LNER Azuma VS ScotRail Inter7 City - 1st Class (Inverness to Edinburgh)

[@WorldWide_Dom]

This video really didn't go to plan, would you like me to make this video again to get a full comparison.

[@tenorclef4090]

If you do it again, could you speak closer to the microphone?

[@colinriley123]

Yes please. I would like to see the the ScotRail offer. LNER I am familiar with.

[@telemachus53]

Definitely, but many thanks for reporting to us on your frustrating day!

[@dobbinism]

Yes please.... really looking forward to this!

[@walterfillingham]

Unfortunately this is becoming a regular issue using the class 158 on the busy routes such as Edinburgh to Inverness and Inverness to Aberdeen with First Class missing, ac not working in summer and heating not working in winter. The Inter7city services promised are rare. Sadly services really have gone backwards

[@WorldWide_Dom]

I do hope they sort out the Inter7City service as the Glasgow/Edinburgh to Aberdeen/Inverness are their longest routes and would make some of the biggest impact for passenger comfort in my opinion.

[@bobbyclark6116]

About 5 years ago, my elderly aunt who was 90+ years old at the time, chose to travel by train from Glasgow to Thurso, as she had done many times to visit family. Similarly to you, her 170 with reserved seat was replaced by a 2 car (probably 158) and she was left to sit on her suitcase in the toilet the whole way to Inverness. The connection to Wick was cancelled, and the rail replacement bus took hours to get to Brora and sat there for ages. By this time my cousins were home from work and had lost patience and collected her by car. I complained on her behalf but got no empathy whatsoever from Scotrail. Sad no-one thought to give up their seat for a lady who was clearly elderly and infirm on her last journey home, but also no thanks to the shambles that is Scotrail. There is a habit of replacing a longer set with 2 car basic sets leading to discomfort and overcrowding. I love our railways but the standard is shocking since Abellio took over, much worse than National Express or FirstGroup.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

That’s terrible, I’m sorry you all had that experience. Sadly the state of rail transport across the UK just isn’t good, the system we have here is so broken. We need to be investing in the railways more and operate them more like our European neighbours, the Scandinavian system I personally think would fit very well. Thank you for sharing your story and experience.

[@callumswansborough1779]

During the temporary timetable a lot of HSTs were replaced with 158s and 170s because they take less time for drivers to safety check and prepare them for service than a HST, which meant that driver hours were altered to maximise the amount of time they spent driving passenger services. I think it takes about twenty minutes longer to prepare a HST than it does a DMU, I’m not 100% on the exact time, but it certainly is longer. Not that I’m saying that’s a good thing, believe me, I deal everyday with DMUs replacing HSTs and it’s beyond frustrating having to apologise day in day out for it. Also, at some depots not all drivers and conductors are trained on HSTs, so that meant there were occasions when a HST driver who would normally do overtime wasn’t available and crew who weren’t trained on HST were given those diagrams, meaning that the HST booked had to be replaced with a DMU that the crew could work. It wasn’t a fun time at all. And it’s never fun to be on a full and standing 158 on a warm day when the air con inevitably packs in.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Explains a lot, thank you, still thankful to the staff working under a very stressful situation for getting me home. Only think that still baffles me is on having the two carriages, the 158's & 170's are more than capable of being in a 3 carriage configuration and with all the cancellations I presume there were many at the depot. You think it would just be a case that on this day this was all they could service?

[@jackwatsonepic626]

Done the first class LNER from York to Stirling and the second class on the way back . with myself and the two children . To experience the first class travel And to tell you the truth There wasn't much difference with the service , that we received . Only the money side of it was £50 more for the first class , so I will be travelling second class from now like i always have . But to me , it just didn't justify the extra money . It is exactly the same with caviar and champagne , I would rather have a glass of lager and a steak and ale pie lol 🤣🇬🇧 .

[@russellbenton2987]

I haven’t been on a train since pandemic and your experience is precisely what puts me off . A 4 or 5 car unit replaced by 2 car . No social distancing there . Hot and sweaty and if anyone had Covid , drastically increasing your chances of catching it . You have to wonder why they couldn’t do 2 158s to replace HST . I think it would be an interesting comparison . Good video !

[@WorldWide_Dom]

I do understand you reservations & thankfully didn't catch anything, but as you can probably see I was concerned (hence the mask). Even if it were even a 3-4 car class 158, simply to increase the seating for everyone, it would have made a huge difference.

[@Bungle2010]

Best stay at home and hide under your bed.

[@russellbenton2987]

@@Bungle2010 if you haven’t anything intelligent to say don’t say it at all .

[@Bungle2010]

@@russellbenton2987 Maybe you should take your own advice……..

[@jvgreendarmok]

I remember playing the "how many people are getting on at each door" game in the early days of the pandemic when I was still travelling by train. (I hope to do it again soon)

[@Gourockz]

I did Glasgow to Inverness to Aberdeen to Glasgow in November. Was on in Inter7City to Perth then the train up to Inverness was a 2 carriage class 158 instead of a I7C. Was packed. Inverness to Aberdeen was a 158 which i think is normal, then Aberdeen to Glasgow was also a packed 158. Wasn’t the best and just constant apologies over tannoy and station boards.

[@biggles1222]

Great video again Dom! You should do some more comparison videos!!!

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Thanks! Will do! I do have a few planned, some i'm just waiting for the itineraries to match up. If there are any specific ones you'd like to see please feel free to suggest 😁

[@alancorrigan]

Another great video Dom, thank you! 😀

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😁

[@tomburke5311]

Nice video - I enjoyed it. Sorry you hit problems with the return trip. More railway videos please, though you might find the full 7 hours or so to Kings X a bit long.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

I do really want to do this video again to get a proper comparison and I do have a few more rail videos planned along with a few very special ones. 😁

[@chriswilkes4350]

Yes, I would like to see the whole Inverness-King's Cross trip. I'm with you on the rudeness to staff issue. I would be tempted to take them on. Should have thrown them off the train. And the train going back! Oh dear! You were a trooper and kept your cool. I liked the video.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Thank you that means a lot. I am definitely considering doing the whole trip, though I think I will wait until the weather is better as we are heading into winter now and daylight is getting short.

[@stevemcclure2879]

I think you should give them a second chance. Though they should be better prepared for situations like that one. Good job pushing through!

[@gcljohn]

Thanks Dom for showing the reality of rail travel in this country.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Thank you, while i do always want to make something entertaining for people so that it is worth their time, I do also always try to make sure that I'm portraying the authentic experience.

[@Bungle2010]

Reality?

[@steamisbest]

When I travel on LNER I always book on their website as it allows you to choose your seat, which means you never get the awful seat you got.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Yes I will need to do that next time, the seat was auto selected but at a very good price, I guess I now know why 😅

[@Bungle2010]

@@WorldWide_Dom You don’t pay for a seat, you pay for a journey.

[@blindpugh12]

We did the LNER Inverness to King's Cross before Covid. Several items on the menu, but only allowed one; we though it a bit miserly. Conclusion, have breakfast a hotel first if you can. Only Krankie Rail experience between Aberdeen and Inverness; no First class and very crowded (mid-morning).

[@josephcoane5004]

Would love to see a full review from Inverness - Kings X! It’s a classic UK rail journey and one I’d love to do myself, I can’t think of a better way to do it (during the day of course) than LNER first class!

[@craigtucker9441]

I’ve been on the train from Inverness to York. That was a long journey

[@HeatherHerbert_]

You used to be able to do Wick to Penzance in a day, I think with the recent emergency time table change you can't but, if you can I'd love to see that.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

I do have a lot of videos that I have planned to do in Cornwall so it would be a very interesting way to get there and could make a great video. It's something I do have to look into further myself. Thanks for the suggestion 😁

[@pedrantigirl]

I'll be having to use Scotrail in July for my roundtrip Edinburgh Inverness. I was planning on buying 1st class tickets but now I'm thinking no. Why even have a first-class and charge so much more when it really isn't first class.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

I believe the first class is running now but it is no where near what it used to be.

[@TheLeotLion]

I'll be doing this route (Inverness airport to Edinburgh) during a national holiday... I know, I know, I was not thinking of that when I worked the flight algorithm to the lowest plane ticket... any advice for a newbie UK rail traveler ? We will be taking the train - Inverness - Edinburgh (Scotrail) Edinburgh- London (R-T LNER) Edinburgh- Inverness (LNER) 3-4 day stops in each location. Principally concerned with keeping largish luggage secured/secure during the ride. Any other tips/tricks would be appreciated

[@WorldWide_Dom]

DM me on instagram I’d be more than happy to help. Nonstop_Dom, should show in search.

[@Aidankiwi]

The longest through service (not non-stop as you describe it) in the UK is not Inverness to Kings-Cross, it is Cross Country's Aberdeen to Penzance.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

I didn't know that it was Aberdeen to penzance. You've got me thinking of a new video now. 😁 thanks for that. I did know that this wasn't the longest which is why I said "one of the longest", I was referring non-stop as not having the need to chance train. Sorry for the confusion around that and thanks for the info, will come in very handy 😉 😁

[@adamdruett9107]

@@WorldWide_Dom you could review a Loganair service from newquay to Scotland for the return leg.

[@ghighlandchieftain4462]

Brilliant video I had bad experiences on Scotrail trains going to Inverness I had no seat up and down from Inverness and I never travel in first class on lner azuma . Are going from Edinburgh to London king cross by lner azuma or full journey from Inverness to London king cross

[@Michael-wr1yy]

Would love a review of the original services as planned.

[@Transpennine]

If the 158s had first class, more carriages and some ventilation, they would be Perfect for long distance travel!

[@WorldWide_Dom]

They are solid workhorses, old maybe but solid. I think you are right they could be better and doing that maybe way more cost efficient on some of the more remote routes like the far north line.

[@Transpennine]

@@WorldWide_Dom First class on the Aberdeen-Inverness line would be Fantastic!

[@m1klgordon]

I frequently used the old GNER, Virgin and now LNER Highland Chieftain service. One of the joys of being in first class is getting a cooked meal so I can understand passengers being frustrated. Having lived in Auchterarder (Gleneagles) I've seen some pompous and self entitled twats taking it out on staff. It is not acceptable. The issue with Scotrail was the introduction of a temporary timetable which meant over 700 trains per weekday didn't run.

[@Daisy-Daisy0512]

At least it was a replacement train even though it was only 2 carriages, would have been much worse if they’d put on the replacement bus service you get on some routes! I do think you should go it again to get a fair comparison when the inter7 is running.

[@Thatspuremental]

Mate the 158s are still comfortable on the route they where alocated but I don’t get how only one of them replaced a 4-5 car HST

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Oh don't get be wrong the 158's are perfectly comfortable, I use them all the time living where I live. what made it uncomfortable was 4 coaches worth of people crammed into 2 plus the heat with the lack of ventilation.

[@Thatspuremental]

@@WorldWide_Dom I guess

[@Bungle2010]

Late change probably all that was available.

[@kieranstravels]

Really nice video dom :) I can actually answer why they probably only laid on 2 coaches though, it was likely due to them having no other trains to use unfortunately. I do think you should re attempt it if you can though, Inter7City is lovely.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Thanks for the info! I will definitely try to do this comparison again.

[@Conqueror1879]

I was thinking to take a train from EDI to INV. We are travelling from Chile and i dont want a bad experience, im going with my son, he's 6. What do u recommend?

[@WorldWide_Dom]

On normal service both LNER and ScotRail are good options, however if you want to purchase food and drink onboard then LNER is the better option

[@ross14wpc42]

Another journey to get a better comparison would be good, thanks

[@robertofraser101]

Some days sorry not such great travle for you a rerun be good cheers

[@WorldWide_Dom]

These things happen and I think I will do this video again at some point. 😁

[@mikeysoft7]

Really enjoyed this, even though things didn't go as planned. Customers are unpredictable; some would say they paid for a breakfast with their ticket, whilst others would be more understanding. Maybe LNER should have a "Plan B", to keep everyone happy? Yes, do it again, and you don't have to do First Class, as I think most people can't afford that anyway. Unnecessary to go to London, as it's just more of the same. That Scotrail 2 coacher seems like a rushed decision to get them out of a scrape, but yes, it does get people there, but it leaves a bad impression for the Company. Great to see the Highlands again, and that glorious (weather-wise) day :D

[@WorldWide_Dom]

I am seriously considering doing this again as there were a few factors that left me feeling like this wasn't a fair or 'business as usual' kind of comparison.

[@Bungle2010]

A plan B such as? And you expected SR to do what! Cancel the service completely?

[@colinhemfrey4835]

Scotrail are just a shambles, thinking a 2 carriage 158 is a suitable replacement for a 4 car IC7. But that's nationalisation for you, and it happens too often. Obviously LNER won hands down despite the breakfast no show (and I think the Gleneagles passengers did have a case for complaint, though they shouldn't have been rude). But both operators really are not at the races when it comes to persuading anyone to choose rail over the bus or car. They don't seem to be able to reliably provide the service advertised and what a first class ticket has paid for. And more depressingly, do they even care?

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Sadly this was filmed during Covid so may not be a totally relevant comparison now, it is a video I want to redo for that reason. When it comes down to the rail operators I think it’s less privatisation vs nationalisation and more a broken model overall and one phrase I think can sum it up perfectly. “Too many cooks spoil the broth” as in the UK we have separate companies/goverments operating the train companies/brands, then another company looking after the tracks, then another for ticketing, then more companies for rolling stock. Our system of rail should I feel operate much like buses or some airports, government handles the overall infrastructure and then companies compete to offer routes based on demand , that then leave the government free to operate the lifeline routes that are not as profitable a bit like the “essential air service” in the USA.

[@peterharrison6696]

Yes please. Let’s see how you like the glorious ex GWR first class coaches

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Will do! I was disappointed that I couldn't get a proper comparison done, so a redo is definitely on the cards.

[@geraiswaiya2347]

I'd have used the LNER app to swap seats

[@WorldWide_Dom]

I did try but sadly there were none available on this trip to switch to.

[@beccabush1252]

Great video

[@SteamboatWilley]

Ah the joys of hot, overcrowded coffin units...

[@chrisfleming4756]

I took azuma for the 1st time today from edinburgh to aberdeen to see how bad it was ....i went std class and i had a sore arse by the time i hit haymarket ...and the remaining 2 hours 20 was the most uncomfortable i have ever been on a train ..i had back ache at Aberdeen ....so i upgraded my ticket to 1st class on return trip and it was not much better ..seats were so hard the adjustable headrest was a joke ... the ride comfort of the train was totally unacceptable ...as it was on diesel power i was not expecting lots ....but i could pull a train faster than the azuma can go up a hill in diesel mode .... the only positive thing i can say is the on board crew were brilliant ..the meal i got was very nice ...but i felt sorry for the catering team who were trying to balance whilst serving lunch .... what LNER need to do is get the electric power units and attach them to mk 3 or 4 coaches ...with the HST and 225s seata then it would be a great product . ..but i will never travel LNER to aberdeen again ..i will go scotrail IC7 its way more comfy ....piss poor train tbh only saving grace was the train crews who were excellent

[@WorldWide_Dom]

I do really like the IC7 though only hope that they can get the service better standardized again like before Covid.

[@john07973]

Were you eligible for compensation/refund from shambolic ScotRail ?

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Yes, I got the full difference for the 1st class ticket refunded. Hope this helps 😄

[@ianhiles8706]

Azuma is rather an odd name for a train in Scotland is it not ? :)

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Might be being a bit dense here but I’m not sure I understand what you’re meaning. 😅

[@ianhiles8706]

@@WorldWide_Dom Azuma …. A Zoomer ? Bit of a Scottish phrase 🙂

[@sparklygemster]

I think you were very unlucky to have issues on both train journeys

[@osakasenri7352]

Ich hätte den ICE aus deutscher Produktion der japanischen Class 800 vorgezogen.

[@stevie156478]

Everyone loves HSTs... until they break down, and they break down often.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Sadly this is true from my experience.

[@philipedwards9038]

To be really honest I would be very annoyed if, on a 600 mile journey the only food they were serving was butties and crisps! No hot breakfasts or lunches. No wonder some passengers were annoyed! OK it's not the staff on the trains fault must they must be prepared for stick because people can be bothered to serve hot food on a 10 hour journey.

[@peter23098]

LNER from Inverness to Kings Cross is not non-stop!

[@WorldWide_Dom]

It may have change but at time of filming this service was direct to King’s Cross.

[@peter23098]

Direct yes, but you said non-stop.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

@@peter23098 ah, apologies for the confusion.

[@colinmcgregor123]

Maybe another failure from Englands railways quick decisions to strike that made Scotrail take the brunt of the failure. Lookin back on it it was a failure from Westminster

[@andybray9791]

SNP are not good with railways

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Thank you for watching, However I don't permit political discourse on this channel as that is not what this channel is about. I want this channel to remain as a place of escapism for people to enjoy content so please refrain from politically motivated comments in future.

[@petermartin3069]

You comment about people being unpleasant to staff. How about staff on 1700 King's Cross - Edinburgh who REGULARLY removed menus before arrival at York so nobody boarding there realised they were entitled to a hot meal & were told it was "sandwiches only after York". Complaints to Virgin (then LNER) achieved nothing so stopped using this train for this reason - there is a Cross Country HST due just in front from York onward.

[@stephens9566]

I don't understand stand why people except the fact that the company has not got the food services in place and that is ok to you? I am not saying you but don't make excuses for the lack of food. Email to the rail company. Should of been full refund on last train ride.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Absolutely It's 100% the companies responsibility to provide a service as advertised and to inform people in advance if said service is not being provided. You are correct an email to the rail company is the best way to relay the disappointment in that. What was not acceptable was people taking it out on staff members who try their best with the tools that they are given.

[@Bungle2010]

A refund for the food not received? So a refund of £0 then?

[@junesmith8361]

What a let down you are letting woman stand so you get a seat what a MAN not

[@Scottish_Transport_Explorer]

I mean does it actually matter?, no gender is better than the other, Man are not better than females & Females are not better than man

[@junesmith8361]

@@Scottish_Transport_Explorer manners cost nothing ,clearly you lack any ,self entitled. Me me me

[@Bungle2010]

@@junesmith8361 Where the hell do manners come into it? Why the the hell should someone give up their seat to someone else purely because they are woman? Notice you’re a woman. Talk about entitled. 🙄

[@Lucky0670]

Next few year ro aberdeen and Inverness will be overhead electric and replace old hst and class 170 by use class 385...

[@Bungle2010]

Restricted view seats are clearly marked on the seating plan. Why didn’t you just chose a different one? 🫣

[@WorldWide_Dom]

It was the last one 🥲