first time ever on a train

[Flooble]

As someone who has done both, I am afraid I must concur that Northern is worse. The whole train smells of toilet, even when there isn't one onboard :-)

The seats are just worn out beyond repair - you can feel the broken frame through the cushion. If you're unlucky you get a broken spring in your sensitive region.

The trains shake and vibrate in a way that the Electrostars just don't.

And you can forget a night service.

[blueg33]

Atmospheric said:

I can wholeheartedly endorse this. the course includes the observations of:

• Half of a four carriage training smelling of a toilet
• Electrostars with inferior seating capacity and no where to hold onto sufficiently when standing
• Lower speeds between stations since the 1980s
• Seats which normal humans cannot sit in without being at an angle and causing back pain

Hopefully as said, this will make you feel and appreciate Northern's service

The oldest electrostar is 19 years younger than the oldest pacer.

[Atmospheric]

Pacer

I take all of that back!

Bus on rails!

[Atmospheric]

blueg33 said:

blueST said:

Had the pleasure of a Pacer today. The seat opposite was no longer connected to the carriage floor. Looks like corrosion had eaten the bottom inch of one of the legs! Not sure if you can see the far left leg in this pic.

Yup that's about standard for a Pacer

Edited by blueg33 on Friday 15th April 22:17

Seems I failed to observer this perfect example of luxury. I can only imagine what that feels like at design speed (?) 75mph ( So they ever reach that?)

I actually was disgusted at a 508...but that..well...

[Flooble]

That looks like a relatively good one - the seat doesn't appear to have any unusual stains and the actual frame under the cushion isn't showing through either.

Even the floor appears to be dry and relatively clean.

I guess the photograph was taken in a station with the engine off too, since it's not all blurred :-)

[Vocal Minority]

mikees said:

Todays train - fast train from Marylebone to (for me) Risborough - 39 mins, loads of seats and AC
Mike

The Chiltern Service to London Marlybone from Brum is one of the best kept travel secrets. Much cheaper than Virgin, more room, nicer trains, mor comfortable seats, usually can get a table, free wifi - and only 15 minutes longer.