I am a humble passenger facing a long daily commute involving no less than 3 TOCs so I get to ride behind different stock daily. Typically my journey will involve 1) a SWT Desiro Class 444, 2) A XCT Voyager class 221 and 3) a FGW 165/1.
I hate the 221 from a comfort perspective but it is clear that they handle beautifully especially braking. Drivers usually manage to brake for stations as a single continuous deceleration. However the dear old 165s (my favourite ride) always seem to approach stations even on the Great West main line really tentatively usually tiptoeing into the station at walking pace. It sounds as if the driver is really feeling the brakes every time. I was wondering - is there a poor feedback on the brake lever? are these little turbos buggers to stop? are the wheels prone to lock?
As for the 444s - well they just do it. Beautiful machines to ride in and the passenger cabin ambience is superb.
I hate the 221 from a comfort perspective but it is clear that they handle beautifully especially braking. Drivers usually manage to brake for stations as a single continuous deceleration. However the dear old 165s (my favourite ride) always seem to approach stations even on the Great West main line really tentatively usually tiptoeing into the station at walking pace. It sounds as if the driver is really feeling the brakes every time. I was wondering - is there a poor feedback on the brake lever? are these little turbos buggers to stop? are the wheels prone to lock?
As for the 444s - well they just do it. Beautiful machines to ride in and the passenger cabin ambience is superb.