S2E2: CAS On The Caledonian Sleeper: MkV Coach & EnSuite Double Review

[@Ed_Gilbert]

2:17 if you look at the top right corner of the screen, you can see an HST stop car marker. That must be very old! Back to the good old days.

[@BibtheBoulder]

Absolutely..However, HST is now a designation and not necessarily a traction. For example a class 222 Meridian is designated as an 'HST'....

[@SchneiderMarcel]

I always go on Virgin Trains in first class, when I have to go up to the north, but I’m looking forward to my sleeper trip in January. Booked the en suite too.

[@CallingAllStations]

Enjoy!

[@thomasmccourt215]

Geoftech will be taking you to task over your miscalling of the Purple Line !

[@michaelmacdonell4834]

What a good review! I wish a few more trip reportists would bring their Other Halves!

[@CallingAllStations]

Thanks Michael, more planned in the future

[@NetworkNorm]

Most of them are probably single though

[@stevegee7593]

The furniture in both the lounge and the restaurant car reminded me of a 1970s Habitat.

[@paullewis2413]

I think that’s too much of a compliment. Typical of most modern trains everything looks cheaply finished and bland. I was lucky enough to use the American-European express, Washington to Chicago (no longer running because Americans in general don’t use trains) and the quality was unbelievable down to the smallest details. Food in the wood panelled dining car was equivalent to the best restaurants. Sorry to say but it made the Caledonian sleeper look like a load of cheap junk.

[@travelandlivinginfrance5165]

Great video. Booked on the sleeper in mid December. Travelling back from my house in Carcassonne to my old flat in Glasgow (just over the bridge in the video). Trains all the way.

[@CallingAllStations]

That’s quite the journey! Enjoy

[@timclarke8843]

I've been wanting to do this journey for so long now, and indeed planned to last year before Covid put and end to that. I lived in Glasgow for 2 years and amazingly never used the sleeper when travelling down to Norfolk to see my family. Once we're allowed to travel again, I will be booking a trip on this though, I've been saving all year for it.

[@jerryallen34]

At least the dining car was open for you this time! Cheers

[@thomasmann9216]

Beautiful train. Love to give it a try someday.

[@victoriahastings8544]

Very much looking forward to this next year...

[@andrewpreston4127]

Last time I used a sleeper was in 1974 from Glasgow to Gloucester, as I moved south to a new job. Looking at these, sparse, functional, cramped...., I can't help feeling that the thinking hasn't really moved on in all those years. My idea of a good sleeper would be accomodation that you almost feel sorry to say goodbye to at the completion of your journey. These..., nah, I'd be glad it's over. Actually, in my unhumble opinion, there is a massive rethink needed on cross-country trains in general on this island.

[@mikeblatzheim2797]

That dining car interior looks like it's straight out of the early 70s. I dig it, but I do wonder why it was designed that way.

[@zawtowers]

Great to see CAS back (and following on from the St Pancras to Stratford race also :) Did you notice Platform 5 has the old BR / NSE styled number 5 now, revealed for the first time in ages due to the renovation work?

[@CallingAllStations]

At St Pancras? No, I'll look out for it next time!

[@zawtowers]

@@CallingAllStations At Euston, I meant. I'll try and grab a shot when next there!

[@zawtowers]

Or if you freeze your video at 1:29, you should be able to make out the number 5 there.

[@kormieh]

À Wow, Andy, I’m so happy so see your videos again. Thanks.

[@michaelbruchas6663]

360 camera makes my head spin! Really like the cabin! You need to introduce “your assistant”....

[@TheFlatCapFromWN5]

I've got this to look forward to this Monday on the Highlander service from EUS to INV. I'm just glad to see that despite the issues with the new stock, the service can go without fault. Hopefully, my trip will go seemlessly too. In any case, I'm looking forward to it.

[@CallingAllStations]

We’re doing the highlander next year. Enjoy it!

[@TheFlatCapFromWN5]

@@CallingAllStations Cheers mate! 👍

[@TheFlatCapFromWN5]

@@thewolfsogood Update - Everything went smoothly from start to finish. No problems whatsoever, everything worked fine, I got a good nights sleep and the service was on time at almost every station. In simple terms, when everything goes right, it's pretty much perfect. 👍

[@thewolfsogood]

The Flatcap From WN5 nice man glad you enjoyed your trip :D

[@pwhitewick]

Great Video Andy. We might do this trip next summer time allowing.

[@CallingAllStations]

I can't recommend it enough, yes it's expensive and I get why people might think it's too much and yes they've had problems with the new stock but the on the night service was absolutely superb. I dont think I highlighted enough how good the staff were and that includes the customer support side when my other half managed to lose her booking e-mail ;)

[@pwhitewick]

@@CallingAllStations brilliant. We are definitely looking forward to it.

[@petersheil641]

The new stock looks really nice. I've done that journey on a weekly basis for several months so it's interesting to see the latest version...will have to have a trip up again some time. Thanks for the video.

[@gigteevee6118]

Great to see you back, this is a very nice overview, looks decent enough but I can't work out who thought brown tartan was a good look for wall coverings, looks so 70's.

[@RWL2012]

The door chimes on the Mark 5s are the same as on the 195s and 331s, which are also built by CAF. Yes, the chimes are the same as on the 345s which are built by Bombardier, but both manufacturers use the same ones.

[@practicallyfamous]

They also have the same chime as the Class 755's, 745's, 710's and more than likely on the future Bombardier Class 720's.

[@tsguyoldchannel2691]

So does the train travel slower intentionally to allow people to sleep longer? You said it was 6:30 when you had just left Carstairs, and the train left at 23:50, so that seems much longer than normal.

[@CallingAllStations]

Yes that’s right, and there’s a lot of leeway built into the timetable

[@MylesHSG]

Also now switched to exclusively using class 92's which have a top speed of 90mph I think.

[@GolfhausYT]

Why am I addicted to these videos about British rail transport?

[@TheBandana1969]

A Victorian interior, a faux steam loco (the train really being pulled by a modern loco) and the sleepers like bunk beds so as to give more room in the cabin would have made this my dream train coach. We had coaches like these in India, before they turned the country and the Railways socialist in the 1960s. I wish somebody has the sense to bring such coaches back.

[@timor64]

really happy you are making videos and uploading again.

[@TheNgandrew]

Most enjoyable video. My family and I travelled to Aberdeen on the Sleeper in August, in the old stock, and we found that very comfortable. I must try out the new stock soon enough.

[@nickedwards2904]

i have been on the old mk3 stock too and it was good. Hear mixed reviews on the new stock but most are saying noisier and not as good a ride. Several reviews i have seen on here have said that, so i will have to take a trip to Inverness i think and see for myself

[@Katmando007]

Well done Andy nice to have a narration

[@hythesailor]

Thanks very much for your super review. I really enjoyed that. I have only done the Riviera Sleeper so will definitely have to save up to indulge in a bit of Caledonian Sleeper action. I do like the tweed interiors!

[@CallingAllStations]

Yes and to be fair it does need some saving! Definitely a once a year treat rather than a regular thing

[@EdgyNumber1]

Tiptree Jams (officially Wilkin and Sons.) Premium jam that is, love em.

[@businessbuilding1]

Seeing the Virgin Trains Azuma at the beginning, was wondering if you plan to make a video for Virgin Trains’ last day/week of operation. Absolutely loved this video too!

[@rabd9881]

That’s a Pendolino

[@AndreiTupolev]

Well, the Edinburgh portion stops the same places the Glasgow one does until it's detached

[@DaveSuperThomas]

Watford Junction and Carstairs Junction?

[@DanLoudShirts]

Nice review vid! Liking the 360 camera!

[@CallingAllStations]

Lesson learnt: Record audio separately when using the Insta360!

[@timdaugherty5921]

These new trains don’t have the open windows in the vestibule right ?

[@danielboulton98]

afraid not all health and safety lol

[@rustyunquebecoiserrant.8049]

A very civilized way to travel.

[@shawng8613]

Great report! This is certainly newer and nicer than what we get in the US, although if the bed were convertible like ours it would be roomier when not sleeping.

[@CallingAllStations]

Would love to do a North American sleeper one day!

[@lassemanninen4750]

How you close the door of showertoilet, when you are in there?🤔 Looks rly tigth fitt.

[@CallingAllStations]

It is a tight fit yes but there is still room to close the door.

[@DavBlc7]

Showertoliet might also useful for walking disabled like me who unable to stand while shower, sit on closed toilet seat and showerhead point toward the toilet. simple as that.

[@normanschlongdongovic4124]

You should try the orient express when time permit

[@jamiegent5621]

What was bed like for pumping in

[@davekirwin]

Nice to see a new video from you Andy. Nice review and makes me curious to try it out!

[@cbvsjs]

How much extra did you have to pay for the cabin on top of your first class tickets £?

[@rachelcarter8215]

cbvsjs it was a cabin ticket so the cabin was included in the ticket price.

[@Karlinski73]

Cracking vid, Andy. Gives a really good impression of what the new stock is like (which looks really neat!). 👍

[@CallingAllStations]

Cheers Karl!

[@stephenholt4670]

Would be interested to see what the non-first-class carriages are like, for we plebs who can't afford the luxury version!

[@AmiNa-nw5ld]

Check Dylan's travel Channel, he recently posted a video about it.

[@EuroDC1990]

Perspectives from a train geek if they help. They're not bad, I've used both the seated section and a classic cabin and would say that the seated section isn't the best place to sleep as the seats could do with a bit more recline but they are fairly comfortable, there's enough leg room and bizarrely much better luggage storage than in the cabins. Didn't see many staff though, no trolley or shop and unable to use the lounge car so difficult to get a drink. Ultimately, you get what you pay for and it's good value for money but you wouldn't want to do it if you've got a long day ahead of you. In terms of the classic cabins, I'm in two minds. The beds are really comfortable but I actually felt that the facilities on the old stock were... I don't want to say better as such, but let's say more practical. They old stock felt roomier to me. In the new stock the sinks are great, lighting is fantastic, air con works a charm but it feels far more enclosed that the old stock and doesn't seem to have as much storage space at all. I imagine for one person it would be fine but I was traveling with a friend and honestly it wasn't the most pleasant experience and I don't think it was worth the money, for two people I'd say get the last train of the night too Glasgow and book a Travelodge instead of it's feasible. Got to say though, lots of disruption the day I used it and the staff were excellent. In terms of the lounge car, nice design but seats could be much more comfortable (maybe given time and wearing in). I'll be traveling in a club cabin alone in a couple of weeks and imagine that will be considerably more pleasant.

[@DaveSuperThomas]

@@EuroDC1990 The seats in the Seated Coach could do with a bit more recline? My understanding was that the seats didn't recline at all, in the accepted sense of the word, and that although the base could be moved a few inches forwards the seat back always remained upright.

[@jeffreyadams648]

This is luxury?

[@Alfextreme007]

Looks amazing. Great review!

[@antifugazi]

Tip Tree make the best jam and also make the best ketchup.

[@Alan_Mac]

The best ketchup? Spot on. I now make bacon butties for the ketchup rather than the bacon and bread!

[@derekscorner5287]

Interesting and look better than the old ones that I have seen on another youtube channel... Very well made...

[@MomentsInTheSky]

Great video..I really enjoyed my recent trip too

[@AndreiTupolev]

an hour and three quarters late into Euston today. To be fair, there may have been flooding somewhere, I suppose.

[@CallingAllStations]

The problem is, if there are external line related problems, the Sleeper is often treated with a lower priority compared to morning InterCity/Commuter services so sometimes is forced to wait for paths to be available. You can blame them for not testing the MkVs properly but you can't blame them for the weather!

[@OlanKenny]

I'd call that a lie in!

[@edsanderson]

How much was the fare if you don’t mind me asking?

[@jezwilde2376]

I must say the bedroom decor is particularly rudimentary, especially as this is first class in the first quarter of the 21st century. The brown tartan could have been used much more effectively, and alongside the melanine faux wood and white plastic walls and ceilings it looks like it's barely moved on from the 70s. Looks like Virgin haven't invested anything like as much as they might have on interior designers as on their airline! Rachael is right to curl her lip at this, haha!

[@tjittekamminga5170]

great design, food & comfort!

[@Roblilley999]

Looks great Andy, may have to try sometime

[@Sonyhamster]

Lovely review!

[@austenmckenna5555]

Nice review! Saw a review made earlier on this line made by someone else. Looks like service has improved. Heard that suggestion before about using toilet before showering! Good to know! Thanks for doing this review! Is using the rail better than taking a plane traveling London to Glasgow?

[@CallingAllStations]

I would always prefer the taking the train, even during the day. Hate the airport-flight experience, plus better for the environment!

[@melissataylor-ig3qk]

Well I think if you looked at the sink yeah over there, there’s actually a pull up window you know that just a fact

[@articeddie5494]

Enjoyed that, one thing to ask were the tickets complimentary or paid for by your good self ?

[@CallingAllStations]

Paid for by us! (Well, it was a birthday present from my other half ;) )

[@harleancarpenter8043]

Nice video, Andy. Any idea how nice the sleeping arrangements are for we more impoverished people, lol

[@CallingAllStations]

We’ll be doing bunks on the Highlander next year in Series 3 😬

[@joshwestwood3727]

Nice vid Andy. Were you more used to driving diesels at the Great Central Railway according to Central Steam?

[@CallingAllStations]

Sorry I'm not sure what this means :)

[@vinniesuperstar8923]

what time do you arrive and what time do you have to leave the train?

[@CallingAllStations]

Booked arrival is 7:18. You have to leave by 8:00

[@vinniesuperstar8923]

@@CallingAllStations thanks. I'm going on Monday night.

[@CallingAllStations]

@@vinniesuperstar8923 did you enjoy it?

[@vinniesuperstar8923]

@@CallingAllStations it was average. I didn't sleep that well, but that's more down to me than the train but the shower was awful, I had to use the shower at the station instead. To be fair I preferred the Highlander because you got more time in bed, although there's much more to do in Edinburgh!

[@CardsbyMaaike]

looks fab! plastic "glass" with a can of pop lets the 1st class down a bit

[@timdaugherty5921]

Did they scrap the old carriages ?

[@CallingAllStations]

I'm actually not sure what they've done with the old stock, I imagine it's in storage for the time being, and then yes eventually to the scrap yard. The MkII lounge cars may find life at a heritage railway I suppose.

[@OlanKenny]

From what I've heard Some has been scrapped, others bought by Loco Services, West Coast Railways and a few others. Apparently there might be a full set being kept in warm storage as a contingency but that might be wibble

[@harrystrains3227]

I want to win. Great video Andy. I want to travel on the MK5 coaches one day.

[@stephendines1936]

Looks good.

[@allthestroke88]

Great video. But no Marmite?

[@CallingAllStations]

Why would you want Marmite when you've got Tiptree jam?!

[@GaryEdwardswiz]

We live with such History trying to Travel at high-speed Luxury

[@FrancescoBellringer]

Who was you with?

[@FrancescoBellringer]

Sicilian Gecko I didn’t even know he had a wife. Well he hasn’t uploaded in a long time so how would i know

[@rjc83x]

Was that CARstairs or carSTAIRS?? Loving your work.

[@CallingAllStations]

Oh don’t you start 😜

[@candytwo2653]

The pull out table is for toiletries and such when you saving/putting on make up. IMHO

[@crispinalanrobinson4515]

Is it expensive ?

[@CallingAllStations]

For the ensuite double, yes! There are other cheaper options though.

[@crispinalanrobinson4515]

@@CallingAllStations thank you I was thinking about getting it from Preston to London

[@tjittekamminga5170]

Great!

[@Fredstrains]

When will your model railway vids restart?

[@RightAscension]

Your wife is lovely!

[@ltv_2005]

I thought it was Andy and Victoria

[@send2gl]

Guessing it was quite expensive but looked great.

[@davant2319]

£335.00 each in this compartment which includes free breakfast. However I feel the cheese and biscuits should be included with this expensive fare. Maybe more people would use the Caledonian Sleeper service if a bit more was included with the fare Serco.

[@rachelcarter8215]

£400 for the room and breakfast for both.

[@73APhotography]

That’s the busiest I’ve ever seen that lounge 😂

[@DarrenJCalvert]

The fact you made it onto this train and was on time was a miracle. In my opinion the entire service needs rethinking new carriages, far too cold Looking inside lack of mood lighting, no TLC atall, looks like a 1 star room!

[@CallingAllStations]

I've stayed in some rubbish hotels in my time, it's certainly not 1 star. I didn't have a problem with the temperature, not sure if we had it set on hot or cold to be honest but I was comfortable.. As for the lighting, there are plenty of options, dimmer switch, reading lights, sink lights, I'm sure a combo of these would suit most. The only thing we could fault was that weird picture frame with nothing in it. But compared to the old stock, much more comfortable, cleaner and quieter in my opinion.

[@DarrenJCalvert]

Sicilian Gecko I’m saying what I think, not complaining, I’m pretty certain you have complained about something in your life before. Hypocrite

[@thisisstuart7951]

you stole the towels didnt you

[@edmondscott7444]

Too much background noise.

[@huyiii2435]

Prefer the old stock much more of a dim sleepy ambience, and very comfy these new carraiges far to bright and not much of a sleepy ambience seats look hard and uncomfortable

[@RWL2012]

Sockets aren't plugs. Plugs plug into sockets.

[@thomasmann9216]

Cue eyeroll.

[@danteshydratshirt2360]

all that cheese before sleeping....

[@penninetrains1398]

Nice video and excellent review......but ice in a single malt whisky? Oh dearie me laddie - I nearly gave you a thumbs down for that, but decided to be charitable in the end as the rest is pretty good!

[@CallingAllStations]

Sorry but I've been to some of the finest distilleries in Scotland and have always found the best ones will always tell you to enjoy whisky in which ever way suits the drinker, and anyone who tells you you *must* drink it in a certain way doesn't know what they're talking about. I find on the rocks, you start out with plenty of heat and smoke and then as you go the water unlocks new flavours. But hey, that's just my opinion and preference. You enjoy it however you wish as well ;)

[@penninetrains1398]

@@CallingAllStations Aye, you're right, I suppose. It just grates on us Scots a wee bit, and if you asked for a single malt on the rocks in a bar in Scotland, eyebrows would certainly be raised by the bar staff! However, as you say, keep on enjoying it the way you like it and keep on making excellent rail travel videos. My comment was more than slightly tongue-in-cheek! I have subscribed without hesitation. Keep well and stay safe both of you.

[@RWL2012]

1:21 - "There is wireless charging pads". No, there *are* wireless charging pads.

[@thomasmann9216]

Thank you, teacher.

[@London_Buses]

Lmao

[@kaitlyn__L]

jesus christ

[@lassemanninen4750]

Get a life.....u piece of....

[@beeractivist4439]

AWFUL. The dining car seats are hard, and dont have enough room. The stools are pointless TBH. On my journey the berths had no heating ( a common fault) all the way to Inverness. That was after we were moved coach! Its not all thats it cracked up to be....

[@TherymasterWidnes]

Mr Cheese 🧀

[@dawid5401]

What's the point of this train? We have something called planes that get you there in under an hour.

[@transitcaptain]

They are expensive, and sometimes people like trains, and here people might want to travel in style

[@pmb9172]

Noisey carriages , many continuous faults , the idea for something more luxurios was good the execution is not .

[@nigelkthomas9501]

You got lucky with this journey! Caledonian Sleeper are the worst TOC in Great Britain at the moment! There’s barely a week goes past without significant perturbation! (Google “perturbation” if you don’t know what it means!)

[@KeithApp]

It sounds like porno music at the beginning of this video.

[@benblumenstein7656]

GREAT VIDEO!!!! please don't ever film outside of the train!!!!!!! VERY BAD!!!!!!