Voyagers could be the best current train

[Wyrleybart]

I agree regarding the Pendolino. Naturally they were berated by some for simply being there...yes they have some minus points when compared with a MK3, however, many a smooth and fairly serene ride I've had on the WCML. I guess it helps being a purely electric train without all that weight underneath that comes with diesel traction.

Underrated in my opinion.

Here is a question. voyagers have tiny diddy wheels for running at 125mph, whereas 390s are larger. Given that express trains of hold traditionally had larger wheels, does this make a difference ?

AIUI
220 = 790mm
390 = 890mm

 

[greyman42]

Honestly TPE's new fleet has made night and day difference. The 802s are a joy to travel on up to Newcastle.

Why are they any better than the 185s, apart from being a bit quicker?

 

[Bletchleyite]

Why are they any better than the 185s, apart from being a bit quicker?

Having roughly twice the capacity, for one.

 

[greyman42]

Having roughly twice the capacity, for one.

Right, i see where he was coming from.

 

[Mike99]

Voyagers have possibly the second worst bike spaces on the network after the Cross Country Turbostars. Apart from that they're fine with the exception that they're too short.

However the best train on the network is the 745/755 because of the level boarding, I will not be taking questions at this time.

I moved back in January this year from the WCML to the GEML and I do like the 745/755 units. To my mind they are comfortable, the acceleration is very good, it's a comfortable ride even up to full speed of 100mph and the step free entrance and exit is very much appreciated as I have to walk with a stick. I also quite like the higher group of four seats over the wheels which is not to double deck height but just that bit different to the norm.

 

[yorksrob]

Having roughly twice the capacity, for one.

Of a single 185 ! They've allowed some of them to be doubled up.

 

[Ianigsy]

The other week I travelled on the 220 named Voyager 20 (016?). The thought did occur to me that if you’re going to draw attention to the fact that your train is 20 years old, you might at least do something about the tatty interior which still looks much as it did when the units were new to traffic.