I got the chance to take a ride on a TPE Hitachi Class 802 (802218) followed by a return trip on CAF Mk5 stock hailed by Class 68 68027 (Lord President).
Here are my thoughts on how the two compare. I have posted images/video of the 802 in this post and I will make a separate post on the Mk5 carriages.
What the Class 802 does better?
- Far superior ride over the same section of track. Smooth with very little carriage roll. The CAF Mk5 really disappointed and felt as rough as the CAF 331 on this section of line. Lots of body roll and it was really hard to stand in the vestibule as we approached the station without holding on. Let’s hope they bed in but judging by reviews I’ve read about the Mk5 Caledonian sleeper coaches this may not improve significantly.
- Better alignment of table seats with windows, the CAF Mk5 may have more table seats but far more of these seats are poorly aligned.
- Leg room, even in first class I struggled to reach the window seat on the CAF Mk5 stock and had to lift the arm rests, no such problem on the Class 802. Very generous leg room in both Standard and First Class.
- Quiet and rapid acceleration (I only experienced the trains under electric power). The air conditioning system wasn’t as loud as that on the Mk5 stock or on the Pendolino’s. It was so quiet in fact I could easily overhear conversations at the opposite end of the carriage.
- I could rest my arm on the window sill (although it is narrower than a Pendolino). The annoying location of the air vent in the window sill of the Mk 5 carriages bothered me more than I expected. I instinctively kept trying to place my elbow onto the vents grill.
What does the Class 68 hauled CAF Mk5 do better?
- The First Class on the Class 802, is basically standard class, with slightly wider seats in a 2+1, rather than 2+2 arrangement. On the Mk 5 stock the First Class felt Super Premium, at least as good as a Pendolino and not far behind that of the final GWR HST interior. The materials were really good, seats super comfy and I really liked little details like the lights blended into the table.
First Class - Class 802
- The Passenger Information system on the Class 802 was surprisingly basic (No better than a Pendolino or Voyager). The CAF products have set a new standard in the UK. Bright coloured LCD panels, displaying the time, outside temperature, Real time information for both the service you are on and for trains at the destination station.
- Lighting is less harsh and less “white” than on the Class 802 and creates a more relaxing ambience. These differences are less significant in Standard Class than they are in first.
Where the trains are equal?
- Standard Class interior - the comfort of the standard class seats and standard of materials/finish in were very much par on both trains.
Standard Class - Class 802
- Both have access to “at seat” Plugs/USB sockets.
- Carriage noise (based on Class 802 under electric power and DVT coach of Mk5 stock) was very much on par.
Conclusion
If I was travelling to York from Merseyside, I would definitely favour the Class 802 if I was in Standard class, as the ride is vastly superior and I found the ride on the Mk5 (all be it not on the best section of track) to be distracting and an annoyance.
I loved the ambience of First Class on the Mk5, so if I was fortunate enough to travel First Class I would favour the Mk5 as it feels special.
I have yet to experience the Class 802 on diesel power, so the Mk5’s may well have a distinct advantage when it comes to noise levels, when crossing the Pennines. I found the DVT coach of the Mk5 stock (obviously the furthest coach from the Class 68) to be almost as quiet as the Class 802 (the difference being due to a fairly loud air conditioning system).
All in all however both trains offer a great improvement over the Class 185 Pennine Class and are true Intercity class trains.
Class 802 departing Liverpool for Newcastle
