• Our booking engine at tickets.railforums.co.uk (powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!

LNER Azuma (Class 800/801)

Status
Not open for further replies.

MK Tom

Established Member
Joined
31 Aug 2011
Messages
2,421
Location
Milton Keynes
Do we know yet whether the HST or Class 91 sets will be released by the initial Class 800 entries into service? I'm mainly asking because I'm eager to see the Grand Central 91 sets come over to the WCML, but given the HSTs are older and often used on the Leeds diagrams that the 800s are starting on, it might be that they go first.
 
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R

RailUK Forums

themiller

Member
Joined
4 Dec 2011
Messages
1,056
Location
Cumbria, UK
Do we know yet whether the HST or Class 91 sets will be released by the initial Class 800 entries into service? I'm mainly asking because I'm eager to see the Grand Central 91 sets come over to the WCML, but given the HSTs are older and often used on the Leeds diagrams that the 800s are starting on, it might be that they go first.
Don't forget that some class 91s and mk IVs have a home to go to whilst the HSTs don't so it makes sense to release 91s and mk IVs first.
 

Mitchell Hurd

On Moderation
Joined
28 Oct 2017
Messages
1,648
To give LNER it's credit, I reckon that it knows how to properly introduce new trains. I get the sense that they are investing a great deal of effort and planning to get this right first time. Better to be over - prepared and deliver seemlessly, than do a half - baked rush job and end up with poor service delivery. I reckon others could learn.

If I might add, they're one of the most organised InterCity operators I think* - way better than CrossCountry although XC does have it's positive points!

*I'll do another thread over the weekend. I can say that they have a buffet, trolley service to compliment the buffet (or the buffet compliments the trolley service) and a pre-order service.
 

xotGD

Established Member
Joined
4 Feb 2017
Messages
6,063
So with a May introduction, I guess we won't see 90s on LNER services much beyond June. Grab em' while you can.
 

westv

Established Member
Joined
29 Mar 2013
Messages
4,201
I decided to check out a random London to Hull service to see if they had finally got the seat map working now the Azuma is taking over.
20/5/19 17:18 London to Hull - offers G46 (which must be an Azuma as there is no coach G on the HST) but still no working seat selector map. Am I being too previous or is this an LNER failure?
 

ainsworth74

Forum Staff
Staff Member
Global Moderator
Joined
16 Nov 2009
Messages
27,536
Location
Redcar
Hmm there is a coach G on LNER's full length HSTs. It's only NL65 (the one that usually appears on Hull) that lacks a coach G. More broadly I would gamble that the seat map probably still isn't uploaded to the booking engine. It's still a fair old way away and I get the feeling was only confirmed as definitely being 15 May even internally a few days ago!
 

ainsworth74

Forum Staff
Staff Member
Global Moderator
Joined
16 Nov 2009
Messages
27,536
Location
Redcar
I'm pleased there's better table seat alignment with the windows in the photo - it's half aligned in the virtual tour. Maybe the coach is a different layout.

I walked down the length of a 9-car set parked up in York station yesterday and I can't recall seeing a single table seat that wasn't properly (or near as damn it) with the windows so I wouldn't worry in that regard. LNER also appear to have improved on the situation slightly with the seats that were against a blank wall as they've installed a luggage rack at each end on one side of the carriage meaning that there's only one set of seats that are just next the door pocket at each end rather than two. Apart from those ridiculous seats next to the door pocket my opinion (from the outside) is that the window/seat alignment is no worse than a Mk4.
 

59CosG95

Established Member
Joined
18 Aug 2013
Messages
6,476
Location
Between Peterborough & Bedlington
I walked down the length of a 9-car set parked up in York station yesterday and I can't recall seeing a single table seat that wasn't properly (or near as damn it) with the windows so I wouldn't worry in that regard. LNER also appear to have improved on the situation slightly with the seats that were against a blank wall as they've installed a luggage rack at each end on one side of the carriage meaning that there's only one set of seats that are just next the door pocket at each end rather than two. Apart from those ridiculous seats next to the door pocket my opinion (from the outside) is that the window/seat alignment is no worse than a Mk4.
I agree, from the few times I've walked next to them at Peterborough they've definitely made an effort that seats are lined up at the windows. The door pocket seats are a bit strange, it's true, however there are people out there (self included on some occasions) who would like to use a seat similar to that for a good nap. That seat could be very useful for KGX-EDB nappers...
 

jon0844

Veteran Member
Joined
1 Feb 2009
Messages
28,013
Location
UK
Are there any other changes with the LNER spec trains over the GWR ones? I'm on a train to Cardiff right now and noticed that it's so noisy inside (coach b, standard) as the materials make it really echoey. The speakers are also oddly positioned and really quiet, both for manual announcements and the automated ones. I assume there's no ambient noise sensor to adjust the volume, so even though I have good hearing I am struggling. Why an extra large gap in the middle of the coach with no speaker?
 

jzw95

Member
Joined
11 Dec 2015
Messages
68
I walked down the length of a 9-car set parked up in York station yesterday and I can't recall seeing a single table seat that wasn't properly (or near as damn it) with the windows so I wouldn't worry in that regard. LNER also appear to have improved on the situation slightly with the seats that were against a blank wall as they've installed a luggage rack at each end on one side of the carriage meaning that there's only one set of seats that are just next the door pocket at each end rather than two. Apart from those ridiculous seats next to the door pocket my opinion (from the outside) is that the window/seat alignment is no worse than a Mk4.

This makes me very happy, thanks for the confirmation!
 

800001

Established Member
Joined
24 Oct 2015
Messages
3,492
I walked down the length of a 9-car set parked up in York station yesterday and I can't recall seeing a single table seat that wasn't properly (or near as damn it) with the windows so I wouldn't worry in that regard. LNER also appear to have improved on the situation slightly with the seats that were against a blank wall as they've installed a luggage rack at each end on one side of the carriage meaning that there's only one set of seats that are just next the door pocket at each end rather than two. Apart from those ridiculous seats next to the door pocket my opinion (from the outside) is that the window/seat alignment is no worse than a Mk4.
I agree, from the few times I've walked next to them at Peterborough they've definitely made an effort that seats are lined up at the windows. The door pocket seats are a bit strange, it's true, however there are people out there (self included on some occasions) who would like to use a seat similar to that for a good nap. That seat could be very useful for KGX-EDB nappers...

On empty Gwr IETs its surprising how many people position themselves in those seats when they have the pick of a whole carriage of unreserved seats.

Good if your reading or working.

Of note is these seats on LNER will be un-reservable.
 

LNW-GW Joint

Veteran Member
Joined
22 Feb 2011
Messages
19,555
Location
Mold, Clwyd
What is happening to the LNER HSTs once the Azumas enter service?

They have no identified home.
The original plan was for the first tranche of East Coast IEPs to replace the HST fleet, with the second tranche replacing the 225s.
Things have not quite turned out that way, with no clearance for IEPs north of York yet.
But HSTs have to be off the premises by year-end as they do not have the necessary PRM modifications to run in 2020.
At least 2x225 sets also need to be off-lease before year end, so that Transport for Wales can use the Mk4 coaches to replace their Mk3 sets.
 

Bletchleyite

Veteran Member
Joined
20 Oct 2014
Messages
97,532
Location
"Marston Vale mafia"
Saw one at Peterborough earlier - the red interior looks really nice and homely, as do the moquette seats. What a difference some cosmetic changes make.

The livery also works really well - looks a bit ICEesque.
 

59CosG95

Established Member
Joined
18 Aug 2013
Messages
6,476
Location
Between Peterborough & Bedlington
Saw one at Peterborough earlier - the red interior looks really nice and homely, as do the moquette seats. What a difference some cosmetic changes make.

The livery also works really well - looks a bit ICEesque.
Agreed, much better than the GWR one.
And re the livery, I'd say it's more akin to the original livery worn by FS' (Trenitalia) ETR.460 Pendolini!
 

Class455

Established Member
Joined
19 May 2016
Messages
1,394
They have no identified home.
The original plan was for the first tranche of East Coast IEPs to replace the HST fleet, with the second tranche replacing the 225s.
Things have not quite turned out that way, with no clearance for IEPs north of York yet.
But HSTs have to be off the premises by year-end as they do not have the necessary PRM modifications to run in 2020.
At least 2x225 sets also need to be off-lease before year end, so that Transport for Wales can use the Mk4 coaches to replace their Mk3 sets.
Surely they'll be cleared to run past York soon though?
 

LNW-GW Joint

Veteran Member
Joined
22 Feb 2011
Messages
19,555
Location
Mold, Clwyd
Surely they'll be cleared to run past York soon though?

As I understand it, the signalling interference issues could take quite a time to fix (changes needed to both track and train).
The electric units can't simply switch to diesel north of York.
 

800001

Established Member
Joined
24 Oct 2015
Messages
3,492
Surely they'll be cleared to run past York soon though?

Very soon!!.
They are authorised for use in diesel mode.....electric mode, give it a f
As I understand it, the signalling interference issues could take quite a time to fix (changes needed to both track and train).
The electric units can't simply switch to diesel north of York.

As far as am aware the modifications to the signals as far as Edinburgh have been completed. It's just waiting to be tested with the trains. It's been completed a lot quicker than initially thought.
 

westv

Established Member
Joined
29 Mar 2013
Messages
4,201
Hmm there is a coach G on LNER's full length HSTs. It's only NL65 (the one that usually appears on Hull) that lacks a coach G. More broadly I would gamble that the seat map probably still isn't uploaded to the booking engine. It's still a fair old way away and I get the feeling was only confirmed as definitely being 15 May even internally a few days ago!
I suppose I am slightly surprised. The original introduction date was three months ago so you would have thought everything would be in place to go apart from the actual running of the services.
 

ainsworth74

Forum Staff
Staff Member
Global Moderator
Joined
16 Nov 2009
Messages
27,536
Location
Redcar
I suppose I am slightly surprised. The original introduction date was three months ago so you would have thought everything would be in place to go apart from the actual running of the services.

Oh well that's just crazy talk! Having things ready to go in advance of the service we've known is coming for the better part of a decade? Madness! :lol:
 

anamyd

On Moderation
Joined
17 Aug 2018
Messages
3,011
What was done to the "death ladders" to allow these trains to be authorised...?
 
Last edited:

59CosG95

Established Member
Joined
18 Aug 2013
Messages
6,476
Location
Between Peterborough & Bedlington
Nothing yet. As seen in earlier posts, they’ve been given a deadline to sort it out.
Until then, the LNER staff are being told to be extra vigilant.

I have an inkling that the reason this might not apply as much to GWR is that all the Series 1 OLE is newer, and follows the standard European clearances between platform & OLE of 3.5m (alongside reduced live envelopes with the Single Insulator "gooseneck" Cantilevers), while the ECML Mk3a/Mk3b OLEMI-vintage equipment is nominally follows the British Standard clearance of 2.75m, alongside more live OLE components.

As such, I feel that the case of the "death ladder" is more pressing on the ECML than the GWML, although I think that the GWR 800s/802s should receive similar modifications for the sakes of safety and uniformity when a permanent solution is found.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top