Class 170
This is the Bombardier class 170.
The BR class 170 is a DMU passenger train manufactured by Bombardier. It is currently operated by Scotrail, Northern, Cross Country and East Midlands Rail. This train has a top speed of 100MPH and is powered by diesel. It is often referred to as the Turbostar train. I went up to Scotland to see what this train had to offer:
I boarded Scotrail 170 413 at Edinburgh Waverley. Regrettably, I got a rush hour train, specifically the 18:48 service to Glenrothes with Thornton. This train stopped at: Haymarket, South Gyle and Dalmeny. Then, the train departed Dalmeny and crossed the Queensferry Crossing bridge, which spans the Firth of Fourth, and pulled into North Queensferry (see trainspotting destinations). I alighted the train there and started writing this review. Unfortunately, whilst I was on this train, there were some people listening to (rap) music without headphones on and I mark this train down for that.
Review:
This is the review of the Bombardier class 170.
Comfort:
For this train, I rate comfort three stars. This is because the seats are nice and soft. However, I mark this train down for having quite a bumpy ride. This is probably due to the fact that this train has ‘flat wheels’. See flat wheels explained.
Speed:
For the class 170, I rate journey time four stars. The train could do with quicker acceleration, but once it has built up speed it is fine. There was also a problem with how long it took to cross the Queensferry Crossing.
Accessibility:
The doors are perfect size but there could be more room to store bikes and wheelchairs inside. Also, the seats aren’t very well spaced out.
Appearance:
This train has earned a respectable four stars for its smart appearance and good livery.
Sound:
I absolutely love the sound of that massive diesel engine from the outside and it is great for my videos but from the inside it’s not that great. There is lots of rattling noises coming from the train; they are quite annoying.
Overall:
Overall, I am going rate the Bombardier class 170 four stars because I love the way this train looks. It has nice seats as well. But if the rattly noises the train makes is off-putting enough, then the bumpy ride is. That is why I have come to this conclusion. I think this train is a sort of ‘don’t judge a book by it’s cover’ thing. This DMU is exceptional from the outside and a trainspotters delight from trackside, but the interior is just not good enough for it’s standards. However, we must remember that this train is 21 years old. And technology has advanced since then. So that is why I have settled for three and a half stars.
Last Updated on June 16, 2021 by Lewis
