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I didn't find the seats too bad on a Hull Trains 802 from King's Cross to Doncaster. Although the seats on the TPE 185 I connected to Manchester on were definitely better. Didn't think the ride was too bad either. Lots of clunks from under the floor though.

In an ideal world, a bunch of 5-car bi-modes with 25kV AC and 700V DC (like the 769s can potentially do) would be be great. Could be mixed in with an order for similar units for SWR to replace the 159s on Waterloo-Exeter, although I think SWR might prefer end doors and GWR the doors at 3rds...

I can't see all the Civities staying with TfW their entire lives- there are small branchlines across the country which could potentially see them (and the 195s, and 196s), which is also why I'm not concerned about them being 2 and 3 car units. Lets not forget too that biodiesel is a thing-...

As much as I like the 365s... they're going to get scrapped. I'd rather electrify a few more routes to ditch some Sprinters and use 365s but that's simply not going to happen in the timeframe it needs to. Add in the fact that the superior 350/2s are going to be available soon too in similar...

This is hilarious! The idea of modular adjustability is a great one. VW Group are champions of it- their MQB platform is completely modular and is under everything from the huge Skoda Kodiaq to a little Audi TT. Means you can build something for every little niche in the market and do so...

I'm sure I read somewhere that these do have the capacity to be relatively easily converted to bi-mode (tri-mode?) but that the thinking was that there was enough diesel only line that it wasn't worth doing just yet. It certainly looks like a pantograph well is in place- the roofline of the...

It's a commuter train. I'll take dull and soulless but able to get on and not sweat out 5 litres on my journey home over a 'characterful' 319. The whole point of them is mass transit, which they do really well.

I dunno- there was a big jump in passenger experience in the late '90s/early '00s. I can't see the early Electrostars being phased out early, for example, unless some serious faults are found. There will always be smaller more isolated fleets which meet an untimely end, and the 332s are an...

USB-C can do more than just 45W- up to 100W is in the spec for USB-PD. My phone charger will put out 65W to my phone, and up to 45W to any USB Power Delivery device, so it can charge my laptop too, although not as fast as the 65W power brick my laptop came with. It's very handy for when on the...

I wouldn't say that plugs are *vital*, however the use of laptops by commuters has been around for a long time before these units were specified. I got my first laptop for school in 2004, and I remember taking the train to school and not being the only person using a laptop. And a short journey...

I think it looks great! And I think the brighter the better, personally. Very glad it's using the Progress Flag too.

I had my first ride in a 80x unit the other week- a Hull Trains 802 from King's Cross to Darlington. Whilst I felt the seats were fine (although not as good as the TPE 185 I changed to) the ride wasn't great at all. My brother, who knows absolutely nothing about trains, complained the other day...

It's kind of like the difference between a conventional automatic transmission in a car and a DSG transmission. From the driver's point of view, not much changes- you have a lever, put it in D, press the loud pedal. But a DSG has actual gears that mesh together and are moved around by selector...

Thank you! That's a relief. If I can't get a cheap advance I'll just buy a regular off-peak fare, but glad they will be operating trains on the WCML!

Hi all- I'm normally pretty good at finding good tickets, and timings. Due to go down to London Friday 4th and back up north to Manchester on 6th June. But trying to book something for the return leg back to Manchester and I'm struggling. National Rail shows an hourly service- but then says no...

TBH I feel like the 222s natural home is with XC- but that's a whole other thread!

Some are looking a little tired too, despite the recent refurbishment. The unit I was on (didn't get the number) on Saturday evening from Doncaster to Manchester, the plastic wall panelling was scuffed and dirty and the fabric on the seats was of questionable cleanliness. Comfy as always though...

That makes sense! Thanks for explaining @fgwrich

What's a 'Salisbury Six'?

That is wonderfully insane!