WCML Class 80x and Voyagers

[Markuk]

So, casually checking GPS speeds on the few trips I've taken on a class 80x on the mainline, my observations

These trains are no faster than Class 350s and slower than Voyagers, maxing out at 110mph.

They are less comfortable and ride worse than the refurbished 2+2 Class 350s

They are less comfortable and ride worse than the Voyagers.

Could it not have been cheaper and a better outcome achieved to have had a conversion of the Voyager sets to have an Electric motor coach with pantograph? The Voyagers were diesel electric anyway so their motors won't care where their power came from.

 

[Bletchleyite]

They are less comfortable and ride worse than the Voyagers.

The ride is a bit 350-like on the WCML I find (which speaks volumes about the track quality on the GWML where they're all over the place). I don't have a problem with it.

Comfort wise they blow a Voyager into space. More legroom, more tables, better luggage space, less vibration, no toilet smell etc. Apart from ride I can't think of a single thing that's better on a Voyager. More likely to get a seat, too, as each vehicle is just over 2m longer and the interior layout is vastly more efficient.

Overall I quite like them.

 

[The Planner]

So, casually checking GPS speeds on the few trips I've taken on a class 80x on the mainline, my observations

These trains are no faster than Class 350s and slower than Voyagers, maxing out at 110mph.

They are less comfortable and ride worse than the refurbished 2+2 Class 350s

They are less comfortable and ride worse than the Voyagers.

Could it not have been cheaper and a better outcome achieved to have had a conversion of the Voyager sets to have an Electric motor coach with pantograph? The Voyagers were diesel electric anyway so their motors won't care where their power came from.

Been discussed before. 80x cannot go faster than 110mph until the speed limit increases are signed off. Voyagers getting an electric coach was binned off as an idea many years ago.