Leeds to Liverpool - is the Class 185 TPE's hidden gem?

I'm off to sample the delights of Liverpool Lime Street station. But first, I've got to get there from Leeds. Transpennine Express give three of their four types of trains the "Nova" moniker, but there's no such naming for the lowly Class 185s. Well I think that is a bit of a shame, because these Siemens Desiro-based units are pretty comfortable for regional journeys.
Oh, and between Manchester and Liverpool there's a chance to track the route of the world's first inter-city railway as trains still follow the route of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway from 1830!
Departure: Leeds, England, UK
Destination: Liverpool Lime Street, England, UK
Distance: 120 km / 74.5 miles
Duration: 1 hr 31 mins
Average speed: 79 km/h 49 mph
Cost: Standard class advance single: £12.85 / €14,80 inc 1/3 railcard discount
Date of Travel: September 2023
Operator: northern
Motive power: 2 x Class 185 3-car diesel multiple units. Built: Siemens, Germany (2005-2006)
Thank you to everyone that supports the channel by subscribing, liking, commenting or just watching these videos. I really appreciate it!

Пікірлер: 101

  • @Vanmanyo
    @Vanmanyo8 ай бұрын

    Great video as always! I really like the 185s (if they arrive!) - I think it sets the standard for what DMUs like the 170s, 158s, 168s etc should be like. Hopefully the class 168 refurbishment is like this! I do think the 185s are the best in TPEs fleet for passenger experience (Although I have a general grudge for the 80Xs so maybe I'm being biased, and haven't been on the Mk5s and 68s)

  • @LemoncloudGT

    @LemoncloudGT

    8 ай бұрын

    The 68s that tpe are getting rid in December so ya gotta be quick

  • @Vanmanyo

    @Vanmanyo

    8 ай бұрын

    @@LemoncloudGT yep I know! I've been on Chiltern 68 sets which are amazing, the toe mk5as don't look all that great tbf from what I've seen

  • @fmcb269

    @fmcb269

    8 ай бұрын

    I travelled that line in 2018, so the same great scenery but a much older train. A day return from Scarborough to Liverpool. Coast to coast, just to say I'd done it. It was going to be a long trek, but the guy in booking office offered me split ticketing, and being able to break the journey at Leeds and Manchester for a leg-stretch and a bite to eat made all the difference. BTW. If you're interested, there's a couple of YT videos of the demolition of Lime Street. A good few years back, and I don't know if it included the station, but I thought I'd flag it up.

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    I have a ride on the 68/Mk5 from TPE on the channel. Very nice trip, as I was in 1st! Thanks for the kind comment and thanks for watching 👍

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    I enjoyed my ride on tbe TPE mk5s. That video is on the channel. But I'm envious of your Chiltern run as I've not yet had the pleasure.... maybe soon 🤷‍♂️ Thanks for watching 👍

  • @lovefive5733
    @lovefive57338 ай бұрын

    Another great video 😊. I remember when the 185,s were brand new. Gosh I'm showing my age now 😂

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Haha let's not worry about showing our age... I think my love for Class 37s scuppered me on that one already. Thanks for watching another. It is much appreciated 👍

  • @lovefive5733

    @lovefive5733

    8 ай бұрын

    @@JohnnyHooverTravels 👍

  • @librarian16
    @librarian168 ай бұрын

    I started work at Leeds City station in June 1952. One lunchtime, in the run up to Christmas that year, I watched workmen putting up a Christmas tree in that first concourse that you showed. They braced a rope agains one of the large ribs, and it went through.They are only covers for steel girders that actually hold the roof up.

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Oh very interesting indeed. So just there for style! Mind you, it is good style. Thanks for that memory and for watching 👍

  • @nuinmarnuinmar5321
    @nuinmarnuinmar53218 ай бұрын

    Classic route for sure! Thanks for sharing another great video.

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Indeed it is. Thanks for watching too 👍

  • @colinriley123
    @colinriley1238 ай бұрын

    Your videos are consistently good. Interesting visually and also informative. I have to stop myself taking it all for granted and give you a well done!

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks Colin. But you don't have to worry. You've been here from the start, so I don't expect plaudits every time. Your consistent encouragement has helped to get me over the 5000 subs. Thank you. 👍

  • @cd82156
    @cd821568 ай бұрын

    Just found you on you tube. Cracking vids very informative, good narration as well compared to a lot on here, well done!

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Whoa thank you so much for the high praise! You are very kind. Lots of back catalogue for you to catch up on, there's even a playlist of every trip in chronological order if you fancy a challenge 😉 Thanks again 👍

  • @sandiandgregh
    @sandiandgregh8 ай бұрын

    Another excellent video. We so enjoy following your channel and your journeys. Liverpool Lime Street really is lovely.

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Yes I enjoyed mooching about Lime Street on such a lovely day. Next video, we'll be off to Scotland! Thank you for the support 👍

  • @neilcrawford8303
    @neilcrawford83038 ай бұрын

    If you had looked out of the window on the left, just before Newton-le-Willows, on the trackside there is a memorial to William Huskisson MP who was killed after he was knocked down by Stephenson's Rocket in 1830 at that location. The sidings by Edge Hill station are Tuebrook sidings.

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks for that. I recall the story of Huskisson and would have made an interesting addition to the travelogue. Maybe next time... Thanks for the extra information. Do keep it coming. I'm always pleased to hear more about the journeys I've recorded 👍

  • @Sim0nTrains
    @Sim0nTrains8 ай бұрын

    Nice trip and a great video, do love the Art Deco that Leeds has, nice sunny day as well

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Haha yes! I got so much rain on that trip on the NW Ranger it was lovely to get one nice day! Best wishes to you Simon 👍

  • @walterfillingham
    @walterfillingham8 ай бұрын

    Great video, cracking run, love the views along the route..

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank Walter! Next week's vid will feature some nice views of the Moray Firth 😁

  • @Simonm9020
    @Simonm90208 ай бұрын

    Very pleasant and informative video, keep up the good work.

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank you. Very kind of you. I shall keep on trying 😀 Thanks for watching 👍

  • @Dodgey884
    @Dodgey8848 ай бұрын

    I did a 185 trip from Man Picc to Doncaster with work and later that day a Class180 and then 455 from Donny to London then Esher. Got 1sr class cheaper than standard on TPE, really enjoyed it and was chilled when I got to Donny. Best train of the day. Also used one Leeds to Lime St after Durham Miners Gala better than a lot of the tat thrown out (Southern springs to mind)

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Yes, that little 1st class section on the 185 did really look very comfortable. And always nice when the 1st class is cheaper! Thanks for watching 👍

  • @peterdnreynolds777
    @peterdnreynolds7778 ай бұрын

    Brilliant video as always!! Hope all is well, take care and have a great weekend. Looking forward to viewing future videos

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank you for watching another 👍 Oh, and I'm looking forward to making those future videos, so I think we have a deal 👍

  • @peterdnreynolds777

    @peterdnreynolds777

    8 ай бұрын

    @@JohnnyHooverTravels totally!! I'm hoping to change my life in the next 12 months so maybe making my own videos for KZread

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    @@peterdnreynolds777 ooo... I'm up for watching them 👍

  • @Kulla1berg
    @Kulla1berg8 ай бұрын

    As always a very good video I just want to go back to UK for repeat my mad inter rail I did for almost thirty years ago Looking forward for next video

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank you. We are all still here waiting for you to return! 😃 Next video, I will be going train-bus-plane-train from Exeter to Inverness!

  • @Kulla1berg

    @Kulla1berg

    8 ай бұрын

    That will be a long journey

  • @kevinellis8869
    @kevinellis88698 ай бұрын

    Great video as always, you definitely got a result having 2 units, when it's a single unit it's a bit cosy. Someone needs to capture on the video the Huddersfield station cats to really make it unique. Given your (and mine) enjoyment of ale you need a break of journey at Stalybridge Buffet Bar. Keep the UK videos coming.

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    I have had a liquid lunch at Stalybridge in the past and yea, it is great. I remark that I must return to Huddersfield to ride the Penistone line. I really must remember to ask after the cats when I'm passing there again. Good shout 👍 And yes, others have said I may have taken a different view if only one set had turned up.

  • @AndrewG1989
    @AndrewG19897 ай бұрын

    I’ve been on the TransPennine Express Class 185 and they are quite nice comfortable trains with comfortable seats.

  • @Mylifeinfilm74
    @Mylifeinfilm748 ай бұрын

    185s are having a refresh soon according to TPE . Wonderful video

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Oh. That will be interesting. I look forward to that! Thanks for the kind words and for watching 👍

  • @craiglogistics2092
    @craiglogistics20928 ай бұрын

    It is always a pleasure watching your vlogs Johnny and i'm already looking forward to the next one, will it be Liverpool to Exmouth????????

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks! And no... that was a very late train home. Much of it in the dark, so it wouldn't really have worked. Next week's video, I'm off to Inverness for some fun in Scotland! Thanks for supporting the channel with you views. It is always appreciated 👍

  • @john07973
    @john079738 ай бұрын

    Very good 👍🏻

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks, and thank you for watching 👍

  • @stepheng7586
    @stepheng75868 ай бұрын

    Compared to the 195s the 185s are a far superior train. I have to use the 195s often and when they were getting built I honestly thought they would be better than the 185s.......how wrong was I! Great video.

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Maybe it is the Siemens/CAF difference? I tend to prefer Siemens trains over CAF. Thanks for watching 👍

  • @maqueexxtv7241
    @maqueexxtv72418 ай бұрын

    I use the 185s at least 10 times a year to visit family from Manchester to Hull and they are just great! The sound and seats are great and window alignment is pretty decent for the most part. My only dislike is the lack of first class amenities i.e drinks or snacks on the route. that being said I had the choice of an 8 pound standard ticket or a 12 pound one so it was simply to hard to resist, yet the first class seats didn't warrant the extra 4 pound as there was no complimentary food on a 2 hour journey, despite being the only first class passenger at the time.

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Yes, I would definitely fork out another £4 for the 1st class. Those 1st class seats are lovely and, it would appear, rarely used! I'm always ok with 1st class not having extras if it is reflected in the price. For example, a recent trip on the channel from Waterloo to Exeter with SWR was effectively in the same or lower price band than 2nd class on the competing GWR route, so I was happy with no frills. Likewise SNCF have always priced their 1st class closer to 2nd on TGV, but all you get is the nicer/bigger seat. Anyway, thank you so much for watching and commenting 👍

  • @maqueexxtv7241

    @maqueexxtv7241

    8 ай бұрын

    @@JohnnyHooverTravels I guess that is fair point that's why AWC or similar TOCs price their first class so high as a value for money sort of thing. Anyways the video is great amongst many on your channel and looking forward to what is to come.

  • @karengillett4448
    @karengillett44488 ай бұрын

    Shame you seem to have gone through on one of my rest days. Would’ve been quite excited to see you on the platform. I Womble TPE trains at Lime St

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Haha. I don't think anybody is excited too see me! But it would have been lovely to say "hi". Is that autocorrect or is "womble" something. I've never heard the term! Thank you so much for watching 👍

  • @karengillett4448

    @karengillett4448

    8 ай бұрын

    @@JohnnyHooverTravels I’m part of the train presentation team. We clean, prepare and reserve the trains. I call myself a train Womble, as I pick up other people’s litter…a la Wombles of Wimbledon. Haha

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    @@karengillett4448 makes perfect sense!

  • @KwokAustin
    @KwokAustin3 ай бұрын

    If you take Northern service to Chester, Manchester Vic, Blackpool North, and also Liverpool they will stop at Halifax, New Pudsey, and Bradford Interchange

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks for that. And thanks for watching 👍

  • @AndrewG1989
    @AndrewG19898 ай бұрын

    Siemens who built the Class 185 Desiro for TransPennine Express are one of the best trains used in Northern England. And Siemens could have manufactured more of the Desiro DMUs for Northern, South Western Railway, ScotRail and Great Western Railway.

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Indeed they could. But maybe it was down to cost or availability 🤷‍♂️

  • @karljoachimgoll
    @karljoachimgoll8 ай бұрын

    What is the train on the right at 2:03?🤔 Besides this - great video and wonderful channel. 😀

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    It is a Class 333 EMU built by CAF en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_333 Thanks for the kind comment and for watching the videos 👍

  • @karljoachimgoll

    @karljoachimgoll

    8 ай бұрын

    @@JohnnyHooverTravels Thanks for the info. 👍

  • @darrentownend43
    @darrentownend438 ай бұрын

    Leeds great station it’s the one I go to all the time and I think the far south platforms are pretty forgotten to be honest and if u ever go train spotting there go to the 2and floor it’s great at the big window u can see All trains arriving and departing and btw please gimme shout out and great vids as always 😃😃😃😃

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Yes, I've spent a lot of time up there watching the trains as I worked in Leeds many many times over the years. Thank for watching 👍

  • @KwokAustin
    @KwokAustin3 ай бұрын

    and some small stations

  • @georgeantony9339
    @georgeantony93398 ай бұрын

    Lea Green? Aren't there Greater Anglia services there?

  • @georgeantony9339

    @georgeantony9339

    8 ай бұрын

    By the way, it's a wonderful video like always

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Haha! That's Lea Bridge isn't it 🤣 Thanks for watching another 👍

  • @kevanhubbard9673
    @kevanhubbard96738 ай бұрын

    A 185 a hidden gem?A hidden gem if you like over crowded ,under gunned trains! Although recently many have been doubled up but as single units the 185 is hopeless, effectively 2 and a 1/2 carriages when you exclude First Class and other spaces on them.

  • @mervynhoneywood1892

    @mervynhoneywood1892

    8 ай бұрын

    Had the misfortune to travel on one of the 3 car units. It was rammed and incredibly hot and sweaty. May have been better with 6 cars.

  • @andrewtaylor5984

    @andrewtaylor5984

    8 ай бұрын

    At one stage, Edge Hill to Lime Street was one continuous tunnel, but it was opened out into its present form in the late nineteenth century.

  • @mattevans4377

    @mattevans4377

    8 ай бұрын

    Might be wise for them to just remove first class and run full standard class.

  • @andrewtaylor5984

    @andrewtaylor5984

    8 ай бұрын

    @@mattevans4377 It is high time that the railways stopped using the term "Standard Class." It is meaningless. The dictionary defines standard as a criterion. Space prevents me from elaborating further, but is clear from BR and its successors that it has two different standards, one for first class and one for second. It would be better if the old names of first and second were restored, or they should be renamed standard and bog-standard respectively. I believe that the term "Standard Class" originated with CIE.

  • @mattevans4377

    @mattevans4377

    8 ай бұрын

    @@andrewtaylor5984 Regardless, the trains would benefit in terms of capacity from a single class configuration, like the Lumo trains.

  • @craignicklin4573
    @craignicklin45738 ай бұрын

    Do like the 185s

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Me too... as long as it isn't a 3-car set coming in after the previous train was cancelled! Thanks for watching 👍

  • @craignicklin4573

    @craignicklin4573

    8 ай бұрын

    @@JohnnyHooverTravels yeh its not good at the mo with that, not sure how taking the cl 68/mk5 stock out of service will improve things

  • @kevinpoulton
    @kevinpoulton8 ай бұрын

    185 are nice but on the Cleethorpes to liverpool line not so fun when it only a 3 car unit and pack in like a tin of fish

  • @JohnnyHooverTravels

    @JohnnyHooverTravels

    8 ай бұрын

    Yes, others have said too. I was lucky with the 2x3car formation. Thank you so much for watching 👍

  • @telemachus53
    @telemachus538 ай бұрын

    Why is TPE getting rid of the 68s?

  • @craignicklin4573

    @craignicklin4573

    8 ай бұрын

    officially noise and cracks in the mk5s, unofficially costs

  • @Danse_Macabre_125

    @Danse_Macabre_125

    8 ай бұрын

    People bitching about how they're loud

  • @vchukwuma

    @vchukwuma

    8 ай бұрын

    @@Danse_Macabre_125 I personally love the sound, but I guess non-enthusiasts don't share this appreciation.

  • @Danse_Macabre_125

    @Danse_Macabre_125

    8 ай бұрын

    @@vchukwuma same, I get DRS ones through my local station sometimes and I love them

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