The Class 222 Meridian: EMR's Underrated Workhorse!

[@missm10]

It's quite disgusting how much of the Midland Main Line is not electrified. Such a major station like Sheffield should have already been electrified decades ago. Great trip report as always, Dylan.

[@alexmcwhirter6602]

Have you checked the time when Sheffield Victoria was open ?

[@TrainswithJonny]

It is just like the Chiltern mainline

[@SamJarvis14]

It’s getting electrified and they’ve got up to nearly Leicester now, they’ll have the 810’s next year anyway.

[@TheSpotify95]

They're currently in the process of electrifying as far as Market Harborough and just South of Leicester, with up to Kettering already being fully electrified. However, given the West Coast and East Coast Mainlines have more sections of electrified lines, the current electrification upgrades for the Midland Mainline are well overdue.

[@111672balernabz2010]

Wires and masts up to South Wigston,from market Harborough through Kibworth harcourt/Beauchamp, 2 x weekends last month mml shut between leicester-Market harboro',diverts via Melton Mowbray, Oakham, corby,new mml bi modes(aurora), on test at derby first unit I believe.

[@rezaalan3991]

Great trip. Older seats always comfortable to be honest. Hope this electrified line is completed and you can enjoyed the EMU.

[@harrierjames7727]

06:30 one of my favourite touches about these sets is the sign indicating where standard ends and first class begins - it's in the shape of a scythe! Presumably to reflect Sheffield's history in blade production.

[@jeffdrane4130]

From a Kiwi follower you continue to present UK rail options/journeys in an appealing and interesting way. Congrats and thanks. Jeff

[@kevinellis8869]

That's the best interior I've seen in a long time, I use these units on a weekly basis and the 5car sets can't cope with the demand.

[@TheSpotify95]

I think Dylan might have got lucky here, getting a Sheffield service that runs fast from Leicester to London. 5 car sets with 1.7 cars First Class is a terrible idea especially in peak times, and were particularly bad when, pre-pandemic, the semi-fast from Nottingham stopped at all stations.

[@rachaeljuddx]

I was on one of the trains the other day, I was reversed coach m but turns out it wasn’t there due to it being a 5 car, I spoke to the guard he told me they tend to use 2 trains coupled together to form 10 cars

[@SFSEfartman]

"5car sets can't cope with the demand." Yep especially when you consider the previous stock HSTs had 6-8 carriages. Also I think covid has played a part too, as people dont want to sit next to strangers, and rather stand for the entire journey (I have seen this multiple times) EMT 8 carriage HST had 357 STD seats and 111 1ST seats 5 car meridian had 192 STD and 50 1ST seats. (excludes the reformed sets 005,006,101-104 as they have a different amount of seats) Even when running as double units 2x5 car units has 384 STD seats and 100 1st seats. Unlike the HSTs, the driver cabs of the 222's take out a good portion of the train. If they were built like the HSTs where the engines for the trains was in the form of the powercars, and the seats were more like hsts seats (more airline seats etc) then the meridians would easily have the seating capacity level of a HST.

[@SFSEfartman]

@@TheSpotify95 Blame Midland Mainline and SRA ( Strategic Rail Authority) as at the time they overestimated the number of 1st class passengers travelling. When the meridians was built, the MML ones (222001-222023) was 7x 9 car and 16x 4 car units. 9 cars had 6 STD and 3 1st carriages 4 cars had 2.25 STD and 1.75 1st carriages. The 4 car units had the composite carriages which are now in the units 008-023, can be recognised by the coach number 609**, all of these carriages have been untouched so if you can imagine if you had a 4 car unit but you could only use Coach A,B and the front quarter of D. Even post-covid, the 5 car units aren't able to cope with the demand especially the Nottingham services, can guarantee that majority of the services are full from Kettering. In EMR's defense at least they recognise the issues and they had strengthed the 222/1's to 5 cars as the 222/1's were bad when it came to peak services. 222101 and 222102 has 3.75 carriages of STD and 1.25 1st which despite not sounding like a big difference compared to a standard 5 car unit, it does give extra seating.

[@butikimbo9595]

Sadly class 222 fell victim of Midland Mainline, whose past has an history of under investment that, although improved time from time in the last 20 or so years after privatisation and still much to do, including a deep refurbishment of class 222, if in good time before Auroras enter service, what would be great. Thank you for sharing another video souding great listening your voice.

[@stephen24601]

Great trains and a brilliant review - thanks Dylan! There's definitely something unique about the 222s - will be sad to see them leave the MML.

[@michaelformaini7053]

This brought back fond memories of my brief Meridian experiences back in September 2018. I was fortunate to have a First Class Britrail Pass and scored a single seat properly aligned with the windows on both my trips. The only downside to my experiences was the circuitous route my trips took due to the major reconstruction at Derby at that time.🙂🙂🙂

[@EuroDC1990]

I live in Sheffield but if I'm traveling down to London I will normally go via Doncaster and the WCML as it tends to be cheaper and not take much longer. The 222s are nice trains though, the onboard atmosphere is just fabulous. They suffer from the same issue as all the voyagers though in that they're not really long enough for the routes they're on and could really use a good refresh. I'm really hoping that when EMR gets their new trains that the 222s will head to XC to boost capacity there.

[@TheSpotify95]

Good review and good to see that you managed to cover the Midland Mainline, but I honestly think you got off rather lucky! Most people would pay way, way, waaaaaaaay more than the £20 or so that you quote. An on-the-day Anytime Return (or even Anytime Single) will cost at least three figures. In fact, Wellingborough to Leicester, a really small portion of the MML, costs over £27, with Wellingborough to Corby on the Class 360 costing almost £15 by itself. Also, the Wi-Fi on these trains rarely works (and I note you didn't show or even mention a Wi-Fi test) and you can't get a 3/4/5G signal through the metallic film coated windows. The trains are also way more crowded normally than what you show, especially getting a semi-fast that stops at more stations, or a Nottingham bound service (that has Market Harborough and Kettering customers, as well as Wellingborough/Bedford/Luton/Thameslink customers who have to change at Kettering). Ultimately, this is a service that I can't recommend in its current state.

[@markmcniven2625]

I really enjoy your videos as about 90% are in "joe public" class of travel, instead of most other travel people who travel in the sort of luxury transport that most of us can only dream of & you & your wife seem a very down to earth. Realistic & friendly couple. I've been meaning to ask you for a while now, have you got a driving job with your class 1?

[@benbellamy6907]

Hi Dylan, another interesting trip as always, nice to hear your cheeky drop on DCFC!! Hillarious, and like myself, the continual support to the mighty Leeds United, and a snap view of my current hometown of Kettering! Brill.....nice one!

[@roundandroundmyworld]

The Meridian certainly appears comfortable and sounds pleasantly quiet. I only travelled that route once, decades ago, on a HST service up from St. Pancras as far as Derby -- en route to Matlock.

[@tomburke5311]

Nice video - thanks. I’m a Sheffield resident and have been for many years, so my memories go back to the days of the HST on the Midland Main line. I understand why their time was up, of course, but in comparison the Meridians have never quite seemed as good. Let’s see what the Auroras are like when they appear. As regards luggage storage, Cross Country’s 220 and 221 trains have extended luggage racks at one end of coach D, but I’m not sure if that’s the case with the Meridians. It’s possible that’s where the buffet is on these. I’ll check later in August. Finally, it might be interesting to point out that Sheffield is an open station; like York but unlike Leeds. Unfortunately the variety of trains to be seen at Sheffield is nowhere near as wide as at York, so that’s the place to go for some train spotting.

[@sirsergio89]

OMG, this trip means so much to me ❤ Every time I jump in a train from/to Sheffield it's like the first time, lovely memories ❤

[@cannedham8630]

I feel the MML is such an underrated line, a bit overlooked unlike its more glamorous siblings in the ECML and WCMl. Good to see the line will be fully electrified all the way up to Sheffield. Got the feeling the northern section is going to be utilised as a makeshift for hs2 when that eventually gets complete. Anyway us Brits do love a high speed diesel in the meantime and we run them well 👍h

[@Transpennine]

Nice video, you never fail to disappoint with your fantastic videos mainly why I’ve been a subscriber for quite a while!

[@Zoemaestra]

I can't wait for them to be replaced by the 810s, EMR's 222s have always been filthy with very worn down seats with the padding crushed. Many times I've had to avoid sitting on a seat with suspicious dark stains on them and the fabric missing from chunks of armrest. They'd be FAR nicer if refurbished, but since they're waiting on the 810 they've been avoiding doing so.

[@Zoemaestra]

oh yeah, and much of the time the trains are horribly overcrowded because they run 5 car units at peak times.

[@alexmcwhirter6602]

​@@ZoemaestraThey certainly cannot be that overcrowded, at least today. Yet again a GC 180 unit has failed. LNER denied ticket acceptance but EMR has come to the rescue !

[@TheSpotify95]

@@alexmcwhirter6602 Maybe Grand Central could take these 222s on once EMR get the 810s!

[@TheSpotify95]

@zoemaestra I'm looking forward to 810s as well. Ever since EMR took over the franchise from EMT, the service provided by the 222s has fallen substantially, including: broken seating, lining completely missing (down to whatever padding is left), broken tray tables, severe cleanliness issues, seat reservations broken, train service in general being poor due to STRIKES, split service resulting in a change at Kettering, price increases that make traveling to work unfeasible by train, and most importantly, completely inadequate Wi-Fi facilities combined with inadequate train windows (complete with metallic film) that are designed to block reception of mobile phone signals, or just about any signal. So the conclusion is: SUPER DODGY. Send these to Newport Sims Metals NOW!!!

[@Zoemaestra]

@@TheSpotify95 is the window thing true? it'd explain why I always have totally garbage reception all along the MML.

[@anthonyholroyd5359]

My opinion on the meridian is much the same as yours. It's a Voyager, but better than the other voyagers. My only major disagreement is regarding multiple unit vs. loco hauled stock - but that's largely for the ease of operations and the superior acceleration in multiple unit stock (I would consider a bit of a noisier carriage to be an acceptable trade-off). Personally, I am wondering where the 222s might end up when EMRs bi-modes arrive. And part of me hopes they might end up with the company I work for.

[@TheSpotify95]

Part of me hopes that the 222s will end up at Sims Metals Newport. A good fitting place for them :).

[@dd511]

Commuting by train between Derby and Sheffield was simply too much for me. In stark contrast to the pleasant journey you appeared to have in this video lays my experience; crowded, late, cancelled, malfunctioning, dirty and just generally unpleasant. As for the fares, it's like they stick their hand into a tote bag and charge you whatever comes out. It would be unfair to say that I've never had a pleasant journey on the MML, I have. However, that was back in the day that the only thing people complained about were the sandwiches. Love your work Dylan.

[@jamessmith6402]

Thanks Dylan very enjoyable video 👍

[@stevelknievel4183]

I remember when the 220s used to tilt as well. It was only when Virgin lost the Cross Country franchise that the changes were made to disable the tilt on them.

[@Spacebug111]

The 220s never tilted, it was the 221s, & AWC still operates the tilting 221s

[@scrsucks1470]

220s never tilted, the 221s operated by virgin and avanti did

[@TheClunkingFist]

I love the sound of a diesel. As long as it's not too loud.

[@tomwatts703]

It's been a while since the one time I was on a 222 but I don't remember them being too bad. Definitely better than a cramped 220 between New Street and Leeds!

[@TheSpotify95]

IMO the 222s should be sent to CrossCountry to strengthen their fleet, or to replace the 170s on New St - Stanstead Airport runs. Alternatively, Newport Sims Metals awaits should they want to finish up early... :)

[@scrsucks1470]

@@TheSpotify95 crosscountry wanted to take on the 222s, but the DFT blocked it

[@TheSpotify95]

@@scrsucks1470 methinks the DFT (read: Daft, because that's what they are) have absolutely no idea on what is going on with the UK railways! 4 car 220s cannot comfortably cover the far North to the far South-West on their own without severe overcrowding issues.

[@grassytramtracks]

​@@scrsucks1470 the DafT are at it again with their stupid decisions

[@SFSEfartman]

@@TheSpotify95 "replace the 170s on New St - Stanstead Airport runs." 222's wont be allowed to run to Stansted, for the same reason 220/221's weren't allowed previously. If I rememebr correctly someone said a few years back that it was due to the exhaust fumes from the 220's that sets off fire alarms? at Stansted or if it was something to do with the air quality control in that area.

[@desmondatkinson4642]

Another enjoyable video, Dylan. I would have been interested to see what you made of the buffet and whether the coffee was any better from there. I do hope the opportunity is taken to use the surplus 222s to bolster the CrossCountry fleet, but that might be too sensible and generous for the DfT to stomach!

[@SFSEfartman]

The buffet service is provided byt he same staff that do the trolley service, so it would have been the same regardless. The buffet shop is rarely open now as the company for the standard service has decided to run it as a trolley service since covid ended. Buffet bar is only open when the train is busy and the trolley can't get through. From what I heard Avanti 221's were going to XC, not sure if that plan is still going ahead. I heard the 222's are going back to the leasing company though there was some rumour going round one of the HST groups on facebook that Scotrail might take the 222's to replace their HST sets (though its yet to be confirmed). I think 222s going to XC wont happen since the 222s cant work with 221/220 (would require a major overhaul to make them work together), as it would require extra work to ensure that all 222 diagrams and 221/220 dont mix. Some of XC's services split and create other services so that would require some extra work to ensure it goes smoothly. And then the other issue is depot space, I heard that XC doesnt have much depot space as they have to share depots with other TOC's, so if they take extra units, they need an extra depot to hold them.

[@jonathanholt7250]

I have used these trains a fair bit over the years between Derby and London. Recently it is noticeable that many of the seats are broken/worn out and really uncomfortable. I presume they are not being fixed because they are being replaced. All the same, riding for an hour an a half in a seat which feels like the rim of a bucket is no joke!

[@SFSEfartman]

They were getting replaced as some of the seats you can tell are new as they dont have the stagecoach orange dots, but instead just pure red, and are in a lot better condition. However I believe because the DfT/Government took over the running of the railway, the seat replacement has been scrapped.

[@luisstransport]

Great trip report Dylan

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@JISJ1964]

Didn´t see any heavy sofas in Chesterfield😀 We passed the "home" of Weetabix too, Kettering.

[@shavedphil]

Nor did we see the twisted spire of the cathedral here... and you could have told the anecdote linked to it. You were looking out of the wrong side of the train........

[@davidfinch5062]

I travelled in First Class on one of these 222s at the beginning of July from Nottingham to Leicester and return. A comfortable seat with plenty of leg room, nice and quiet and with attentive on-board staff. Worth the upgrade if one's budget allows.

[@alexmcwhirter6602]

Savvy travellers know that the cost to upgrade *may* be minimal. It all depends on the day and time of travel plus how far ahead you book.

[@simonholliday9874]

The tunnel boring machine was built by Markham's, whose works used to be beside the line on the left, just south of the station.

[@joj.]

I commute daily to Sheffield. It'll be strange seeing the station without it being full of these 222s, but then EMR have to get the 810s first, whenever it'll actually happen.

[@garethsmith2250]

It's Electric trains from Kettering and Corby with wire's upto just South of Kibworth

[@SeverityOne]

Regarding the weather, all the rain that northern Europe had wasn't necessarily a bad thing. It replenished the ground water that had got low in places, due to extended periods of drought. Also, I live in southern Europe, and the heatwave was no joke. It lasted for almost two weeks, with six days straight over 40 degrees. It's a major health risk, and in fact it has killed a lot of people (considerably more than the official statistics). So... everything is relative.

[@unrulyphxntom4397]

Excellent one

[@davidwilliams8405]

I noticed that all your videos show half full train cars. I've been riding trains all over England and Scotland, and nearly all that were full and beyond. My Monday morning train from York to London found some of us sitting or standing in the areas between cars. I found myself at the unenviable place of sitting in front of the loo, which seemed to be in constant use during our two hour trip to King's Cross.

[@Pulsarnix]

These are very good trains and I hope they find a home when they are replaced by the 810s. Also, here's a piece of useless information; 222023 is the unit I got when I filmed my Melton Mowbray to Kettering trip. What a funny coincidence.

[@lovefive5733]

I believe the class 222,s are going to cross country trains

[@tomwatts703]

@@lovefive5733 That's good to hear, they're definitely needed.

[@TheSpotify95]

CrossCountry could definitely do with them especially given a lot of sections they operate on are unelectrified. Alternatively, Newport Sims Metals awaits should they want to go there... :)

[@robertwilloughby8050]

Rumour heard - there might be a Hull - Glasgow service via the S&C and the 222's are penciled in for it if ever happens.

[@Pulsarnix]

@@robertwilloughby8050 If that's true, then that'd be a hell of a journey

[@harrisonsnazel7482]

I put on the video that is todays one, and it was published by you, but it was a different KZbinr. I don't know what happened there😂. Also, Sheffield is in Derbyshire. Sorry, I just had to😂. I don't understand that you were going on about the small overhead racks where there were large ones at the end of each coach

[@harrierjames7727]

Sheffield in Derbyshire? eh?! Some people need to give their heads a wobble

[@robertfletcher3421]

Dylan, when talking about Leicester you forgot to mention that it is the final resting place of King Richard III.

[@Fan652w]

Not only did he forget that. But he also forgot that one of the great scientific discoveries of modern time, DNA testing ('Genetic Fingerprinting') was made by Professor Sir Alec Jennings of Leicester University. This testing has been used to settle numerous legal disputes WORLDWIDE. But also it was used in identifying Richard III's remains!

[@EdgyNumber1]

Dylan, I would love to see your review of the Stadler FLIRT trains on the Great Eastern.

[@tonymcdonnly6492]

Hey Dylan, good video. I'll be in the UK later this month travelling from St. Pancras to Leeds r/t. I miss train travel through England. I'll try to get a train recommended by you. If not, I'll do the tests of the interior, 2nd class, maybe standard class.

[@svartmetall48]

So many British grains look very worn out these days with faded fabrics that look greasy and everything looking slightly grimy and unappealing. It boggles my mind how this is the case with our extortionate ticket prices.

[@Marcsharp82]

As a Leicester lad I've travelled thousands of miles on Meridians and always loved them. The best of the Voyager family by a country mile. They are due to be replaced in the next couple of years by the 810 Bi-mode trains. Also what team do you support?

[@TheSpotify95]

I personally can't wait for the 810s to come into force. I was once on a 180 which was nice. I was also on HSTs (when they operated) and again, couldn't fault them. Even the 360s to Corby, with their 3+2 seating, are kinda OK. These Class 222 units, however...

[@JackJackProductionsShorts]

Dylan supports Leeds United

[@stevehornsby7727]

I love your videos and the easy way you present them. Only one question. You say those on the middle and top tier of your patron will get credit at the end of your videos. I have never seen any.

[@maciej3257]

I traveled aboard this train many times. It's usually filthy both inside and outside, and also seats are not comfortable at all! The foam inside is worn and you can feel metal rod just under your knees, so your legs get numb after 30 minutes.

[@MartinBrez]

Also, love the ****take about Derby County. I live in LE and most of my mates are Forest fans. (I support 🧡🖤🐺⚽)

[@smudgycat6750]

The 222s are always nice to see

[@TheSpotify95]

HSTs/180s/360s and soon to be 810s are even nicer to see :).

[@smudgycat6750]

@@TheSpotify95 IETs are boring, they're too common place

[@francisscarborough-smith8113]

The main issue I have with the Meridians is that they were introduced by Stagecoach when the route became 'East Midlands Trains' and steadily replaced the HSTs which in their 'Midland Mainline' guise were wonderfully classy and spacious. Add in the stripping back of the customer service by Stagecoach, the massively reduced capacity and the end of the free tea and coffee. The route has never been as good since. I'm looking forward to the replacements arriving asap and the Meridians smell being long gone.

[@MartinBrez]

You forgot to mention the Sheffield Tap pub at the station! Also, since when do people refer to Sheffield as Derbyshire? I live in Derbyshire, despite practically being classed as Nottinghamshire where I live 😂

[@buttonmasherxo7997]

Hey man, have you ever thought about visiting the Tyne and Wear metro? Might make an interesting video for you, on a stretch of line to Sunderland it shares some route with network rail services!!

[@Dog-xn4rl]

0:58 a guy just squared up to the camera with his head 😂

[@MartinRayton-gx5ts]

You can't beat big old school stations like Sheffield and Nottingham full off character

[@Fan652w]

Sadly you did not mention the Brush factory at Loughborough which built BR class 31 and 47 diesel locos. The works is right by the station. And, by the way, Leicester is where one of the most important scientific discoveries of modern times was made. DNA testing, sometimes called Genetic Fingerprinting. This testing is of world wide importance in determining criminal cases and other disputes.

[@andrewreynolds4949]

Also has the Great Central Railway passing overhead

[@Fan652w]

@@andrewreynolds4949 Thank you for reminding me of another interesting railway fact regarding Loughborough.! Why oh why did Dylan ramble on about football when there is so much both of general and railway interest along the Midland Main Line? (I live in Nottingham.)

[@Worldwidetransportandlifts]

I really hate it when a train gets cancelled. To be honest I actually quiet like the class 222 meridian, it's got a nice peaceful engine, I don't like the voyager smell very much and, they could maybe give that unit a deep clean. I hope you enjoyed yore journey, see you next Friday.

[@Andrewjg_89]

Class 222 Meridians are very nice and the seats are very comfortable. But they are to be replaced by the Class 810 Aurora which will be in service from next year. Sheffield has always been in South Yorkshire. Chesterfield could of been in South Yorkshire but apparently it’s in north Derbyshire.

[@dalektorgo2973]

If memory serves the 13th Doctor said Sheffield was South Yorkshire.

[@Lee_303]

The 222 is the modern equivalent of the Blue Pullman.

[@madbanana2495]

i honestly thought Sheffield was Derbyshire till a few weeks ago. when I learnt it was actually in Yorkshire

[@simonsv9449]

8:12 What was a Greater Anglia train doing in Derby?

[@RightAwayProductions005]

I thought the same, but it seemed like it was an ex-GA unit that EMR acquired

[@simonsv9449]

@@RightAwayProductions005But do you really think Greater Anglia would sell their 755’s to EMR after just 4 years?

[@drukoo3089]

06:12 i miss the tfw 170’s, i’ve probably been on that set

[@owenpavey]

Yes,ive always liked them,and in fact they have got better with age,especially with the newish external livery,some of the 4 coach variants have been given a full coat of the purple paint which looks a bit like the maroon of the LMS on a dull day,rather appropriate for the Midlands.I was a bit shocked when i first got on one,having bieng used to the low wide chunky seats of the HST carraiges,the tall one piece off white plastic mould of the the rear of the seats felt like it was blocking the view of the windows but of course during the pandemic it came into its own to shield each customer from the person in front. The red upholstery has not faired well in terms of staining,with headrests gaining a black edge but they have never frayed and always feel comfortable,not cramped like the XC Voyager seats and leg room.Ride quality pulling out of a station was never going to be as smooth as the HST with its engine at one end,but 40mph through to 90mph it starts to come alive,especially on the gradient between Dronfield and Chesterfield.Has been a problem with the conductors announcements either cutting out or just not bieng loud enough so maybe a few issues,but they have never spilt my milk or suffered breakdowns,or felt too cold or too hot.Overall,8 our of 10 for me.

[@barrieshepherd7694]

Ahhh Sheffield my love to hate station, windswept, with hardly any weather protection, constantly noisy and smelly because of all the diesel trains left running in the platforms, dangerous level of particulate pollution for the same reason, most services formed of rolling stock dregs that the ROSCOs can off load on the operators, lacklustre refreshments often not open, glorious announcements drowned out by the reving up of the next departure. Other than that not a bad place should you need to change trains from/to the Lincoln line otherwise I avoid it at all costs. BTW I don't ever remember seeing seats like that on Mk I stock - Mk II & later maybe. It's a shame that the Midland is still in many ways the Cinderella line - you can even argue that the Chiltern line has risen above it these days. Other than my rantings a great review Dylan, showed it for what it is 🤣

[@MattJohno2]

The mens toilets are also often filled with a strange level of particulate at Sheffield Station. Honestly, it's as if they never get cleaned.

[@hannahwatters563]

Have good day good tip going to London

[@UHarshanBlackBoy1995]

Nice video! On which day did you record this video?

[@mikebailey7344]

thanks for reminding us for the 11 points lol

[@davidpladgeman1462]

EMR operate 170s and 180s on the Londons services too

[@yusiqi-hn4zi]

180s yes but they retired recently. 170s hell no, they are only available on EMR’s region network. Have you mixed them up with 360s which do travel to London?

[@John_Fugazzi]

I agree that both the toilet and the coffee were substandard. But for me that would have been made up for by the sunny day and absolutely beautiful. green English countryside with the train tracks practically lined with bushes full of white flowers. Does anyone know what those were?

[@desmondatkinson4642]

Those were hawthorns - they are so beautiful in May over here.

[@John_Fugazzi]

@@desmondatkinson4642 Thanks. They looked stunning, and there were so many of them.

[@scottwojcik2148]

My opinion of EMR is getting worse every time I travel with them. The last 5 trips each time there was a delay. Broken air conditioning during the heatwave. The 170's EMR have got from Southern Trains are in dire need of refurbishment. The EMR branded trains aren't too bad but the Southern trains they've got are so uncomfortable. I definitely prefer Cross Country to EMR any day. I'd like to see your take on the Nottingham to Skegness line.

[@hannahwatters563]

I went to Sheffield in April 2022 and to Glasgow back in March this year and Glasgow subway 🚇 went to Keswick then Blackpool on trams we got day tickets we got were at 12noon then we have lunch we went up tower then on trams then tram back into Blackpool then to get tearful then to Cewe to train 🚂 south then back to edinburgh home 🏡

[@garethsmith2250]

Use these a lot the space for the suitcase above seats are terrible role on the new bimodal Electric/Diesels they are getting!

[@Lee_303]

They really need to keep these for Uttoxeter, Norwich & Skegness lines, the turbos can do the joint line & other Lincs routes.

[@roycarpenter6380]

In my youth travelling from Hull to Gloucester I had to walk from Sheffield (LNER) to Sheffield (LMS). Are there still 2 stations ?

[@JackJackProductionsShorts]

No. Just one

[@Burtonupontrentrailwaystoday]

Hi Dylan What camera and settings do you use for the vlogs please

[@kevanhubbard9673]

I don't need a reminder about the July we have had.Those who moaned about how dry it had been need to consider the alternative which July has been the alternative!But from metrology to trains!Those trains are straight off the Richard Branson drawing board,ooops forgot the Sir which our most modest plutocrat won't like.First introduced on his Virgin Cross Country and West Coast.They are woefully inadequate when used as single sets beaten only by TransPennine 's 185's.

[@Abnerbandanovotempoinscrito1mi]

Boa tarde Dylan Boa viagem ai lindo trem

[@henryhannon9055]

Look much smarter both internally and externally than the XC trains which badly need a refurb

[@therathergoodengineer9285]

The interior though, Why don't we get that on other trains?

[@XTREAMER5423]

Man, I really hate coffee based on Nescafé powder, maybe from monkey poop. 😂😂😂😂 As I think, maybe I will go in a couple of years as I have some friends in Coventry.

[@47GAMER489YT]

i live in chesterfield :)

[@peteking8063]

I ❤️trains

[@ashleyjiscool]

Did you forget the few 180s on emr

[@ewanhetting]

They where all withdrawn afew months ago due to reliability issues.

[@ashleyjiscool]

@@ewanhetting ty I didn’t know that

[@Lee_303]

​@@ashleyjiscoolthey catch fire, like the 175's do.

[@ashleyjiscool]

@@Lee_303 as a wise man once said (the fgw 180 training man) “you will be going nowhere”

[@Class777]

@@ashleyjiscool-Paul Tyreman

[@RealltomFootball2]

How on earth did you get that ticket so cheap (let alone the railcard) I’m in derby and that would cost me over £100

[@spottymaxy1628]

They just need to refurbish the interiors

[@andrewwilson6240]

They aren't that bad really. They are due for cascade to crosscountry soon and I suspect that it will happen then.

[@TheSpotify95]

Or better still, send them to Newport Sims Metals.

[@xplrs4868]

Wished u got Syston in the vid

[@samtrak1204]

You say your train is coming in from London. Does it turn at Sheffield and head back to London?

[@Fan652w]

Yes, the EMR trains turn round at Sheffield, twice per hour. Similarly there are two EMR trains London to Nottingham each hour, which turn round there.

[@samtrak1204]

Good show! Pass the popcorn.

[@jamesgoodman1733]

Sheffield!

[@SeverityOne]

Do they actually have signs telling you how to walk down the stairs?

[@DylansTravelReports]

Welcome to Britain, health and safety obsessed 😂

[@aviano72]

I thought you were a Huddersfield Town supporter ⚽

[@TheSpotify95]

Problems noticed: 5 car unit - not enough on most services Out of order "accessible toilet" - with the only other one in First Class Coach G Extremely small overhead luggage racks Pairs of seats that have no window view at all, just a column - "as safe as windowless houses" Toilets that are not clean (commonplace on 22x) and do not smell sanitary "the Voyager smell" - remember, 222s/221s/220s are fundamentally the same unit with the exception of the interior (and disabled tilting mechanisms) Broken seating armrests with no adding as per 10:24 Revolting and horrifically expensive on board catering facilities as per 10:34 (and the buffet car in Coach C is a waste of time) Conclusion: time to be retired and replaced with something else.

[@hannahwatters563]

I love train new train in uk and going holiday

[@garrymartin6474]

I have always disliked the purple livery of EMR trains , they should have gone for something that echoed the Midland Pullman units on the 222's

[@golledgestravels326]

Which team got 33 points in 22/23 season?

[@spitfiregaming_]

Leeds

[@golledgestravels326]

@@spitfiregaming_ 31 points in 22/23 season

[@golledgestravels326]

www.google.com/search?q=premier+league+table+22%2F23+full+table&client=safari&rls=en&sxsrf=AB5stBiFBoS0bLh2bM8lW8vC81syzw7zzw%3A1691163780409&ei=hBzNZLSnGPW28gK_h6uYDg&oq=premier+league&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiDnByZW1pZXIgbGVhZ3VlKgIIATIHECMYigUYJzIHECMYigUYJzIKEC4YigUYsQMYQzIIEAAYgAQYsQMyCBAAGIAEGLEDMggQABiABBixAzIIEAAYgAQYsQMyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDILEAAYgAQYsQMYgwFI0TZQmgdY-SZwAngBkAEAmAGSAaABlguqAQQxNi4yuAEByAEA-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&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#sie=lg;/g/11pz7zbpnb;2;/m/02_tc;st;fp;1;;;

[@spitfiregaming_]

@@golledgestravels326 Ok I dunno then I just know he supports Leeds 😭

[@golledgestravels326]

@@spitfiregaming_ surprised he owns up to that.

[@harryelliott4310]

East Midlands Railway Class 222

[@TheSpotify95]

Yes, the worst train in existance in the UK. If I had the cash, I'd buy all of the units up just to strip the interiors of anything worth selling/scavenging (who wants a first class 222 seat?) then sell the units onto Sims Newport for recycling.

[@nicolassenatore5610]

oh my days this mf again

[@craighobbs3708]

Sheffield has never been part of Derbyshire!

[@waynetrainlover7537]

The 221 don't tilt is the 390s do

[@DylansTravelReports]

Avanti's 221s do. CrossCountry deactivated the tilt on theirs ages ago tho.

[@waynetrainlover7537]

Okay I didn't know

[@JetSetAviator]

180

[@Chauglington_Station]

The seats on these trains are the worst. People talk crap about the azuma trains but the seats on the 222 are far worse. The bases have all collapsed and you can feel the frames digging into your legs. Absolutely god awful and I hate them

[@telemachus53]

EMR were never my favourite. Smelly, tight, not very fast, stingy, and out of date interiors. I used them a lot going to Derby, Nottingham, Lincoln etc. Not impressive!

[@Lee_303]

EMT gave up on them as they knew they were losing the franchise. Personally I despise the way this 'mainline' operation has been destroyed all along from National Express through to Abellio. Used to be able to get direct trains from Wellingborough to Sheffield for night out, was horrified when they pulled them. The Corby service is nothing to write home about. Refurb & new colours but they still feel old & tatty. Sadly this kind of behaviour is happening all over the network yet they want paying more money for it!?

[@l3v1ckUK]

They're not underrated. They're poor. Very noisy for long distance trains, and the overhead luggage racks are so narrow you can't fit any reasonable sized bag in them.

[@TrainsAndPlanesProductions]

3 rd comment