• 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.

rich-leeds

Member
Joined
26 Jan 2017
Messages
63
Does anyone have any piccies of the Let's Eat Buffet Bar yet? The menu seems quite extensive for a modern buffet bar. I'd expected a Hull Trains style offering.

The video from the press launch here illustrates the buffet counter well (from around 4:50) - and is quite interesting generally. Includes a cameo from Roger Ford early on administering his fist of quality...

Edit:
I've just spotted this video was also shared by camflyer at post #1229, but it has a good buffet and indeed separate kitchen sections.
 
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R

RailUK Forums

Jay S

Member
Joined
14 Feb 2019
Messages
11
Pics of buffet
 

Attachments

  • MVIMG_20190515_132451.jpg
    MVIMG_20190515_132451.jpg
    873.2 KB · Views: 326
  • IMG_20190515_132443.jpg
    IMG_20190515_132443.jpg
    709.5 KB · Views: 318
  • MVIMG_20190515_132424.jpg
    MVIMG_20190515_132424.jpg
    849.5 KB · Views: 322
  • MVIMG_20190515_132431.jpg
    MVIMG_20190515_132431.jpg
    825.1 KB · Views: 319

kevjs

Member
Joined
4 Sep 2013
Messages
401
However you will get into arguments of which is better, standard USB or a 3-pin socket. Some folk will prefer 3-pin sockets so they can use laptops (which don't charge by USB), and I would imagine having USB sockets that low down might be hard for some users to use.

Probably not enough space underneath to have both USB & 3-pin sockets
Depends on the backbox - USB sockets often fit in a standard faceplate and backbox e.g.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-1-gang-sp-13a-switched-socket-2-1a-2-outlet-usb-charger-white/8812f
 

achmelvic

Member
Joined
23 Dec 2014
Messages
53
Currently on 1A33 heading south. Opted to pay to upgrade to first class.
Initial thoughts so far:
The seats aren’t as bad I as I feared they may be albeit only been on 25mins.
Here in coach L the engine whine when setting off is noticeable though still quieter overall than a Mk3 I’d say.
The WiFi seems more reliable than the old stock, however not many on the service so hard to compare to a packed HST or Mk4.

It seems like there’s three times the normal LNER amount on here! Plus a few guys from hitachi.
 

43096

On Moderation
Joined
23 Nov 2015
Messages
15,162
Currently on 1A33 heading south. Opted to pay to upgrade to first class.
Initial thoughts so far:
The seats aren’t as bad I as I feared they may be albeit only been on 25mins.
Here in coach L the engine whine when setting off is noticeable though still quieter overall than a Mk3 I’d say.
The WiFi seems more reliable than the old stock, however not many on the service so hard to compare to a packed HST or Mk4.

It seems like there’s three times the normal LNER amount on here! Plus a few guys from hitachi.
Engine whine? Wouldn’t expect any of that on 1A33 as it should be in electric mode. Or do you mean traction motor noise?
 

achmelvic

Member
Joined
23 Dec 2014
Messages
53
Engine whine? Wouldn’t expect any of that on 1A33 as it should be in electric mode. Or do you mean traction motor noise?

Yes that’s what I meant, seems noticeable when setting off but I guess that’s to be expected when you’re above the motors unlike previously. Once it gets going and speeding along like now I’d say it’s no more noisy or vibrating than a MK4.
 

aswilliamsuk

Member
Joined
10 Jul 2016
Messages
170
Currently on 1A33 heading south. Opted to pay to upgrade to first class.
Initial thoughts so far:
The seats aren’t as bad I as I feared they may be albeit only been on 25mins.
Here in coach L the engine whine when setting off is noticeable though still quieter overall than a Mk3 I’d say.
The WiFi seems more reliable than the old stock, however not many on the service so hard to compare to a packed HST or Mk4.

It seems like there’s three times the normal LNER amount on here! Plus a few guys from hitachi.

Is it 113 again as per yesterday, or a different unit, out of interest?
 

achmelvic

Member
Joined
23 Dec 2014
Messages
53
Just pulled into Peterborough where there’s 800106 (I think) just leaving plat 2. Like a vision of the future!
 

Bletchleyite

Veteran Member
Joined
20 Oct 2014
Messages
97,540
Location
"Marston Vale mafia"
Just pulled into Peterborough where there’s 800106 (I think) just leaving plat 2. Like a vision of the future!

It's very interesting how on LNER they seem to be being welcomed with open arms, whereas the same trains on GWR were derided as rubbish very quickly, even by those who didn't mind the seats. Despite the fact that both have replaced, er, HSTs.
 

cactustwirly

Established Member
Joined
10 Apr 2013
Messages
7,447
Location
UK
It's very interesting how on LNER they seem to be being welcomed with open arms, whereas the same trains on GWR were derided as rubbish very quickly, even by those who didn't mind the seats. Despite the fact that both have replaced, er, HSTs.

They were rushed into service with GWR, with a few issues, the first few months with a load of 5 vice 10 short forms didn't help things.
They're being introduced on LNER with a lot less issues.
 

Islandexpress

Member
Joined
3 Mar 2016
Messages
57
Congratulations to LNERs Marketing and Social Media depts.
It's very interesting how on LNER they seem to be being welcomed with open arms, whereas the same trains on GWR were derided as rubbish very quickly, even by those who didn't mind the seats. Despite the fact that both have replaced, er, HSTs.
 

achmelvic

Member
Joined
23 Dec 2014
Messages
53
I think though they've had a far less troubled introduction than on GWR.

Lessons learned?

It was noticeable how comfortable the onboard staff seemed to be considering it’s only the second day and about half a dozen services in. I overheard one lady doing the drinks trolley say they didn’t feel new to her any longer as had been practicing on them for a few months, only thing different now is there’s actual passengers onboard!
 

hexagon789

Veteran Member
Joined
2 Sep 2016
Messages
15,715
Location
Glasgow
It was noticeable how comfortable the onboard staff seemed to be considering it’s only the second day and about half a dozen services in. I overheard one lady doing the drinks trolley say they didn’t feel new to her any longer as had been practicing on them for a few months, only thing different now is there’s actual passengers onboard!

Sounds like they've had a thorough training programme on the sets then, which can only be a good thing.
 

Phlip

Member
Joined
20 Apr 2011
Messages
103
It's very interesting how on LNER they seem to be being welcomed with open arms, whereas the same trains on GWR were derided as rubbish very quickly, even by those who didn't mind the seats. Despite the fact that both have replaced, er, HSTs.

The launch has been handled rather better by LNER, although the problems on GWR can probably be blamed on DfT pushing them to get them into service.

There are a few things that are definitely better about LNERs IEPs when compared with GWRs though... The interior is decorated in tasteful shades of red, not drab, depressing grey. The seats are covered in decent moquette, not cheap cloth. There is a buffet bar. They can complete most journeys on electric.

I had a trip from Peterborough to Leeds on one today. It was pretty good - certainly no worse than the Mk 4 I travelled down to Peterborough on. The seats were definitely firm, but after 90 minutes in one I was not uncomfortable and there was plenty of knee room, which is what I normally struggle with.

However, the best travelling environment of the day was the refurbished 185 that took me home from Leeds.
 

cactustwirly

Established Member
Joined
10 Apr 2013
Messages
7,447
Location
UK
The launch has been handled rather better by LNER, although the problems on GWR can probably be blamed on DfT pushing them to get them into service.

There are a few things that are definitely better about LNERs IEPs when compared with GWRs though... The interior is decorated in tasteful shades of red, not drab, depressing grey. The seats are covered in decent moquette, not cheap cloth. There is a buffet bar. They can complete most journeys on electric.

I had a trip from Peterborough to Leeds on one today. It was pretty good - certainly no worse than the Mk 4 I travelled down to Peterborough on. The seats were definitely firm, but after 90 minutes in one I was not uncomfortable and there was plenty of knee room, which is what I normally struggle with.

However, the best travelling environment of the day was the refurbished 185 that took me home from Leeds.

It was actually pressure from Scotrail, as the first HST sets had started to go off-lease, the IETs were rushed into service when not everyone was as prepared
 

Mikey C

Established Member
Joined
11 Feb 2013
Messages
6,830
It was actually pressure from Scotrail, as the first HST sets had started to go off-lease, the IETs were rushed into service when not everyone was as prepared
A shame that the LNER trains couldn't have entered service first, seeing that the wires already were there, and the IEPs could have replaced their HSTs instead and immediately remove diesel under wire operation.
 

achmelvic

Member
Joined
23 Dec 2014
Messages
53
A shame that the LNER trains couldn't have entered service first, seeing that the wires already were there, and the IEPs could have replaced their HSTs instead and immediately remove diesel under wire operation.

Very true. I assume the order was decided a long time ago when it was believed the GWML would be fully electrified by the time the IEPs we’re ready to enter service...

Overall having now done my first Azuma first class journey I’d say they’re better than I was expecting, no major issues to write home about. I’ve got a repeat journey for work on the same Leeds-London service in two weeks so that’ll be my chance to experience the standard class offering.
 

td97

Established Member
Joined
26 Jul 2017
Messages
1,292
ECML infrastructure wasn't ready either; it needed the whole ECML Power Upgrade programme which is still ongoing (and also supported Thameslink). It is a separate project to the signalling interference (which NR should have seen coming anyway).
 
Last edited:

achmelvic

Member
Joined
23 Dec 2014
Messages
53
I prefer Class 800/801. Personally not a fan of 'azuma'.

I’m not a huge fan of the name either albeit I’ve used it quite a bit my posts above today. I guess it makes it easier to differentiate the LNER offering from the GWR.

It is noticeable that one 800102 which was in service today there wasn’t the Azuma branding on the side of every coach, only on the front of the unit.

I wonder if LNER have toned it down compared to have Virgin would’ve done?
 

swt_passenger

Veteran Member
Joined
7 Apr 2010
Messages
31,267
I’m not a huge fan of the name either albeit I’ve used it quite a bit my posts above today. I guess it makes it easier to differentiate the LNER offering from the GWR.

It is noticeable that one 800102 which was in service today there wasn’t the Azuma branding on the side of every coach, only on the front of the unit.

I wonder if LNER have toned it down compared to have Virgin would’ve done?
This reduced “Azuma” stuff was noted a good few weeks ago now. Post #609 onwards.
Looks like it has deffo been cut back.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top