. Its just a huge joke that GWR totally disregarded passengrrs when ordering these god awful trains.from a passenger point of view their is nothing to like about the GWR 800s, from the crap ride to no buffet car to rock hard seats to interior panels already loose to the very stark and harshly light interior. Their is nothing yheir to ever make me want to ride a GWR class 800 ever again.

[@robertmorgan3935]

@@thearsenalmisfit2414 The GWR Fleet consists of 58 x 5-car Bi-modes and 35 x 9-car. So 62.4% of their 800/802's are 5-car. LNER have 22 x 5-car and 43 x 9-car Units. So only 33.8% of their 800/801's are 5-car. The GWR have a lot of shorter routes compared with LNER, so I presume they considered that 5 car trains were sufficient for most of these journeys. LNER operate a frequent service to Edinburgh, almost 400 miles, of which 4 per day go through to Aberdeen or Inverness, both over 500 miles from Kings X. If the comfort level of the GWR sets is even worse than the LNER ones, I'm glad that the journeys I make don't involve using Paddington!

[@thearsenalmisfit2414]

@@robertmorgan3935 every time Ive travelled in the GWR 5 car units they have operated in pairs making a 10 car train and to tell yiu the truth I'm not sure Ive ever seen one operate as a 5 car unit by itself other than from Plymouth to Penzance after it arrived from Paddington as a 10 car train. I must confess as well though that I have not traveled much since covid. As for the numbers you provided thank you they are very informative.

[@robertmorgan3935]

@@thearsenalmisfit2414 I did a quick check on the journeys from Paddington undertaken by the GWR Bi-modes and they are in the 65 to 130 miles range, apart of course from the two longer routes to Swansea and Plymouth / Penzance. I can understand longer trains being provided in the current climate to ensure better Social Distancing, but if 9 or 10-car trains are still needed on a lot of these services when passenger numbers return to some semblance of normality, then it would seem that someone made a monumental error by specifying far too many Units of the 5-car variety.

[@danielbailey6478]

I've always found the seats comfy, especially over a longer distance. Leg room really good too, just the frame under the window seats slightly annoying. I also like that every seat has a coathook on it, as well as the ones on the wall. And I don't thing the luggage issue would be as big as it is if people realized how huge the overhead racks are and that there is plenty of room on them for a fairly big bag/case

[@rezaalan3991]

Departing Newcastle 70 minutes late, meanwhile arriving in Inverness 50 minutes late, the train acceleration doing great job. I think this seat is comfortable as long as there aren't stranger seat beside you.

[@jayusa879]

Enjoyed the walk to the station I love England and it's old well preserved buildings. Great train station. That TransPennine Express is beautiful love the color scheme, really cool. That was awesome they refunded half of your fare for the delay that's great customer service. Sounds like LNER is a well run company. Looking forward to next Friday have a GREAT week. Thank you Dylan love your videos take are man.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks. Take care.

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

LNER is actually run by UK government. The previous operator, Virgin Trains East Coast, lost a lot of money and had to return the (franchise) keys. UK train companies honour our Delay Repay compensation policy ... even though the reason for the delay may not be down to it (the train firm) or Network Rail (who manages the infrastructure). Unfortunately many passengers do not bother to claim / or are not aware they would receive compensation according to rail watchdog Transport Focus. www.transportfocus.org.uk/news-events-media/blog/make-delay-pay-claim-compensation/

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Looks like a great experience. 👍 Re the price. Wow. That’s so cheap. I’d almost feel guilty asking for delay relay given that and that it wasn’t their fault. 😛

[@bagins842000]

Nice video and this makes me want to go on a trip to Edinburgh with Azuma. When I had boarded on Azuma from York to London King's Cross, I couldn't check in detail because too short to check. I'm looking forward to board on those next time, post lockdown, from Japan. Thank you.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@BillCameronWC]

I hope we'll pretty soon be able to make these kinds of journeys again. I haven't yet travelled on an Azuma train but look forward to doing so; I live not far from Inverness so mostly take trains going south, but I have to confess I always travel 1st class as these are usually less crowded, although in the summer season the small number of seats allocated for 1st class means these are often soon completely full and seat reservations impossible to obtain - so taking the car is more convenient in high season, or flying (hopefully flights will be back up again soon, too).

[@DylansTravelReports]

Yes, in my experience, 1st class is usually a lot less crowded and it also doesn't matter too much how busy 1st class is if you can get a seat on the "solo" side of the train. However, i only travel 1st class when the difference between it and standard isn't too much. It would have cost over £70 extra to travel in 1st class for this journey.

[@tescotrain]

I feel bad for that passenger who was ill.

[@Lexzim9098]

Me too, but I personally think the LNER crew handled the issue exceptionally well.

[@angelahamilton1980]

My son can’t wait to go on the Azuma. He loves LNER. We travel down the east coast from Edinburgh to Berwick once a year. Such a beautiful journey

[@DylansTravelReports]

I'm sure he'll love it! It's a great train on a great journey!

[@TeguhNugroho90]

I'm so glad finding out a new rail fans KZbinr. Subscribed! It's so satisfying to hear that sound of the trains when they're stopping and departing. Okay noted, taking a train from London to Edinburgh to have that mesmerizing view. If I were you, that would be one of the most memorable journeys ever thanks to the sea and sunset. Come here to Indonesia and let me know what you think of our trains.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ronalddevine9587]

You do an amazing job. I too enjoy watching trains zip past cars. Keep up the good work

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks 😁

[@quarryfield]

Great video mate. What amazing value for a 300 mile journey!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks 😁

[@johannesbols57]

I always enjoy the fifteen or so minutes of concentrated oblivion when I watch a trip review of yours, Dylan. I've been to Great Britain six times and riding the trains is always the highlight of my holidays there. Maybe I enjoyed your review tonight because I sat down with some fresh pasta after running around doing housewife things and it was my first chance to relax for a couple of hours. A few points about this trip. 1) The shade of orange balanced with the white, surely that's going to start showing wear and tear faster? 2) There's really no excuse for the toilets to be in anything but really good nick. The last time I flew BA in steerage (LHR - SEA April 2001. I've flown Club World, Club Europe and FIRST exclusively since then) the toilets were not legal to even use and the crew could have given a tinker's cuss. 3) How pro active of the rail line to refund 50% of your ticket! Cheers, and see you next week.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@glynwelshkarelian3489]

Watched to the end now. Excellent camera work. The shot over the Tweed was a well filmed great moment. I, sort of, agree with your review of the Azuma. I've had to travel Bradford-Brighton irregularly for years. I saw a test Azuma fail at Stevenage while I was waiting for a Thameslink Class 700. The Azuma is better than Thameslink, but that's like saying sitting on a park bench is better than sitting on the pavement. The Government has created the least comfortable British trains in decades. Stagecoach added more padding while it still had the LNER franchise. It's better than a park bench, but it's abysmal compared to the 125 or 225 seats, and the buffet is tiny and useless in comparison.

[@nojyukunin]

☺Yeah I'm Japanese and I boarding this Azuma from London-Plymouth-Wigan-Glasgow-Edinburgh-York-Darlington-KingsX with a Brit Rail pass in this early summer. I watching this VTR brings back memories of my journey...

[@smcastillo7404]

Hi Dylan! Great review this week! I thought you were going to jump on one of those earlier trains and show us around since your camera malfunctioned haha! Darlington is so spacious! I hope the passenger that became sick was taken care of. I like that you are fair when you rate certain aspects of the train. Case in point: the toilets. Yes they weren't the cleanest but you gave them the benefit of the doubt! Choosing your seat is always a great tip! I hope it was complimentary too 🙂. I see that you like to throw shade at the cars travelling much slower than you! 😝. That was a price you got for the ticket and you got an additional refund! Amazing! Thanks for sharing another great trip of yours Dylan! Can't wait to see where you are headed next Friday! Cheers dude and stay safe!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed. Take care.

[@btuckervideos4705]

Very good and thorough analysis Dylan. The flip down tables are a bit cramped if you are trying to juggle resting both a laptop and a coffee on it, if the service is at least fairly busy, but it doesn't ruin the experience of an Azuma as the seats and the ride quality are both good. I do like the Azuma, and I cannot wait until lockdown is over so I can make another journey on one

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! I too cannot wait until I can get back out and about filming videos again.

[@SamuelTaylorAckroyd]

My dad is a train manager on the LNER trains. One good thing about that is I can travel on an LNER train for free. I actually have my own video on that but it is not very good so I would not recommend watching it lol, but I will make a better version in the future once things start to get back to normal

[@lorijohnston4311]

You can't beat £13 for a one-way ticket (and then 50% less than that). I took a LNER train last year from York to Edinburgh and found it a very comfortable ride (albeit, I was in first class). Haven't been to Inverness yet but every picture I've seen looks gorg. Thanks for the excellent, as always, review, Dylan!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! I personally think the Azumas are perfectly comfortable in both 1st and standard class. The ride up to Inverness sure is very scenic (if you travel during daylight hours that is.)

[@sjc14031974]

It was good to have a look at this as I will be travelling on 2 Azumas in Standard class between Edinburgh and Peterborough on my homeward trip from Scotland in May

[@CanuckJim]

TIL Haymarket is likely an easier transfer to the airport tram. I'll remember that one. (Last time I dragged bags up from the Waverley, around on to Prices to get it there.)

[@chrisinnes2128]

I would say that Edinburgh Gateway is an even easier station for the airport tram

[@LuisRodriguez-xt9ly]

The BEST trip reporter EVER keep up good work 👍🏻

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thank you so much 😁

[@penninetrains1398]

Excellent review as always Dylan. I think the relative comfort of different types of train seats is very subjective. It all depends on an individual person's height, weight, posture and other physical factors. I find the Azuma seats reasonably comfortable for journeys of two hours or so, but less so for longer journeys. That's probably because I have back problems. The passenger taking ill approaching Newcastle was very unfortunate. Sometimes in these circumstances the person can be removed from the train quite quickly and taken to hospital, although sometimes their condition means that they cannot be moved for some time and have to be treated in situ. I suspect that one of the factors in the train making up so much time may have been altered crossings with other trains on the Highland main line. Good luck and stay safe!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks. I think they cancelled a Scotrail service bound for Inverness at Perth on the basis that we took their passengers to free up space on the Highland Mainline. Also, given this train still runs on the same timetable as the HSTs did, the improved acceleration on the new trains may also have been a factor in making up time.

[@louislegrand2865]

Thank you, Dylan! Nice video, you explain well. Cheap price, you explain well, beautiful landscapes, good team ... what more could you ask for?

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks 😁

[@malwaysfine]

Thank you for this video. This reduced my anxiety to travel for the first time in trains

[@EuropeNordeste]

Hi Dylan really nice video. I had bought tickets with the high speed train from Amsterdam to London but unfortunately my trip was canceled. I am looking forward to rebook my trip as soon as possible. I love traveling with high speed train.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! I hope you get to take your trip soon.

[@colin.d]

Great tip on the manual seat assignment. Unfortunately this facility was lost on WCML when Avanti took over from Virgin. A tip to try and get a seat suitable to you in this case is to make several bookings in your cart then delete the ones with the seat allocation you dislike and pay for the selected choice. Not ideal but they do bunch people together.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks. I've done that a few times on other operators. Namely when I'm travelling alone in 1st class and the try and allocate me a seat on the side of the train with 2 seats.

[@glynwelshkarelian3489]

The first time I got off at Darlington I saw a kingfisher on the other side of the station (it was early). The second time for a multi Deltic gig at Shildon with mates. We went in the pub at start of this video (Hogan's) on the way there and on the way home. Good, old fashioned railway pub. I hope it survives. Not watched the rest of the video yet; but Azuma being better cushioned and furnished than the the ill build shite on GWR is small comfort. We've just left a golden age of British rail travel.

[@robinjones6999]

excellent report. Another tip - go for the quiet coach at the front - less busy. Also you are guaranteed to find some spotty herbert sitting in your carefully selected seat

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks.

[@JackJackProductions]

I was travelling on the 18.58 LNER service from York to London Kings Cross, calling at Stevenage and London Kings Cross. Which was orginally delayed by 15 mins due to being stuck behind a stopping service between Newcastle and York The service started in Edinburgh at 16.30. And a passenger in Standard Class was taken ill between York and Stevenage, so the train stopped in Stevenage for about 50 minutes. I was sat in First Class. And if it wasnt for the ill passenger I would have arrived in London Kings Cross on time at around 20.55

[@craiglsimons]

Great review! Subscribed! 😃 You traveled 300 miles for £6!!!! Even £13 is insanely cheap! One day, post pandemic, I’d love to travel on the Azuma trains. I’m a fan of the classic 125 and 225, but this new loco appears to have had a great fit for the modern traveller. The fact it can run on electric and diesel is amazing. No need to change locos at the switchover. Look forward to checking out more of your reviews! All the best 🙌

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! These Azuma trains are really good imho. The best part about the bi-mode feature is the saving on fuel. LNER recently stated they used 9,000,000 litres less fuel in the year since these trains were introduced than the previous year which, short of electrifying the entire UK rail network, is as clean a mode of transportation as one can expect atm.

[@craiglsimons]

Dylan's Travel Reports agree! That’s a huge cost saving advantage, which eventually can be distributed back into line maintenance and better service for customers. The line definitely should be electrified and rails improved so we can catch up with our continental friends running trains at 200+ mph!

[@DylansTravelReports]

@@craiglsimons I agree. Maybe some day HS2 will reach as far north as the likes of Glasgow and Edinburgh.

[@MrFedemucci]

Thank you so much for your videos!!! They are amazing!!! could you incorporate a map with the schedule of your trip before or when you consider, to improve, and understand where are you travel??? Thank you so much again!!!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! A map is something I've looked into but copyright has proved to be an issue.

[@heathercampbell535]

First time viewer! Great vid! Just curious why you don’t do a dub over narrative on your videos?

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! I prefer to provide a "raw" travel experience with just the sounds I experience while I travel; I feel that adding voice over would take away from this.

[@heathercampbell535]

Dylan's Travel Reports thank you for replying! Love the videos!

[@callumthornelow2936]

Nice review as always, stay safe bud

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! Take care.

[@levichalcraft8702]

It’s strange that in my experience the seating is bad for shorter journeys like London - Sevenage but good for Lognger journey like York to London

[@liketobi178]

I absolutely love the design of the transpennine class 802!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Ik right. It looks stunning!

[@maureendesquitado3606]

Hi Dylan I enjoyed the video!!! See you next Friday!!!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! See you next Friday.

[@stevecooksley]

Great video once again (I really appreciate the 60fps as well). I wonder why the passenger taken ill wasn't just removed from the train and treated? Obviously I don't know the situation but would have thought it was to everyone's advantage.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks. We were waiting quite a while for the paramedics to arrive.

[@aodhantravels123]

Nice Video. I hope the person that took ill was alright

[@paulbennell3313]

At that price, that's the sort of journey you can do just to keep yourself occupied when you're bored! There and back it's a full day out!

[@carlwatson9947]

Dylan was the price of a ticket a child and when I dine the trip from the Darlington to Inverness I pad. £45.50 return and I paid well in advance and also on the way back my journey was just over 6 hours and the train is quick but my bum was very numb when I got off but no doubt it might have changed now great video again well done

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks. It was an adult fare with a railcard discount of a third so if I hadn't have used the railcard, it would have cost about £20.

[@carlwatson9947]

Dylan's Travel Reports oh ok no worries just that mine was also with a rail card as I had my son with me and it still cost me £45.50 I booked up April last years maybe I missed the cheap fares again well done and keep up the good work

[@andrewdales8136]

Another good video Dylan. You should diverted at Darlo and come down to Saltburn for a paddle and fish and chips. Keep up the good work. By the way I liked this video a week last Tuesday lol. Take care and keep safe.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks. I did head towards Saltburn but only as far as Middlesbrough. I bet the fish and chips are good there though as they are in most seaside towns 😁 Take care!

[@Lexzim9098]

Wait a minute. Due to the Azuma's great acceleration, I initially felt a bit curious of how it saved 20mins between Newcastle and Inverness. 5:38 Newcastle - 70mins late. 15:59 Inverness - 50mins late. That's amazing.

[@DylansTravelReports]

It's amazing how much better acceleration can make a difference (even when they are operating under diesel power)

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

I suspect train schedules, just like the airlines, come with 'schedule padding' to flatter the punctuality stats.

[@Lexzim9098]

@@DylansTravelReports Hello. Thank you very much for responding. I have tried out the Azuma Standard class in February, and personally, I think the seats in standard class are just ok. It's not the best, but it's also not the worst. The padding is decent, legroom is decent as well, but I just don't like the upright position of the seat itself. I will admit that the overall features in standard class is absolutely fantastic, with electronic reservations, a power socket per seat, a coathook etc. By the way, one thing you haven't mentioned is the fact that the normal and accesssible toilets in the Azuma trains have manual locking handles, while in the older IC125 and IC225, they had electronic buttons. Personally, I much prefer having manual handles, since it is much easier for everyone to understand.

[@sherlocksteve9109]

Dylan: after watching your LNER new Azuma train review, I was impressed because it looks a lot like the current Amtrak Acela. However, there is a NEW Amtrak Acela already going through tests and could be in service soon. So watching your new video today 6/5/2020, I was very impressed by the quality of the video. Sorry that you had a malfunction with the camera. As I will tell you: I like the UK, but I lean towards scotland despite the weather and cold there. Stay safe and be well. email me.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked the video. Stay safe!

[@servisquartz6676]

Waverley is great station. Lothian Buses is the best operator in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s . Also can pick up the 100 bus route to the airport. Which is a lot quicker than the tram route.

[@galactic_nerd-sk4747]

My biggest issue with these trains isn't actually the firm seats. It's that the seats don't line up with the bloody windows!

[@DylansTravelReports]

I guess that's to do with getting the maximum amount of seats in.

[@Andrewjg_89]

LNER have named their Class 800 and Class 800 IETs very well as Azuma means East in Japanese. But they could of called them Higashikaigan which is East Coast. Or perhaps First Group East Coast Trains should name their Class 803 units Higashikaigan. Which they are coming into service from next year. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_800 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_801 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Coast_Trains en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_803

[@manomaylr]

There's been some discussion on Higashi vs Azuma... they both mean 'east', apparently.

[@kishigottalent4572]

Good video. This way we could see England

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! And don't forget Scotland as well.

[@kentcountryside10]

Good video Dylan I have subscribed to

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks 😁

[@普通のおじさん-i1h]

Nice to meet you. Watch this video and go to AZUMA I want to ride. The windows of the Shinkansen are small and I am not good at it. The type 0 of the Shinkansen was good. A fun video Arigatou.

[@mainlineto5988]

£13 for that distance is amazing.

[@Ian_Gregory_1988]

I don't know if this applies to all Azuma trains, but thanks to my recent shocking experience with Transpennine Express. I had to use a LNER Azuma train from Newcastle to York, the Stewardess informed me that Coach C is a reserved Coach for potential cancellation on other train services, Like my Transpennine train, so Coach C is usually mostly free but appears fully booked when reserving a seat on the website or App

[@JxrdnR6s]

Never been on one but I hope to soon!

[@CC-Cobalt-1043]

Same

[@egpx]

Quite like the LNER livery on the Azuma Class 800s. Not as much as the Transpennine livery mind you, which makes their Nova Class 800s look fantastic. I've been on TPE and GWR Class 800s and have to say that the seats were a little firm but not nearly as bad as people seem to be making out. Will have to try LNER sometime, post lockdown of course.

[@AviationRailAdventures]

TPE actually operate Class 802s but they are very similar to the Class 800 - it's hard to tell a difference!

[@egpx]

Aviation. Rail. Adventures. Yeah, I was using Class 800 in a generic way. I guess the GWR one I rode may have been an 802 too.

[@ironmantrains]

The seats seem nice from the video, but GWR's seats are like ironing boards

[@robertmorgan3935]

Having travelled on an Azuma earlier this month (May 2021), my comments about the comfort level of the seating in 'Standard' (or should that be 'Lower'!) Class are that it is comparable to sitting on a wooden bench. To be blunt, it was not just a proverbial 'pain in the neck' but in other parts of the anatomy as well! ......and for the record I was only travelling from Grantham to the next station on the line (Peterborough).

[@ajf3202]

@@robertmorgan3935 the seats do divide opinion alot. i personally find em fine and i travel 2hrs+ on these units all the time. GWR and LNER. I admit they could put a bit more padding in but it does the job.

[@robertmorgan3935]

@@ajf3202 A 'lot more padding' would be my comment. Alternatively they should provide optional cushions for passengers who don't enjoy sitting on boards! I await with interest (and some trepidation) as regards what level of comfort EMR will provide for us on their new Class 810 Bi-modes.

[@ajf3202]

@@robertmorgan3935 apparently they will use different seating mush

[@robertmorgan3935]

@@ajf3202 That's what I've heard as well. We can only hope that 'different' means much more comfortable for passengers' rear-ends!

[@SamuelTaylorAckroyd]

No premier this time?

[@DylansTravelReports]

No just regular upload for now 😁

[@SamuelTaylorAckroyd]

@@DylansTravelReports Ok cool

[@maheshnarayan6440]

You use 'platform' for UK videos and 'track' for US videos :). Do you also distinguish 'car' v/s 'coach'? I haven't observed yet.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Tbh, I think coach and car can be both be used in the UK as I've seen trains advertised being x cars long.

[@grassytramtracks]

People criticize the seats a lot but I think they're fine, snd overall I really like the IETs, plenty of legroom for me, and I'm 1m 87 (6ft 1.5in)

[@timberry7238]

to note that although LNER proudly show Inverness on their route map, there is in fact only ONE tpd in each direction, this one (the "Highland Chieftain") .. .. .. going south, if you had travelled 9 minutes further from Darlo, you could have waved to the left at my house from the train, 1 mile N of NTR ..

[@karenula7152]

I like busy loner trains it makes the journey feel nice

[@transportchannel2729]

Amazing video

[@mragrayson]

I loved the mk4 seats but while they're not terrible on the 800 they're also not great, every time I come back from Edinburgh I always end up with a sore neck, something that didn't happen with the mk4s, I just can't get comfortable on these new "improved" seats

[@Ozymandias1]

Wow, I'm jealous, Darlington to Inverness (320 miles) for only 13 pounds. Rotterdam to Groningen (150 miles) with the NS costs 27 euros (24 pounds).

[@DylansTravelReports]

Tbh, it's not always this cheap.

[@afletchermansson4418]

Seattle, WA, to Portland, OR. (approx. 175 miles and 3-1/2 hours) via Amtrak Cascades service is $36.00 USD. Here the cars DO enjoy their 70 mph on the Interstate. LOL

[@jackbee4289]

I think these are bad replacements for the HSTs. What do you like better?

[@DylansTravelReports]

About equal tbh.

[@vishweshkamat]

Excellent video.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks 😁

[@amtrakharry]

Not to bad !!!! Thank you for sharing !!! :):):)

[@DylansTravelReports]

You're welcome.

[@KeyNation]

Enjoy your 70mph limit 🤣

[@osakasenri7352]

It is a great pity why they did not use seats like those used in the Shinkansen Nozomi green car.

[@planespotter05__45]

I go on this train every week to Leeds. To be fair, I prefer the old train as it feels more spacious, but the new one is more efficient and getting there on time. It’s also very techy and I like how many bars there are!

[@bl.jackkk3231]

If you're traveling solo (nobody next to you) the seats are reasonable. Not comfortable per say but they do the job. However if you do have a seatmate it can get quite cramped feeling and very uncomfortable. On my trip from kings cross to Darlington I had to stretch my legs at Newark north gate as it was just so bad

[@fraserboyd5977]

You actually switch to diesel power between Stirling and Dunblane because the wires run out at Dunblane!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks for the info. I assume there is a set point where the switch over takes place.

[@johnakerman5428]

So nine months ago there didn't seem to be many precautions as to covid-19. No social distancing, no masks, queues in buffet car. At that time in Spain I was hardly allowed to leave home!

[@DylansTravelReports]

This was filmed in February 2020 so no covid restrictions at all.

[@johnakerman5428]

@@DylansTravelReports Ah that explains it.

[@archer7234]

1 question. Why do you alway go to Inverness ???

[@DylansTravelReports]

Because I live there.

[@archer7234]

Dylan's Travel Reports ohhhhhh I get it now, it all makes sense now 😄👍keep up the good work on the channel and I hope you get 32k

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@archer7234]

Dylan's Travel Reports 😂as soon as I say that your on 32k congrats mate I good luck on 33k you should be able to hit they soon with this great content 😄

[@Olszymanski]

I live in Darlington

[@CountFosco501]

Thanks for another very enjoyable video, Dylan. The Azuma trains' flash exterior belies the interior which is full of cheap, tacky plastic. I found the seats in 2nd class to be hard and uncomfortable and was glad to alight after just one hour. I found the seating in 1st class to be roughly the equivalent of 2nd class in the HSTs and IC225s from the BR era. In no way do they come anywhere near the comfort and opulence of the wonderful plush leather seats in those trains. Prior to the pandemic passengers from ECML stations bound for Inverness could avoid the Azumas by booking a seat to Edinburgh on a non-Azuma service on the LNER website, then choosing a Scotrail HST for the trip through the Highlands.

[@linesided]

Do you know if the 800 can switch between diesel and electric mode while moving. Honestly, the 2nd class looks ok, apart from the council office seating.

[@thearsenalmisfit2414]

LNER uses a different seat to the GWR concrete seat. Those ones look like the have way more cushion to them. My queation is what the ride is like. The suspension on the GWR 800s is awful and is shaking the trains apart when at speed. Its so bad that between the crap build quality and the shaking many wall panels are loose already after just a few years in service.

[@sayanhya]

Wow! At 4:44

[@ricjuk]

I know what I'm about to say has been said a million times before but having just suffered from a 47 minute delayed, 2.5 hour journey on an LNER Azuma set yesterday, I simply cannot see why anyone would see their seats (and general ride quality and ambience) anything other than just horrible. I literally spent the whole journey squirming about trying to avoid backache and a numb bum and being shaken around laterally, all the while listening to loud rattles and hums etc through the plasticky interior... I mean, the seats were pretty much rock solid with hardly any give in them whatsoever and I could even feel what felt like metal support bars digging into my behind as if what foam there was, had collapsed. It wasn't just "not as good as the 225 and 125 sets that they replaced", it was just straight up, genuinely uncomfortable and unpleasant however you look at it. I just don't understand why it's SO hard to provide a relatively pleasant experience for long distance train travel in this country when you pay so much for it. Comfortable seats, warmer, dimmer lights and a couple of extra carriages would be a great start and doesn't seem like rocket science considering that's the way things always were in the past. Surely things like this should evolve over time, not go so far in the opposite direction!?

[@jamesdrake2431]

Hi how do you thind your tickets at such a good price

[@DylansTravelReports]

Good question. I book in advance and plan carefully to find good deals. I also have a railcard which means I get ⅓ off.

[@RS-gi9hu]

The Azumas are great. But we really need to install trackside signalling for the trains to go at higher speeds aka above 140mph. Furthermore, trackside WiFi is needed as well!!

[@DylansTravelReports]

140mph would be great especially given it'll be well over 20 years before HS2 reaches as far north as the likes of Edinburgh.

[@RS-gi9hu]

@@DylansTravelReports I agree, the WCML was supposed to be upgraded so that trains Can run at 140mph + but it was cancelled because of funding contraints. Only HS1 allows trains to run faster that 125mph. It's frustrating because the rolling stock (including the old IC225's) could run at faster speeds.

[@shamabdullah7249]

Ive been waiting for months untill my country {malaysia} was going to open its country and i can go back and visit my grandma my moms siblings and my grandpa taking an etd platinum takes 5 hrs and 30 mins to get there ets buisness class has 11 stops the regular platinum class has 5 stops

[@georgeelsley4305]

Cool video!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@georgeelsley4305]

Dylan's Travel Reports do you have a PS4?

[@DylansTravelReports]

@@georgeelsley4305 No

[@Tpebestlivery]

I've been on lner azuma standard class and is decent

[@ironmantrains]

At least LNER have actually put more effort into furnishing their Azumas unlike GWR who have used cheap and cheerful materials (e.g rock solid seat covers) and seem to think that economics are a good excuse for reducing comfort and quality. Compare this to the HSTs which had better materials

[@WaynoGur]

WoW! These train cars seem to be very long compared to others I have seen. Are they long or is that just the camera?

[@DylansTravelReports]

They are a little bit longer than the Mk3 coaches they replaced (26m as opposed to 23m)

[@blau1296]

I think the real problem is the seat back. There’s too little padding and more importantly, it’s too upright, making it hard for passengers to truly sit back and relax.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Tbh, I find them to be less upright than on the IC125s and 225s but that's just a personal preference of mine. It's a shame they don't offer a degree of recline like most 2nd class products in Europe though.

[@lindenbeck]

Have you got a macbook? Because the power supply looks like an apple one.

[@DylansTravelReports]

No but I have an iPad so it would have been the power supply from that.

[@mattmainline7252]

The only complaint I have in general with the 800 series is the vestibule area by the doors. They are exactly the same for each operator. A little bid of colour wouldnt be took much to ask?

[@DylansTravelReports]

Tbh, I quite like the vestibules. They look very modern. That said, a bit of "personality" wouldn't go amiss.

[@phronsiekeys]

Did they let you off the train during that long delay in Newcastle?

[@DylansTravelReports]

No as the train would leave at the first available opportunity. I guess you could step off the train but there will be little to no notice that the train is going to depart.

[@CC-Cobalt-1043]

@@DylansTravelReports it's probably the best Idea to stay on board anyway, it's not worth the risk the train may leave without you, besides you'd be able to train spot from the window and listen to the announcements which I always find fun

[@pega17pl]

I wonder about broad hips at coach profils. Caused by tunnels profil? - Heinz

[@DylansTravelReports]

Idk but it's probably got something to do with Britain's small loading gauge.

[@ny24dx2k]

I dont like the seat at all, I travel a lot with LNER between London and Newcastle, I always few bit motion sick on standard class, the older intercity 225 dont have that problem for some reason. First class is bit better, but still feel a little ill. I also feed the the train is bit narrower than 225? Always fell bit crammed compare to 225. BTW can you share how can you get the price?

[@DylansTravelReports]

I got the price by booking direct with LNER.

[@dogsbody416]

What apps do you use to test the Wi-fi speed and see how fast you’re travelling?

[@DylansTravelReports]

For wifi testing, I use Speed Test by Ookla and for checking the speed of the train, i use speedometer only avalible on android.)

[@dogsbody416]

Dylan's Travel Reports thank you!

[@DylansTravelReports]

No problem 😁

[@physiocrat7143]

Another nice video. The seats are awful due to lack of lumbar support. You can easily fix it by rolling up a sweater or scarf or something and putting it in a place to support your lower back. Whoever specified them did not use ergonomic information which has been available for the past 60 years. It would not be expensive to modify them with correctly profiled seat foams. Not enough facing pairs of seats which means there is a shortage of the luggage space which would be available between seat backs. The detailed design of the trains is to a high standard but the overall concept is terrible. The vehicles are too long - wide gaps between the vehicles waste a lot of space, the platforms are a long way down, the footboards are too shallow to place a food on and the handrails are not conveniently placed. There is a contradiction between the streamlined fronts and the clutter on the roofs, and the wide gaps between vehicles, which must cause a lot of turbulence and air resistance. These are also features that could be remedied with fairings and would probably pay for themselves quickly. This also illustrates the inefficiency of the bi-mode concept. The train is running 500 miles lugging around an (under powered) diesel engine and fuel unnecessarily. It would be far more efficient to push the train from London, split it at Dunblane and draw off a section to run to Inverness with locomotive haulage - this was exactly the arrangement used between Waterloo and Weymouth between 1968 and 1988.

[@Freddie.minton3256]

What carriage were you in?