Having travelled on the Mk5s several times now (I don't use the earplugs) there is certainly more noise on them regardless of where in the coach you are compared to the mk3s. The ride is rougher also.
Only used the Mk5 once but my perception was also that the ride definitely wasn't as smooth and was perhaps noisier than the Mk3 (I do use earplugs, even at home most nights).
The lack of noise insulation is puzzling.
Because it's cheaper, having the air con outlet next to your shoulder is a master stroke worthy of a sadist
As far as the Sleeper is concerned, the staff voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking action,hardly a case of the union imposing a ruling to its members,figures were something like 90 in favour of taking action 7 against.I see Serco appear to have retained the Northlink ferry contract. That’s another one the RMT appeared to want them off & Calmac on, will be interesting to see if this changes relations between the union & Caledonian Sleeper
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-49768127
Take a 395 on HS1 into St Pancras then change on to any service out of Euston (or even worse out of Kings Cross) and you'll change your mind. When compared to javelin on hs1 a HST on the ECML is appalling.I can't picture anybody being confused by a mixer tap! As for the "silent ride", Euston to Glasgow is hardly a "Victorian alignment", it's a very much improved route where daytime trains offer silent rides at 125mph. If the sleeper is noisy at 80mph it can only be down to the trains being rubbish.
The only way to put this to the test would be to sample the Mk5 ride on HS1... can't see that happening anytime soon!Take a 395 on HS1 into St Pancras then change on to any service out of Euston (or even worse out of Kings Cross) and you'll change your mind. When compared to javelin on hs1 a HST on the ECML is appalling.
Because it's cheaper, having the air con outlet next to your shoulder is a master stroke worthy of a sadist
Can't see Delner couplings per se being a snag. 377s are allowed 4 mins from rear portion arrive to combined train departure and vice versa. Done multiple times an hour on the Brighton line with no probs. Obviously Multiple Units are easier than CS stock.In times of delay the dellner couplings will be a hinderance rather than a help.
Currently a late running northbound Highlander is able to make up time at Waverley with a slick split,dont see that being the case with the new stock and dellners!
Take a 395 on HS1 into St Pancras then change on to any service out of Euston (or even worse out of Kings Cross) and you'll change your mind. When compared to javelin on hs1 a HST on the ECML is appalling.
The Twitter team seemed to disappear before the service departed Glasgow last night (this morning) and have been MIA all day!
I've just viewed it on the Preston Railcam and its a GBRf liveried version - possibly 92043 was used off the Edinburgh Carstairs portion and the delay was caused by swapping 92006 for 92043 there?
Away 0152 apparently and lost another half hour at Carstairs. Currently at Oxenholme when it should be south of Rugby
Oh well - looks like you may well beat the 0428 into London!
Away 0152 apparently and lost another half hour at Carstairs. Currently at Oxenholme when it should be south of Rugby
The toilet was out of action..
There was two sets of lights , ones at the windows and the main ones. A guy asked if they could be turned off , got told no .
It looks like the delayed Lowland Sleeper was overtaken by the first Virgin train of the day from Glasgow just south of Milton Keynes then arrived 30 mins later than it. That must have been a depressing sight.
If the lights above the windows are turned out it isn't so bad with the roof lights. When I did the new sleeper the window lights were right in my eye line
The one scheduled for today has ran, currently running behind the normal service to Fort William.Looks like a test run for the FW portion is scheduled for Wednesday:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K03397/2019/09/18/advanced
While it's still totally the only way to travel, slightly disappointed by the number of snags that still exist months later, and slightly worried that they seem to be multiplying.
Sink had a card advising that it really had been cleaned but that it had been stained by detergent, standing in a particular place on the floor caused a creaking noise between the cabins (and from next door too), and the side had fallen off the device holder for the top bunk, leaving a very rough / slightly sharp edge beside people's head. Still a draft and noise from under the window. I think the train (GLC - EUS) was also missing a carriage?
Did notice that although people have said before that it can't be (and previously I'd have agreed with them), the ladder is actually removable.
The ladder is definitely removable - I’ve done it myself!
Had a second trip on the new stock recently. Similar to the last one. Boarding easy, lounge car great, bed very comfy, arrived bang on time. Didn’t sleep much as there’s no escaping the fact you are on a vehicle moving at 80mph and sometimes accelerating / braking / going round curves. In that respect it is no different to the old stock, but the (much) comfier bed does help to make up for it. No issues with any of the facilities - all worked perfectly, and the staff were great.
Not sure I’ll use it again though; day train / Easyjet + Premier Inn is much more comfortable, avoids hanging around till late in the evening, and I don’t start the day feeling like I’ve been looking after a 6 week old baby.
Had a second trip on the new stock recently. Similar to the last one. Boarding easy, lounge car great, bed very comfy, arrived bang on time. Didn’t sleep much as there’s no escaping the fact you are on a vehicle moving at 80mph and sometimes accelerating / braking / going round curves. In that respect it is no different to the old stock, but the (much) comfier bed does help to make up for it. No issues with any of the facilities - all worked perfectly, and the staff were great.
It suits me to not lose a day, so in that respect I'm their target market. True it's not the best place to sleep, but with the help of a certain amount of Lucozade and Irn Bru I can get through a full day at work afterwards!
I finished my journey on a GA Mk3 and yeah I was awake and sitting upright, but I'm pretty sure the suspension on them is better!
Glad to hear your experience was positive and hope you managed to get a decent dram or two in the lounge car. I found that definitely helped with the sleep Am looking forward to booking another Sleeper trip later in the year - though not for £280 if I can find a cheaper night!
I'll admit I've not travelled on either Mk3 or Mk5 sleepers, and unless the pricing reverts to something akin to the old bargain berths it's unlikely I ever will.In my opinion the new stock rides as well as, and possibly better, than the Mark 3s.
However I'm definitely curious, given your opinion that the ride is better or at least no worse than the Mk3's, if any others are of the same opinion?? Perhaps the suspension settings have been 'tweaked' recently since they were first introduced?
TBH I find that modern train toilet sinks are poorly designed for any purpose. As a tall person I can't see where the tap is and have to keep feeling around for it. A simple push to operate tap would work better, if you're utterly paranoid about bacteria you could always push it using your elbow.
But yes, they do seem *particularly* bad for the needs of those washing more than just their hands as indeed people will do on sleeper trains.