Appreciating that it's a couple of weeks since my trip on one of the new LNER Azuma's, but it's still worth writing a few words on as it was an impressive experience.
For once, I was lucky as this was the last train to get out of London during the power cut that brought Kings Cross to a standstill for some hours. It was noticeable that the train switched from electric to diesel power during the first few moments of the journey, which just shows the flexibility that the new trains bring.
I'd read about the acceleration and braking on the Azuma and this was exactly as I'd read as they really do take off. In a way, I'd been fortunate as the work trip I'd been on had featured trips on GWR 802's so it was good to compare the two.
The interior in the Azuma is much better than that in the GWR equivalent and the seating is much more comfortable. It's a much brighter interior too and one very handy feature are the lights above the seats that indicate if they've been reserved or not - they make it much easier for those travelling without a reservation.
Now I know that I love the Mk3 & Mk4 rolling stock and whilst the seats aren't as comfy as a Mk3, they are definitely better than those in the Mk4's.
But, there's got to be a catch and that catch is well and truly behind a closed door, the netty door to be precise. The Azuma toilet is not unlike an old MK1, especially the toilet bowl which is probably the heaviest part on the train !
There's another little curiosity as the stopping display in the train had it stopping at Abbeyhill Junction - there's not been a station there for decades !
All in all, they're a classy train and the speed and flexibility of power mode, will make a big difference to the East Coast Main Line, especially as other TOC's upgrade to similarly fast stock. The Azuma is certainly a huge step forward and LNER have the good marketing power to deliver a step change over the next 12 to 18 months as they replace older stock.
Fair to say that I'm looking forward to my next trip......
For once, I was lucky as this was the last train to get out of London during the power cut that brought Kings Cross to a standstill for some hours. It was noticeable that the train switched from electric to diesel power during the first few moments of the journey, which just shows the flexibility that the new trains bring.
I'd read about the acceleration and braking on the Azuma and this was exactly as I'd read as they really do take off. In a way, I'd been fortunate as the work trip I'd been on had featured trips on GWR 802's so it was good to compare the two.
Now I know that I love the Mk3 & Mk4 rolling stock and whilst the seats aren't as comfy as a Mk3, they are definitely better than those in the Mk4's.
But, there's got to be a catch and that catch is well and truly behind a closed door, the netty door to be precise. The Azuma toilet is not unlike an old MK1, especially the toilet bowl which is probably the heaviest part on the train !
There's another little curiosity as the stopping display in the train had it stopping at Abbeyhill Junction - there's not been a station there for decades !
All in all, they're a classy train and the speed and flexibility of power mode, will make a big difference to the East Coast Main Line, especially as other TOC's upgrade to similarly fast stock. The Azuma is certainly a huge step forward and LNER have the good marketing power to deliver a step change over the next 12 to 18 months as they replace older stock.
Fair to say that I'm looking forward to my next trip......
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