Least disappointing new Rolling Stock?

[tram21]

I would agree with the EMR Class 810s. Sure they are having some reliability issues but they are a massive level-up from the 222s and are actually really comfortable to travel on and are just really nice trains!

 

[GoneSouth]

With tongue in cheek (a bit!) to a lot of rail enthusiasts, everything will be a disappointment if it doesn't have seats stuffed with horse hair, incandescent light bulbs and mahogany walls, and be at least 10 carriages long, hauled by a steam loco.

I’d be happy with 3 !

The lovely dim warm glow of a 20W incandescent lightbulb is a nice idea though !

 

[saismee]

Id say the best post privatisation is the 390, especially with the new seats, but more recently all of the aventras have impressed me, yes they have some flaws but generally very nice, spacious and comfortable

The biggest benefits of Aventras are the acceleration and local production. I know a few people who prefer 720s to 745s for various reasons. Apparently they don't hunt as much, but I've never had hunting issues in 745s.

Nothing I've been on has had a comfortable interior for me except the FLIRTs, Pendolini ( ), and Everos. Something to do with the winged headrests I think.

 

[Strathclyder]

Of all the EMUs introduced since privatisation that I've ridden on, 334s (though they may be pushing it a bit age-wise), 380s & 385s. All of them did have their issues when new (though the 334s take the crown in that regard), but all 3 serve their intended purpose well, are fairly comfortable, spacious enough and go like a stabbed rat. Only downside to the 334s imho is the lack of tables in the bays of 4, though that may be because I'm so used to the 318s/320s being so equipped and thus I'm very much alone on that hill lol

Of all the ones I've not ridden on, the Stadler FLIRTs would be my choice. Which is why I'm hoping the platform gets selected to replace the ex-BREL Strathclyde EMU fleet (318s/320s) as unlikely as that may be.

 

[iamraymond]

The biggest benefits of Aventras are the acceleration and local production. I know a few people who prefer 720s to 745s for various reasons. Apparently they don't hunt as much, but I've never had hunting issues in 745s.

Nothing I've been on has had a comfortable interior for me except the FLIRTs, Pendolini ( ), and Everos. Something to do with the winged headrests I think.

I've enjoyed reading this post whilst tucking into a panino

 

[Richard Scott]

It depends what it replaced, as far as suburban trains go most are an improvement on what went before. 756s on Valley Lines are a massive improvement.
As for long distance/Inter-City (call it what you will) I'm afraid still nothing beats a mk3, in my opinion. How much progress in 50 years, little if any. Mk3 has a better ambience and ride than anything else I can think of. Sure plenty of people will disagree but this is my opinion, not telling everyone to agree!!!! The only modern train I can think of that can give a mk3 a run for its money is a DB ICE train!

 

[Iskra]

Both of these have too many tables for my liking. The 195/331 has grown on me though aside from this.

The Mk5 is excellent in 1st, I'd say best UK 1st by some margin. Standard however is rubbish.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Apr 2026 ==

The ride quality on the Mk5a’s is terrible, which negatively impacts the 1st class experience. The remaining Mk3 and Mk4 first class carriages with Scotrail and TfW are the best remaining first class carriages and it isn’t even close.

Least disappointing new trains for me would probably be the TP stuff, but that’s mainly down to capacity improvements over 185’s as well as being intercity rather than regional trains.

 

[Bletchleyite]

The ride quality on the Mk5a’s is terrible, which negatively impacts the 1st class experience. The remaining Mk3 and Mk4 first class carriages with Scotrail and TfW are the best remaining first class carriages and it isn’t even close.

Pacers aside I've never experienced a worse ride than a Mk4. One time I was seriously considering pulling the red handle as I thought a bogie had come off.

I've never got the enthusiasm for ex-BR LHCS. Most of it was decidedly poor compared to its European contemporaries, often with an iffy ride (bounce on Mk2, sway on Mk3, particularly short swing-link versions), poor air conditioning and manual doors as well as absolutely terrible seats. It's such a shame a fleet of the International Coach wasn't built instead of Mk3 and Mk4, for example.

 

[Iskra]

Pacers aside I've never experienced a worse ride than a Mk4. One time I was seriously considering pulling the red handle as I thought a bogie had come off.

I've never got the enthusiasm for ex-BR LHCS. Most of it was decidedly poor compared to its European contemporaries, often with an iffy ride (bounce on Mk2, sway on Mk3, particularly short swing-link versions), poor air conditioning and manual doors as well as absolutely terrible seats. It's such a shame a fleet of the International Coach wasn't built instead of Mk3 and Mk4, for example.

I can understand your point about the ride of the Mk4 but I think it’s less of an issue on TfW services as they don’t travel that fast (generally, I know there is an exception).

I think they are fine, but I would generally choose to sit in the middle of the carriages for the smoothest ride.

 

[QSK19]

Two for me:

810: Once the gremlins have gone away. When I’ve been on them and they’ve been working faultlessly, they’re a very good train. Disgraceful that it’s taken so long for them to enter service, but it’s been worth the wait.

745/755: A real step up from what they replaced (note “step up” being the ironic “anti-pun” given their level boarding nature!). We in EMR-land know this too well: 360s, 156/9s (156/4s) and 170/2s could never compete with those.

 

[Richard Scott]

I've never got the enthusiasm for ex-BR LHCS. Most of it was decidedly poor compared to its European contemporaries, often with an iffy ride (bounce on Mk2, sway on Mk3, particularly short swing-link versions), poor air conditioning and manual doors as well as absolutely terrible seats. It's such a shame a fleet of the International Coach wasn't built instead of Mk3 and Mk4, for example

Obviously it's subjective but I find mk3 still better riding vehicle than virtually any other.
As for feeling like coming off the rails an 800 at high speed definitely gives that feeling and possibly the worst of modern rolling stock for ride quality. Would have been better retaining mk3s and buying locos to haul them!!!!
In comparison with continental stock, an original Corail coach is one of the most spartan and uninviting vehicles I've ever travelled in. Most continental stock not a patch on UK stock, DB IC stock excepted, which I would say is on a par. Even Swiss hauled stock still feels spartan.

 

[43096]

Obviously it's subjective but I find mk3 still better riding vehicle than virtually any other.
As for feeling like coming off the rails an 800 at high speed definitely gives that feeling and possibly the worst of modern rolling stock for ride quality. Would have been better retaining mk3s and buying locos to haul them!!!!
In comparison with continental stock, an original Corail coach is one of the most spartan and uninviting vehicles I've ever travelled in. Most continental stock not a patch on UK stock, DB IC stock excepted, which I would say is on a par. Even Swiss hauled stock still feels spartan.

Generally, I'd agree. However, the first class SBB EuroCity coaches (and particularly the Panoramic cars) are some of the finest vehicles ever built, anywhere.

 

[Spartacus]

Although they're now 20 years old, the 185s were a very pleasant surprise when they were brought in.

I think most expected something akin to a 170, and there were plenty of people expecting terrible draughts with the 1/3-2/3 unvestibuled doors, but the doors were no issue, instead greatly improving loading & unloading times, they felt big, powerful and strong in build quality (plenty of metal bits, not just flimsy plastic), didn't have any big reliability issues entering service, were airy, roomy, and future capacity issues weren't even thought of when they were often replacing 2 car 158s, you might even find a 6 car where previously there'd been a 4 or 5 car (I think those short 158s had been effectively suppressing demand). About the only problem was their ride being initially a bit like taking to sea, and that didn't take long to sort out, though the aforementioned strength meant added weight which meant they coudn't run to sprinter speeds in places.

 

[Bletchleyite]

future capacity issues weren't even thought of when they were often replacing 2 car 158s\

Were you using a different TPE to me? A lot of services were 3 or 4 car, and a 3 car 185 significantly reduces capacity from a 3 car 158.

They're good units but were too short on day one - and doubling up was near unknown.

 

[Spartacus]

Were you using a different TPE to me? A lot of services were 3 or 4 car, and a 3 car 185 significantly reduces capacity from a 3 car 158.

They're good units but were too short on day one - and doubling up was near unknown.

They did have two core routes at the time...

Although a 3 car 158 had more seats, I always found the 185s far better for standing.

 

[GoneSouth]

Pacers aside I've never experienced a worse ride than a Mk4. One time I was seriously considering pulling the red handle as I thought a bogie had come off.

I feel the same way on GWR somewhere near Didcot. Flying by at 125 almost feels like you’re leaving the track, I genuinely feel a bit scared sometimes. Not sure exactly which bit of track it is though.

 

[moogal]

Another vote for both variants of the 730, I particularly like the declassified First section on the /2s, very comfortable. Tried my first 745 on a Stansted service recently and was pretty impressed too.

 

[satisnek]

I think that the 'wood effect' end bulkheads on a number of today's new trains is a nice touch, but that's as far as I can go...

 

[NSEWonderer]

701s for me for several reasons both professional and leisurely

707s as a passenger on SE are a lot nicer than the electrostars and often tatty networkers, especially once the toilets are installed. They were good trains on the SW network too.

 

[GEC465]

745/755 and 720s are bloody good trains on GA.
Dont miss the 379s tho considering those are doing way better now on the ECML

805/807s for me are some of the best IETs made. Comfy etc, hopefully no corrosion issues like that on the earlier sets

 

[sh24]

The biggest issue for me with thr newest stuff is the poor quality seating. Whether is jam packed 3-2 seating or ironing boards on an IET it really takes away from the other improvements.

Not convinced by anything from CAF. The ride is too rough.

 

[Bletchleyite]

720s are bloody good trains on GA.

If you don't mind me asking, are you a child (or child sized)? You are the first person I've heard suggesting that those are in any way good - the seating is just too tight in both dimensions (legroom and width) for even an average adult.

 

[tfw756rider]

745/755 and 720s are bloody good trains on GA.

If you don't mind me asking, are you a child (or child sized)?

The age on his profile is 24.

 

[FrontSideBus]

Loose definition of "new", but for me it has to be the Pendolino. Relentlessly hammered up and down the WCML for so long and still taking it. I remember them new, I was long distance commuting. There was a couple of hiccups, like the evening at Euston where we were treated to three different ones before they could get one to work, that was fun. The morning Lady Penelope rolled in to my station hauling a dead one on my train was also a treat!

When they replaced Mk2 and Mk3 services way back when, they were like something out of StarTrek!
Most of my journeys on the WCML at the times I travel are now Evero's and when I do manage to get a Pendo now, I think to myself, wow these are really good trains, even after 25 years and compared with modern rolling stock... they are brilliant!

 

[Russel]

For me, I'd suggest the 730/2's, they are a huge upgrade on the 350/2's in every way, I'd even suggest I prefer them to rest of the 350's, /1/3/4, they just seem a lot lighter and more spacious.

 

[FrontSideBus]

You really think the seats on 730 is better than 350?

 

[Mikey C]

For "cattle truck" urban trains, the 710s are surprisingly nice, and a real step forward from the 378s, which feel much more of a compromise. Also on a London theme, the Underground S stock is a great design, a shame that the basic design wasn't used anywhere else.

Not that new now, but the 395s always impress me. To be able to do 140mph on HS1, but then trundle along the Kent 3rd rail network as a regular commuter train is impressive. And non ironing board seats too.

The 390s are impressive, I just wish they had bigger windows, as with the sloping sides they feel so cramped inside.

 

[Bletchleyite]

For "cattle truck" urban trains, the 710s are surprisingly nice, and a real step forward from the 378s, which feel much more of a compromise. Also on a London theme, the Underground S stock is a great design, a shame that the basic design wasn't used anywhere else.

S7s on Merseyrail (with a bit more facing seating) would have been so much better than the junk that is the Class 777. Level boarding too.

Not that new now, but the 395s always impress me. To be able to do 140mph on HS1, but then trundle along the Kent 3rd rail network as a regular commuter train is impressive. And non ironing board seats too.

Agreed, they're most things the 80x should have been if they hadn't cheaped out on stuff, being a fellow AT300 derivative.

The 390s are impressive, I just wish they had bigger windows, as with the sloping sides they feel so cramped inside.

Yeah, like the 745/755 they've not squashed into UK loading gauge that well. I don't mind them though and they're a reliable workhorse.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Apr 2026 ==

You really think the seats on 730 is better than 350?

I'd actually agree - the shape of the Standard class seat fits my back very, very nicely. That's quite individual though, and I'd probably prefer the 350 overall because it has more window aligned extra legroom seats. If only the 730 had one fewer row in the centre section I'd love it, though there are two pairs of extra legroom Standard* seats aligned to a window near the small bog at both ends which I tend to go for.

It's light years ahead of the 720, though. We were so lucky that the bullet of the originally proposed 730/1 (which would have been the same inside as a 720) was dodged.

* There's also "1st" but I prefer the seats in Standard to the Fainsa Sophia used in 1st.

 

[FrontSideBus]

I just find sitting bolt upright on the 730's very very uncomfortable!

 

[ATP]

I feel the same way on GWR somewhere near Didcot. Flying by at 125 almost feels like you’re leaving the track, I genuinely feel a bit scared sometimes. Not sure exactly which bit of track it is though.

Having just passed through Didcot, I thing where you're on about is around here, on the western side. It feels as if you're inside a rattle!