In talking to other passengers and GWR staff we agreed that the seats are too hard and lack padding, the ride seems firmer and less smooth than the old intercity trains, the carriage corridors seem narrower, and the noise levels are higher when operating on diesel power. No buffet either, so overall I was very dissapointed. The aircon seemed noisier and overall I preferred the old HST, which is a real pity.
I travel between reading and carmarthen regularly, the seats are shocking really. I'm OK with their trolley service too, and it's all done in a friendly and helpful manner. Of course, nothing will ever replace the thrash of a Valenta at full throttle.
allgoo19 The great western mainline has four tracks for most of its duration into London. Two of these are dedicated for faster trains (max speed 125mph) and two for commuter services. The line is not dedicated as a high speed line as yet until in cab signalling is initiated over the next few years.
Superb 🤩🤩🤩
In talking to other passengers and GWR staff we agreed that the seats are too hard and lack padding, the ride seems firmer and less smooth than the old intercity trains, the carriage corridors seem narrower, and the noise levels are higher when operating on diesel power. No buffet either, so overall I was very dissapointed. The aircon seemed noisier and overall I preferred the old HST, which is a real pity.
Paul Gale the intercity 125 was/is a true classic of its extended generation. I think the 800 was always going to struggle in that company.
I was on one last week chippenham to Swindon,they are shit.
I travel between reading and carmarthen regularly, the seats are shocking really. I'm OK with their trolley service too, and it's all done in a friendly and helpful manner. Of course, nothing will ever replace the thrash of a Valenta at full throttle.
is this a true HSR run on the separate track or sharing the track with conventional train?
allgoo19 The great western mainline has four tracks for most of its duration into London. Two of these are dedicated for faster trains (max speed 125mph) and two for commuter services. The line is not dedicated as a high speed line as yet until in cab signalling is initiated over the next few years.
What? Trains can run 125 mph (200 km/h) without cab signalling in Britain? Thought it is impossible.
Yep. The four mainlines out of London (Great Western, East Coast, West Coast & Midland) are all max speed 125mph without cab signalling.
Are they going to get in cab signalling?
xm3 eventually it will be rolled out. The trains have it built in, it will take years before the line had the signalling upgraded.