TT-ONR-NRN critiques... (note: contains large images)

[hexagon789]

Well until the 444s are changed to be 2+2 seating in First Class, so probably not worth upgrading.

Cue the surfeit of complaints about that, yet the prices will go up not down. Maybe they are trying to abolish it by stealth on the basis that fewer people will use it if it's of a poorer quality.

They should've just left the First Class compartments in the 442s, now that's a way to travel!

 

[hexagon789]

Ah. Well I caught the refurbished 450 yesterday. Very nice in first. Much nicer than the artist preview. Here is a photo I took.

View attachment 44027

I do agree it looks nice, but I'm not sure I'd want to pay for slightly nicer 2+2, that being said some Continental multiple units have very comfy 2+2 First. I suppose it depends on my mood whether I splash out or not.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

I do agree it looks nice, but I'm not sure I'd want to pay for slightly nicer 2+2, that being said some Continental multiple units have very comfy 2+2 First. I suppose it depends on my mood whether I splash out or not.

I reckon 450 first class will be more well used than that of 444s as 450s have 3x2 standard seating.

 

[Kite159]

Cue the surfeit of complaints about that, yet the prices will go up not down. Maybe they are trying to abolish it by stealth on the basis that fewer people will use it if it's of a poorer quality.

They should've just left the First Class compartments in the 442s, now that's a way to travel!

Although wasn't the First Class on 442s at one time also in a 2+2 layout?

You will probably still get the folk of Winchester/Southampton/Towards Bournemouth paying for a 1st class season ticket but at weekends it will probably be empty, not much point in doing weekend first if all you get extra is curtains* (assuming they are keeping the curtains) as I believe (bear in mind this could have changed) that plug sockets are getting fitted throughout standard class.

 

[Failed Unit]

Thank you


Err. Should be Hull Trains first if I can manage it Hoping next week perhaps.

On WednesdayTipsnTruth I shall be taking an insight into GTR and it’s value for money.

Hull trains? You like a challenge. Don’t see them in kings cross often at the moment. Saw on last week for the first time in ages so best of luck n

 

[hexagon789]

Although wasn't the First Class on 442s at one time also in a 2+2 layout?

As built the 442s had 6 compartments of six seats as First Class, very shortly after introduction it was decided that this was insufficient and the 14 seats behind the Driver's cab in the DTCsoL (Driving Trailer Composite semi-open Lavatory) were upgraded to First but remained 2+2 but with different moquette and antimacassars with the vehicles being re-designated DTFsoL (Driving Trailer First semi-Open Lavatory).

The sets remained like this (bar alteratons to the buffet card) until re-configured for Gatext with 2+1 First in the former buffet car.

 

[hexagon789]

I reckon 450 first class will be more well used than that of 444s as 450s have 3x2 standard seating.

I would agree, at least there there is a significant difference in comfort.

 

[xotGD]

As built the 442s had 6 compartments of six seats as First Class, very shortly after introduction it was decided that this was insufficient and the 14 seats behind the Driver's cab in the DTCsoL (Driving Trailer Composite semi-open Lavatory) were upgraded to First but remained 2+2 but with different moquette and antimacassars with the vehicles being re-designated DTFsoL (Driving Trailer First semi-Open Lavatory).

The sets remained like this (bar alteratons to the buffet card) until re-configured for Gatext with 2+1 First in the former buffet car.

'Semi-Open Lavatory' Dreadful!

 

[hexagon789]

'Semi-Open Lavatory' Dreadful!

LOL, that's not what it meant!

It's possible you know the "correct" meaning of the term, but just to be clear semi-open refers to the seating layout in this case part compartment, part open - not the state of the facilities, thank you!

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

LOL, that's not what it meant!

It's possible you know the "correct" meaning of the term, but just to be clear semi-open refers to the seating layout in this case part compartment, part open - not the state of the facilities, thank you!

Gosh I should hope not!

 

[hexagon789]

Gosh I should hope not!

Indeed I think they were built with retention tanks like the 159s, but could be wrong.

 

[cactustwirly]

Ah. Well I caught the refurbished 450 yesterday. Very nice in first. Much nicer than the artist preview. Here is a photo I took.

View attachment 44027

A lot nicer than the SWT colour scheme.
I hate the horrible bright lights and the horrible red seats.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

A lot nicer than the SWT colour scheme.
I hate the horrible bright lights and the horrible red seats.

Oh I totally agree!
The standard class seats are a great improvement too.

 

[hexagon789]

A lot nicer than the SWT colour scheme.
I hate the horrible bright lights and the horrible red seats.

I preferred the exterior SWT colour scheme to the SWR one, can't really comment on the interior but the 159s looked pretty decent I'm photos.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

BOOKINGS CONFIRMED:

Thank you for your patience while I book further journeys to critique

So, here is what you can expect from me now, as well as the scheduled date for when the reports should be released.

I release them approximately four or five days after travelling to maximise quality.


Frecciarossa Executive Class
Milan-Verona 9TH APRIL

ÖBB Eurocity First Class
Verona - Innsbruck 16TH APRIL

ÖBB RailJet First Class
Innsbruck - Salzburg &
Salzburg - Vienna 20TH APRIL

WednesdayTipsNTruth: Is Business Class on ÖBB RailJet worth the extra over First? 25TH APRIL

Czech RegioJet Business Class
Vienna - Prague 4TH MAY

DB Eurocity First Class
Prague - Berlin 11TH MAY

DB ICE First Class 18TH MAY
Not yet confirmed

Hull Trains Weekend First
London - Stevenage 25TH MAY

Greater Anglia IC90 First
London Liv. St. - Anglia 1ST JUNE

VTEC 1ST Weekday Evening Meal
London KX to Newcastle JULY

VTEC 1ST Weekday Breakfast
Newcastle to Aberdeen JULY

VTEC 1ST Weekday Rest of Day
Aberdeen to London KX JULY


I hope that you enjoy the trip reports when they come out

Lates.

 

[hexagon789]

BOOKINGS CONFIRMED:

Thank you for your patience while I book further journeys to critique

So, here is what you can expect from me now, as well as the scheduled date for when the reports should be released.

I release them approximately four or five days after travelling to maximise quality.


Frecciarossa Executive Class
Milan-Verona 9TH APRIL

ÖBB Eurocity First Class
Verona - Innsbruck 16TH APRIL

ÖBB RailJet First Class
Innsbruck - Salzburg &
Salzburg - Vienna 20TH APRIL

WednesdayTipsNTruth: Is Business Class on ÖBB RailJet worth the extra over First? 25TH APRIL

Czech RegioJet Business Class
Vienna - Prague 4TH MAY

DB Eurocity First Class
Prague - Berlin 11TH MAY

DB ICE First Class 18TH MAY
Not yet confirmed

Hull Trains Weekend First
London - Stevenage 25TH MAY

Greater Anglia IC90 First
London Liv. St. - Anglia 1ST JUNE

VTEC 1ST Weekday Evening Meal
London KX to Newcastle JULY

VTEC 1ST Weekday Breakfast
Newcastle to Aberdeen JULY

VTEC 1ST Weekday Rest of Day
Aberdeen to London KX JULY


I hope that you enjoy the trip reports when they come out

Lates.

A very varied and interesting list there, look forward to your reports!

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

A very varied and interesting list there, look forward to your reports!

Thank you

 

[AlexNL]

Will you also be reviewing Chiltern Railways?

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Will you also be reviewing Chiltern Railways?

If I get round to it I will happily critique Chiltern’s Business Zone service for you

 

[fowler9]

BOOKINGS CONFIRMED:

Thank you for your patience while I book further journeys to critique

So, here is what you can expect from me now, as well as the scheduled date for when the reports should be released.

I release them approximately four or five days after travelling to maximise quality.


Frecciarossa Executive Class
Milan-Verona 9TH APRIL

ÖBB Eurocity First Class
Verona - Innsbruck 16TH APRIL

ÖBB RailJet First Class
Innsbruck - Salzburg &
Salzburg - Vienna 20TH APRIL

WednesdayTipsNTruth: Is Business Class on ÖBB RailJet worth the extra over First? 25TH APRIL

Czech RegioJet Business Class
Vienna - Prague 4TH MAY

DB Eurocity First Class
Prague - Berlin 11TH MAY

DB ICE First Class 18TH MAY
Not yet confirmed

Hull Trains Weekend First
London - Stevenage 25TH MAY

Greater Anglia IC90 First
London Liv. St. - Anglia 1ST JUNE

VTEC 1ST Weekday Evening Meal
London KX to Newcastle JULY

VTEC 1ST Weekday Breakfast
Newcastle to Aberdeen JULY

VTEC 1ST Weekday Rest of Day
Aberdeen to London KX JULY


I hope that you enjoy the trip reports when they come out

Lates.

Looks like good fun. Hope you enjoy Prague, one of my favourite cities.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Looks like good fun. Hope you enjoy Prague, one of my favourite cities.

Thank you. I am looking forward to Prague, some interesting looking trams I am told.

 

[aar0]

Vienna 20TH APRIL

You'll miss me by a few days then!

 

[hexagon789]

Thank you

You're welcome

If I get round to it I will happily critique Chiltern’s Business Zone service for you

That would be an interesting critique, I've long wanted to try the Business Zone, sadly it's too late for complimentary catering on that now.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

You're welcome

That would be an interesting critique, I've long wanted to try the Business Zone, sadly it's too late for complimentary catering on that now.

Phoned up the other day, complimentary smoothies are apparently offered which is slightly unusual but hey ho!

 

[rg177]

I'll be looking at your verdict on Railjet 1st with interest as I can see myself getting a few journeys on that fitted in.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

I'll be looking at your verdict on Railjet 1st with interest as I can see myself getting a few journeys on that fitted in.

Ah, I see. Might be able to slip you a few tips before the review is scheduled to come out at the end of the month so you don’t have to wait Watch your inbox eh?

 

[hexagon789]

I'll be looking at your verdict on Railjet 1st with interest as I can see myself getting a few journeys on that fitted in.

I'd quite like to try RailJet in Austria someday, a nice scenic route over the Austrian alps perhaps

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

You'll miss me by a few days then!

I hope you have a nice time. You’ll enjoy yourself if you like tram bashing!

 

[hexagon789]

Phoned up the other day, complimentary smoothies are apparently offered which is slightly unusual but hey ho!

So for £25 you get a smoothie as well as a plush leather seat then! Wow, I hope the smoothies are good

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

So for £25 you get a smoothie as well as a plush leather seat then! Wow, I hope the smoothies are good

Nah dude the seats aren’t leather