Grand Central Class 221 Super Voyager Review - What are these trains like to ride?

Unit: 221142
Service: 15:27 Bradford Interchange-London Kings X
Today's Route: Bradford Interchange-Wakefield Kirkgate
Today, we're going to try out a train operator and a train type that I've never been on before! This is Grand Central's Class 221 Super Voyagers, which were recently transferred from Avanti West Coast to Grand Central!
In terms of price, it was pretty cheap! Only about £3 with a railcard between Bradford and Wakefield, so not bad at all!
What do I think of these trains? Are they any good? Do I agree of any of the criticism about these Voyagers? Watch this video to find out my opinion!
#grandcentral #class221 #supervoyager #bradford #wakefield #trains #trainrides
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[@Thornaby37]

Criticism of the Voyagers is mainly due to overcrowding on many of the Cross Country services

[@ReecesTrains]

Yep, that is true. That's why I'd try and go for a 8, 9 or 10 car service where possible.

[@joshtaylor7881]

The reason for the very similar interior to the Pendolinos is that when Virgin ordered them back in the early 2000s, they required a standard design of interior on their then new trains. This meant Alstom and Bombardier having working together to a large degree to make the interiors of the Voyagers and Pendolinos as close as possible to eachother. This was to give passengers the same travelling experience on both types of train. They had the same seats and carpets fitted along with the same design of tables, ceiling panel designs and toilet fixtures and fittings. The voyagers still show the scar of the triangular Virgin badge on the cab ends below the windscreen. Scared for life!

[@ReecesTrains]

Thanks for the information. I always wondered why they both had very similar interiors!

[@aidengillag]

Voyagers are actually generally very nice trains (minus their notorious yeasty smell). They often get negative press because they are no longer fit for purpose on the extremely busy CrossCountry style routes that the majority run on. These would however be perfect trains for the likes of Grand Central and perhaps Scotrail as HST replacements.

[@ReecesTrains]

I agree, I do like the Voyager and I do see where some of the criticism comes from though.

[@spacecowboy151]

This uses same engine as class 180
also, there is an entire coach of table seats in coach D since theres not that many in the rest of the train

[@ReecesTrains]

Not sure if they use the same engine as the 180 despite both being diesel.
Ah, I didn't know that. Was that from the Avanti First Class before moving to Grand Central?

[@ianr]

Nice video again!
I have no problems with Voyagers, however...they do look and feel cramped.
Especially on CC when it's busy.
👍🙂

[@ReecesTrains]

Thanks. I'll need to try the CrossCountry one's to see if they're any better or any worst.

[@LokiAvivson]

2:58 definitely the same announcer they use on their existing 180 fleet
also nice that you now have 333 subscribers!

[@ReecesTrains]

Thanks! Instantly reminds me of the Class 333's!

[@lovefive5733]

A fantastic video reece. 😊😊 I've subscribed. Many thanks 😊😊

[@ReecesTrains]

Thanks for subscribing! I'm glad you're enjoying my content!

[@lovefive5733]

@@ReecesTrains 😊😊

[@joshtaylor7881]

P.S. Voyagers are the unsung heros of the modern railway in terms of comfort. The seats are super comfy compared to the Hitachi offerings. I have always liked the Voyagers. Scary that they are now 22 years old!

[@ReecesTrains]

Yes, the Voyagers are definitely comfortable train when they're not too busy!

[@timlewis1165]

I find them extremely cramped , especially if you are traveling with any luggage that is larger than a standard sized wallet. Want unsung luxury, try a TFW class 158

[@UKTransportExplorer]

So how many are GC getting or is it just them 2?

[@arnoldspottingvideos5269]

Only 2

[@ReecesTrains]

Yes, there are two Grand Central units that are from Avanti West Coast.
The units are 221142 and 221143. I'm not sure if more will arrive in the future, but we'll see.

[@arnoldspottingvideos5269]

@@ReecesTrains No it will just be only 2 cause they want to help the 180s.

[@djscottyb1]

I would stay away from cross county always overcrowded 😂they need longer units not 4 coach’s running around its dangerous and unsafe

[@ReecesTrains]

Yeah, I understand your concerns about the Voyagers but it's always good to review and get my perspective on them.
I'd try and go for an 8, 9 or 10 car service.

[@rthoc71]

4 coach variety was dreamed up by virgin when XC franchise was 1st let in 1996, so whilst Arriva may run them now they did not participate in the ordering of units.. In relation to short forming XC would like longer trains regularly however DFT won't agree to it one many sticking points too much interference from government stifling investment in railways

[@Robutube1]

That's how I feel too - they're not a train company, they're a livestock transporter. Awful.

[@harrierjames7727]

If you want to experience what most experience of them then try and get on a 4 coach cross country voyager from Leeds or Birmingham at a peak time...

[@ReecesTrains]

I'm going to say no to that, but thanks for the offer. :)

[@ChristopherPin]

Definitely the Bournemouth to Manchester piccadilly line is packed, people at Coventry had to told to get off because they didn't fit