Since their introduction to the Great Western Main Line in October 2017, there have been many mixed reviews on the first class for the Class 800 / 802 trains.

So I travelled with Great Western Railway on 2 different services on a weekend and weekday. Please note this review is only for 1 journey.

Aboard 1A90 16:15 Exeter St Davids to London Paddington. Normally this train starts at Plymouth at 15:15 however due to scheduled engineering works it started at Exeter St Davids.

Credit: Charlie Greasley

Our train was formed of 802106 a 9 Car Class 802 Hitachi Intercity Express Train (IET).  The train left Exeter St Davids on platform 5, the ‘up main’ towards Tiverton Parkway the first station stop.

A selection of light refreshments was available around 5 minutes after departure. The train managers messages were clear throughout the journey with elements of humour as well. I was sat in Coach L, Seat 57 at the front of the train with the kitchen located behind me.

The ride was smooth leaving Exeter. With no engine underneath the carriage, it made for a quiet ride and felt like being in a Mk3 coach with no engine sounds below.

The announcements from the Train Manager gave lots of useful information about the next trains at Taunton. The service then ran non-stop to Reading via Castle Cary and Newbury where we switched to over-head electric power into London.

Despite claiming for faster wifi when sitting in first class, I found the wifi to be just as slow (40% in standard to 48% in first class) as standard class and ended up using mobile data for faster results. Sadly I was disappointed by this and I hope it isn’t a feature on all of the IETs.

1 hour into the journey and we had just passed Westbury on the up avoid line. These new trains are quick and feel quick. Compared to the High-Speed Train (HST) these trains feel fast only when doing 75mph or more. In my opinion, the HSTs only felt fast when doing 125mph between London and Reading and visa versa.

Credit: Charlie Greasley

I did feel disappointed by the lack of refreshments on route. By this time, only 1 set of refreshments and didn’t get any before Reading in 45 minutes time. A trolley for alcohol did come round and a small bottle (around 200ml) was at a price. (I didn’t buy any).

We pass through Pewsey 1 minute early and kept on time throughout our non-stop run.

Now, the seats.  Sadly they are just standard class seats with a first-class cover on that says First Class. The only positive is that you can slide it down a bit, I found this more comfortable for the journey into London. I would like to see the HST style seats implemented though I doubt this very much.

Passing through Newbury and Newbury Racecourse at 17:45. We pass now on overhead electric power. The changeover wasn’t noticeable but passing through felt quick and looked quick when looking out the window. In quick succession, we pass through Thatcham, Midgham, Aldermaston and Theale before slowing down for Southcoate Junction and Reading West. We are slowed down by a delayed Reading train through Reading West arriving 1 minute late into Platform 11 at Reading.

Departing from Reading at 18:05 we ran non-stop to London Paddington completing the journey between the 2 stations in 25 minutes. Doing 125mph most of the way you certainly felt the points. Stations were a blur as you pass through as were other trains.

Arrival at London Paddington at 18:30. Bang on time. Arrival was smooth despite being held outside for a few moments.

Credit: Charlie Greasley

Final thoughts?

The whole experience is different to the HST. It’s impossible to compare them so I won’t. Some big things I’d like to point out.

– Smooth Ride  – Fast Acceleration  – Friendly staff  – Seats are not comfy  – Lack of refreshments

Have you travelled with GWR on their Class 800 / 802 trains? Let us know in the comments below.

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