As a seasoned East Coast traveller I’ll miss the 225s when they come off the ECML soon. First Class always represents excellent space and luxurious comfort. Surely 91s & Mk.4 sets have a bit of life in them yet. Blackpool runs to Euston? I look forward to the Azuma although I do hope it isn’t more than a glorified Voyager...
They are far, far better trains than Voyagers in just about every way other than the seats, and seats can be replaced. And I don't mind Voyagers.
Let's see:
- Less engine noise
- Fewer rattles
- Doesn't smell of wee
- Better aircon
- More legroom
- Longer and a more efficient layout so more capacity
- Look more like a proper train
- More modern engines so not as many particulates kicked out
- No need to run on diesel under the wires
Etc.
While the Mk4s have better seats (though I'd say the 80x seats are on a par with the original Mk4 seats which were pretty rubbish), I would say the 80x is a better-put-together train than those with a far better ride. Only on a Mk4 have I ever felt the ride was *so* bad I was considering if we were about to come off the road.