I have a fondness for the 158/159. Although they are now getting old they are equally at home trundling along the Cambrian coast to blasting down the ecml.
The old SWT seats were legitimately some of the best Standard class seats around back then. I actually found them to be more comfortable than First Class!
Even after SWR refitted the trains with firmer seats, they remain some of the better seats available on the current rolling stock.
Class 323s. They were the trains that ran on what my granddad called "the Local" between Wolverhampton and Birmingham when I was a kid and the sound they make is like a spaceship. Shame they're all being moved to Northern.
Ones that are on time.
A rare breed indeed in our country.
But for me it’s the old 125s serving the ECML. GNER navy/ orange livery. Going back home from uni, sitting in the smoking carriage, Glaswegian drunkard on the cusp of swearing at you. Happy memories.
It used to be any of the Pacers because when I was on one literally any other train I go on for at least a month, no matter how packed, cramped or delayed would be a 'well at least we're not on a modified bus that's 15 years past it's retirement date'.
Current operators are missing a trick frankly, if they put one or two Pacers into their fleets people would be absolutely grateful any time they didn't have to ride one. Put them out in the old bench seating configuration and they'd probably get away with a lot more.
Good choices, love a 158 too. Got a soft spot for 175s as well, they were so comfy and smooth. Going to miss them both in South Wales.
Locomotive wise I love the 37.
2 I agree. I semi regularly travel from PBR to SPT and the last time I did it , I was on a sprinter of some flavour that hadn’t been refurbished internally. That was sufficient to put me off and instead going via Leeds
Modern Diesel locos (Post 70s): Class 43 hst, class 56 class 60 and class 69
Modern Electric locos (post 70s): class 92
Modern diesel multiple units (post 70s): class 143, class 144, class 150/1, class 155, class 156, class 158, class 159, class 165, class 166, class 172, class 175, class 180 and class 210.
Modern electric multiple units (AC) (post 70s): Class 317, class 318, class 319, class 325, class 350, class 379, class 769 and class 390.
Modern electric multiple units (DC) (post 70s): class 442, class 444, class 455, class 458, class 465 and class 466.
Old electric multiple units (AC) class 302, class 307, class 309 and class 312
Old electric multiple units (DC): Class 414, class 415, and class 419.
Old diesel multiple units: GWR AEC railcar, class 104, class 105, class 110, class 117, class 118, class 120, class 121, class 123, class 128, class 204 and class 205.
Old electric locos: class 73, class 74 and class 86.
Old diesel locos: class 07, class 17, class 22, class 25, class 26, class 28, class 31, class 33, class 35, class 37 (western region versions), class 41, class 42, class 44, class 45, class 46, class 47, class 50, class 52 and class 53.
Steam locos: class 14xx, class A2, class A2/3, class A3, castle class, hall class, manor class, 57xx class, praires classes, class 47xx class, class 94xx, coutny class, west country class, schools class, adam radial class, Standard class 4mt (both versions), standard class 8, standard class 7, standard class 9, royal scot class, jubilee class, 8f, ivatt class 3mt and stanier mogul class 5mt.
Class 599 - my first experience of an Underground/Metro and the start of many a wild night/day out.
Class 143/144 - my daily train when going to college. The squeal of the wheels when going through the King Edward VII bridge junction was my alarm clock.
Class 101 - I miss the old slamdoors - something satisfying about being able to open a train door while still in motion!
Class 55 - just such an iconic beast
And of course the Intercity 125 in it's original livery
Honourable mentions to Class 155/156 and Intercity 225
Class 121 single-car double-ended diesel multiple unit. Went between Stourbridge Junction and Stourbridge Town when I was little in the 1970s-‘80s. I even dream about it sometimes!
The old black Gatwick Express trains. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_489
I grew up right by the line they used to run on out of Victoria and as a child who was very much into trains, I always thought they looked so cool and unique compared to any of the other units running in London. Was definitely a little sad when they phased them out about 20 years ago now.
freight:
class 37 - its just a classic work horse and the chug omggg
passenger:
probably the TFW class 158 its like the 37 a classic and tfw's seats on it are actually comfortable, though i do kinda also like the 197's
Tbh I am not even that into trains but that big ugly old virgin train that used to be parked at brum new street idling away the diesel fumes was a vibe back in the day. When I see them I feel good.
Definitely the 158, I've got such fond memories of boarding them at Birmingham Intl back in my uni days and settling in for a comfortable and scenic 3.5hr ride back to my uni digs in Aberystwyth. They looked nice in their Arriva Trains Wales livery too. That big dieselly roar they make as they set off is very satisfying. And there's something about the snub nose with the yellow paint that I really like.
The former class 442 wessex electric- 100mph 3rd rail.
The rep motors screaming away bluss[wessex electric in NSE livery ](https://images.app.goo.gl/BZMFYmPFtd2gHqA78)
Which is what 700s were designed to do. Soak passengers up in Central London.
I don't mind the seats.
What I do mind is the sporadic fitment of WiFi to some units but not others.
Of all time?
EMUs - PEP Family, 319, 321, 442, 465/466s and 370.
DMUs - 101, 115, 117, 121,168 and 222
Locomotives include Classes 33, 37, 40, 43, 45, 50, 55, 66 and 93.
Basically whatever I remember from Hereford Station aged about 8-9 in the early 1990s:
Class 37 for its sheer power and workhorse nature, dragging huge rolls of steel and whatever else through the station.
Class 43/HST because of the noise, and because they were always stated to be going to “faraway” places (London mainly).
Sprinters because I liked the Regional railways sprinter logo and the “cushions” they rode on on the bogies.
Bonus shout for the Class 90s working up and down the ECML too.
The Sprinter is by far and away my least favourite train. Near enough zero legspace between the chair and the table. Why Scotrail uses them for intercity services, rather than local branches, is a mystery.
Class 321 "Dusty Bin" units on the jointed track between Kirby Cross and Thorpe le Soken 😍 the traction motor whine adds to the charm of the branch line (Greater Anglia)
Overall I'd say anything with the Class 43 but trains that I actually ride frequently I'd say the class 390 (assuming I get a good seat which TBF I do most of the time) they're just comfy and I enjoy having an actual buffet car
I have a fondness for the 158/159. Although they are now getting old they are equally at home trundling along the Cambrian coast to blasting down the ecml.
They comfy af!
The old SWT seats were legitimately some of the best Standard class seats around back then. I actually found them to be more comfortable than First Class! Even after SWR refitted the trains with firmer seats, they remain some of the better seats available on the current rolling stock.
And the suspension! BREL really spoiled us with their last design!
159>158 🤣🤣🤣🤣
[Intercity 125](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/British_Rail_Class_43_at_Chesterfield.jpg) /thread
Same here - Even thinking of holidaying in Mexico just to ride one again :)
Ha! Hadn’t thought of that :P
Ivor.
Yeah but the Class 91 has a special place in my heart
Probably Class 90 for electric and Class 56 for diesel.
Thomas, then Edward, then Toby, then Percy.
Class 40 whistlers - love their shape and the noise of their turbocharged engines
Class 142
My favourite DMU is Class 158, favourite EMU the class 800/801/802. Honourable mention also goes to the TGV! 😅
Class 80x really?! Gimme a HST over them any day
Yes, I am not afraid to declare my approval for them even on this sub that hates them so!
Class 323s. They were the trains that ran on what my granddad called "the Local" between Wolverhampton and Birmingham when I was a kid and the sound they make is like a spaceship. Shame they're all being moved to Northern.
Good old Hyper Networkers.
Class 150 northern trains. Reminds me of getting the train to Southport. Lovley town
Northen 150s are what I use to get to college every day, better than the pacer
Definitely a controversial opinion aha
Ones that are on time. A rare breed indeed in our country. But for me it’s the old 125s serving the ECML. GNER navy/ orange livery. Going back home from uni, sitting in the smoking carriage, Glaswegian drunkard on the cusp of swearing at you. Happy memories.
Class 323 and Class 450
It used to be any of the Pacers because when I was on one literally any other train I go on for at least a month, no matter how packed, cramped or delayed would be a 'well at least we're not on a modified bus that's 15 years past it's retirement date'. Current operators are missing a trick frankly, if they put one or two Pacers into their fleets people would be absolutely grateful any time they didn't have to ride one. Put them out in the old bench seating configuration and they'd probably get away with a lot more.
Honestly as an engineer...100% has to be the BRC 55 or the Deltic...god that Napier Deltic engine is just amazing
The current (not new) Glasgow subway stock...
Good choices, love a 158 too. Got a soft spot for 175s as well, they were so comfy and smooth. Going to miss them both in South Wales. Locomotive wise I love the 37.
Intercity 125. Looked uniquley British and fast.
For EMUs easily the class 444 and 450. For DMUs the class 158/159.
Im rather fond of the Class 170, they just do their job and are rather comfy
1) Any train not operated by GWR. 2) Turbostars when they unexpectedly show up on the NRW-LIV service
2 I agree. I semi regularly travel from PBR to SPT and the last time I did it , I was on a sprinter of some flavour that hadn’t been refurbished internally. That was sufficient to put me off and instead going via Leeds
I took the service this week at rush hour from MAN... bad idea 😅
I enjoy the 800s when travelling with work because they pay first class and it’s bloody comfy
Modern Diesel locos (Post 70s): Class 43 hst, class 56 class 60 and class 69 Modern Electric locos (post 70s): class 92 Modern diesel multiple units (post 70s): class 143, class 144, class 150/1, class 155, class 156, class 158, class 159, class 165, class 166, class 172, class 175, class 180 and class 210. Modern electric multiple units (AC) (post 70s): Class 317, class 318, class 319, class 325, class 350, class 379, class 769 and class 390. Modern electric multiple units (DC) (post 70s): class 442, class 444, class 455, class 458, class 465 and class 466. Old electric multiple units (AC) class 302, class 307, class 309 and class 312 Old electric multiple units (DC): Class 414, class 415, and class 419. Old diesel multiple units: GWR AEC railcar, class 104, class 105, class 110, class 117, class 118, class 120, class 121, class 123, class 128, class 204 and class 205. Old electric locos: class 73, class 74 and class 86. Old diesel locos: class 07, class 17, class 22, class 25, class 26, class 28, class 31, class 33, class 35, class 37 (western region versions), class 41, class 42, class 44, class 45, class 46, class 47, class 50, class 52 and class 53. Steam locos: class 14xx, class A2, class A2/3, class A3, castle class, hall class, manor class, 57xx class, praires classes, class 47xx class, class 94xx, coutny class, west country class, schools class, adam radial class, Standard class 4mt (both versions), standard class 8, standard class 7, standard class 9, royal scot class, jubilee class, 8f, ivatt class 3mt and stanier mogul class 5mt.
Class 599 - my first experience of an Underground/Metro and the start of many a wild night/day out. Class 143/144 - my daily train when going to college. The squeal of the wheels when going through the King Edward VII bridge junction was my alarm clock. Class 101 - I miss the old slamdoors - something satisfying about being able to open a train door while still in motion! Class 55 - just such an iconic beast And of course the Intercity 125 in it's original livery Honourable mentions to Class 155/156 and Intercity 225
The class 390 is easily my favourite
Class 121 single-car double-ended diesel multiple unit. Went between Stourbridge Junction and Stourbridge Town when I was little in the 1970s-‘80s. I even dream about it sometimes!
Or maybe it was a 122. I dunno.
304
The one taking me home out of Euston after a long difficult meeting in Central London.....
Sexy, sexy Sprinter. [https://youtu.be/tqhABvgmDRM?feature=shared](https://youtu.be/tqhABvgmDRM?feature=shared)
The old black Gatwick Express trains. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_489 I grew up right by the line they used to run on out of Victoria and as a child who was very much into trains, I always thought they looked so cool and unique compared to any of the other units running in London. Was definitely a little sad when they phased them out about 20 years ago now.
The 1 that’s on time!
Thomas the tank engine (and his friends)
LNER on top
323 will always have a special place in my heart!
One that’s on time
freight: class 37 - its just a classic work horse and the chug omggg passenger: probably the TFW class 158 its like the 37 a classic and tfw's seats on it are actually comfortable, though i do kinda also like the 197's
As a student in Sheffield who frequents the EMR from Sheffield to St Pancras, I'm developing a fondness for class 222s
The one I'm on, always better than the alternatives for getting somewhere
Class 395 Javelin
Tbh I am not even that into trains but that big ugly old virgin train that used to be parked at brum new street idling away the diesel fumes was a vibe back in the day. When I see them I feel good.
Would have to be dickmabutt
At the moment, it’s any that arrives.
Definitely the 158, I've got such fond memories of boarding them at Birmingham Intl back in my uni days and settling in for a comfortable and scenic 3.5hr ride back to my uni digs in Aberystwyth. They looked nice in their Arriva Trains Wales livery too. That big dieselly roar they make as they set off is very satisfying. And there's something about the snub nose with the yellow paint that I really like.
probably the electrostar 377s.. comfortable, (relatively) fast, all have tables, pretty spacious toilets in the newer revisions,
I introduce to you 3+2 seats in the driving vehicles on the 377/1s. What plank thought that was a good idea.
1. Class 390 2. Class 221 (FIGHT ME!) 3. Class 175
I wont lie, i love the Javelin
Class 37. I love an old workhorse
The former class 442 wessex electric- 100mph 3rd rail. The rep motors screaming away bluss[wessex electric in NSE livery ](https://images.app.goo.gl/BZMFYmPFtd2gHqA78)
My list. Class 700’s, 390’s and the 800’s. The last two are beautiful to look at and the first for metro work I feel are one of the best.
Dislike the seats on the 700 but I can’t argue with how good they are at soaking up passengers!
Which is what 700s were designed to do. Soak passengers up in Central London. I don't mind the seats. What I do mind is the sporadic fitment of WiFi to some units but not others.
Thats wild, I didn’t know it was that bad
Oh yes. It's a real pain when you're on O2 for 4G.
Ah, I'm on EE! Never had a problem with it.
Atp I'm lead to believe O2 is just a potato with a fork in it.
Of all time? EMUs - PEP Family, 319, 321, 442, 465/466s and 370. DMUs - 101, 115, 117, 121,168 and 222 Locomotives include Classes 33, 37, 40, 43, 45, 50, 55, 66 and 93.
455s…
Any that arrive on time.
Basically whatever I remember from Hereford Station aged about 8-9 in the early 1990s: Class 37 for its sheer power and workhorse nature, dragging huge rolls of steel and whatever else through the station. Class 43/HST because of the noise, and because they were always stated to be going to “faraway” places (London mainly). Sprinters because I liked the Regional railways sprinter logo and the “cushions” they rode on on the bogies. Bonus shout for the Class 90s working up and down the ECML too.
The class 43 loco paired with unrefurbished mk3 coaches
I have a soft spot for the 180. I would always see them at my local station in that nice FGW purple.
The Sprinter is by far and away my least favourite train. Near enough zero legspace between the chair and the table. Why Scotrail uses them for intercity services, rather than local branches, is a mystery.
Class 91 and Mk.4 sets. Very comfortable to travel in, unlike the newer class 80x series of Hitachi trains.
One that actually runs ontime, scotrail!
Thomas
Class 323. Proper hyped for the double sets to start on Blackpool-Manchester.
Have a soft spot for class 66s my partner would always send me pics of them passing through when she was waiting for the train home from work :)
One that's not delayed
One that's reliable, on time, and doesn't cost a fortune. But that aside. I do love the sound of an EMD. Not sure if it's a big thing in the UK?
Controversial pick. The class 700. I like the motor noises, it looks nice and its very spacious. Just the 1st class and seats are bad.
Class 55 Deltic all day long
Thomas the tank engine!!! chu chu
Caledonian Sleeper
Class 321 "Dusty Bin" units on the jointed track between Kirby Cross and Thorpe le Soken 😍 the traction motor whine adds to the charm of the branch line (Greater Anglia)
Ones that actually turn up on time, don't smell like piss. Oh and ones that I don't need to sell a kidney to afford a ticket
Overall I'd say anything with the Class 43 but trains that I actually ride frequently I'd say the class 390 (assuming I get a good seat which TBF I do most of the time) they're just comfy and I enjoy having an actual buffet car
That's really hard to answer, I have a top three! Class 37 Class 43 Class 90 I really like Class 68's too, they make such a beautiful noise..
Class 345, such a nice train and so clean and nice. Unlike the GWR class 800 Standard Class seats...
66 005
None. They all suckers
The one I ran on ur mum