That was really good, thanks. I live in Glasgow so my routes south tend to be West Coast or East Coast. I have often thought about going to London St Pancras via Leeds (like in the old days) and now I've seen your film I may well do that one day soon. I often go First Class and am pleased to see that EMR give refreshments. I was slightly disappointed to learn that southbound trains from Sheffield no longer serve any stations south of Leicester, as I would like to "do" the Corby line but that seems a bit difficult if travelling from The North! It's becoming the same story on East Coast - I regularly visit friends near Northallerton but now it's almost impossible to get trains direct between Edinburgh and Northallerton (and vice-versa). We're now supposed to change at Newcastle, but as you rightly say, Trans-Pennine trains seldom bother to turn up! London-centric thinking is getting worse, in spite of the Government endlessly wittering on about "Levelling-up" but doing nothing whatsoever about it!

2:47 I think the 1st class lounges are now permanently closed as I have seen a few of the regular first class lounge hosts now on gatelines or platforms etc. Though that said Derby's 1st class lounge has reopened as a waiting room a while ago. Everywhere else is still shut though. 3:26 The reason for the "overkill" of 1st class carriages is that when they were orignially built the 222's was 9 carriages (222001-222007), (3 1st carriages and 6 standard carriages) and 4 carriages (222008-222023) (1.5 1st class and 2.5 standard). The 9 car units then got reformed into 8 in the MML days. And then reformed into the 7 carriage units at the start of the EMT days. So at the start of the EMT days units 222001-222006 was 7 cars, and 222008-222023 was 5 cars. Fast forward to EMR and units 005 and 006 got reformed into 5 cars so that units 101-104 was given an extra carriage to make 5 cars. It was also spectualted that Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) as well as MML (Midland Mainline) overestimated the number of 1st class customers when ordering the new units. 3:47 The buffet car does get used however from experience, only seems ot be open on strike days or/and when the train is busy. I suspect the company behind the catering chose to do a all-trolley service to make as much money as possible, something I supected happened after covid, as weekends pre-cvodi was always buffet, but nowadays trolley service unless busy. 4:00 With the standard seating I have noticed some units have had some seats refurbished/replaced as there are some seats with all red, (with the EMT/stagecoach blue/orange dots no longer there).EMR have mentioned that they are in the stage of deep cleaning/rpelacing the seats though these seems to be taking a lot longer than usual, though suspect might have been paused. 08:15 The plug sockets was installed when the trains was build back in 2003-2005. There was talks about EMT adding usb slots back in 2018/2019 but when it was annoucned they lost the franchise it never came to be. And EMR don't have plans to install them since they are being repalced. Though the new 810s will have plug sockets and usbs. 15:43 something to point out is that from Luton to London, I'm sure top line speed is at max 90 mph so 222's and 360's will only reach as far as 90mph. So top speed between these units wont matter since they reach that speed. That said I have noticed on my journeys leaving London, that the sheffield services always seem to get stuck behind the corby services near Wellingborough. As our train is usually a couple mins early and then end up waiting for the 360s to leave early. Something i ahve always said is that the 360's should be on the slow lines after Bedford to allow the 222's/180s to pass them without being delayed. 17:00 Like with all TOC's, i think EMR's 1st class offering has reducded a lot since covid. Like pre-covid, you could have a hot meal in the afternoon, or have a full english on the breakfast trains. Both of which no longer available nowadays.

Paddington Bear is better

Great review. I have really enjoyed your channel, and have enjoyed travelling on some of the routes over the last year or so. Such an inspiration, keep up the fantastic content 🙏😊

Sheffield Victoria was on the Great Central Railway from Manchester to London Marylebone

I want them to being back catering!

Hi Midland London. The class 222 meridians are potentially going to Cross Country once the Class 810 Auroras are in service. That is according to Wikipedia.

Excellent and informative video 👍 I'm a big fan of Sheffield station too. Not just the architecture though, the Sheffield Tap pub is a real gem 🍺

Enjoyed the video and your comments. GWR has to be the pits in terms of passenger service. This was fascinating for me, as i have no experience of the east midlands routes except on Cross Country up to Leeds. I would like to find out more. More videos please!

i feel the 222s will go to cross country. as it seems they love adopting older trains from other fleets. and also due to them already owning many bombardiers trains. or perhaps tfw, but their new fleet says otherwise. loved the video man

Nice video,like the commentary informative,well produced, it was the hsts for me best thing on mml,remember going to London early 1980's,double headed peaks(don't which ones),but the 125's transformed timing's on mml,from 1982 onwards,until last year when withdrawn from.service.

Enjoyed your video. My nearest station is Market Harborough and so I’m a frequent user of EMR. I like the class 222 as it’s a comfortable train, however I echo the view the rolling stock is a little tired, trains are often overcrowded and under staffed. However, on the whole the staff are friendly. From my point of view being able to take non-stop services from Market Harborough to St Pancras is a real bonus!

I haven't been to Sheffield in almost 10 years, but remember the station and the Redcliff power station very well. One interesting thing that happened to me is both on my first trip up from London and final trip back to London (more than a year later) there were track problems in Leicester . Anyway I really hope I can fly out to visit the city again because covid cancelled my last try.

Looks very comfortable. I’m going on one to Luton (it’s a special Sunday stopping intercity service :)) I hope the first class manager declassified the first class :). Will be making a review on the train too!

I am so happy that I live near an EMR hub as they do seem to be one of the better companies running trains at the mo 😃

18:06 the 222’s and the 221’s on Avanti west coast will most likely head to crosscountry, due to them not having many trains. That will mean, cross country has all the voyager trains in Britain.

As a fairly regular user of this line it was good to see this review. I agree with your good and bad points - friendly staff, free-flowing refreshments, worn out interiors. Industrial action aside, I find the operation usually reliable with minimal delays. First class fares can be very reasonable too with advance purchase. I wish EMR would reinstate the first class lounges but I suspect they're gone forever. Something to try one day: Derby to Long Eaton is 8 minutes and an advance first class ticket can be just £10. Is it possible to consume the cost of the ticket in free sandwiches and other refreshments in the time the journey takes? 🙂

Brillaint video, the Class 222 meridians are good units and ones local to me who lives in Leicester since introduction. It's a shame the standard class seats aren't in the best of condition right now. I've never tried first class myself but maybe I will someday. I think the Meridians will probably end up with CrossCountry in the future.

Legend says the beer bottle is still here to this day

Oooh an EMR video. Sheff to St. Pancras. Might see the stop of my home town of Loughborough on this video. Edit: Ah, nvm. Still nice video reviewing the type of train I always take to Sheff (the connection stop on my way to Leeds). Always a mixed bag with the conditions of the trains but I havent been sorely disappointed yet

Best train ever😊

I used to be a 1st class season ticket holder of EMTrains which I gave up upon the timetable change may 2018 (lost intercity services - DofT interferiance). At seat staff I found tentative in keeping the coffee cup topped up. 2009 (I think) we lost cup & saucer in favour of mugs after complaints from the rattling (never an issue on HST's). EMR appear to have let the services become somewhat down market, trains always appear dirty.

An interesting review, particularly as for me this is a relatively frequent journey. Despite being a little tired, the seating and ride is pretty comfortable, much better than the LNER Azuma and CrossCountry trains. I travel through work so tied to a standard class ticket however, if I can get a cheap Seatfrog upgrade to first class then I will. It's primarily for a bit more space to work. It's certainly not for the food as in recent times a bottle of water, a packet of crisps and a snack is all that's been available, no sandwiches or hot food, maybe it's the time of day that I travel. I've never been on one that runs to time but in general it's only a few minutes late although I have filled out a lot of delay repay requests which is a little more complex when you use a booking partner and e-tickets. I wish the delay repay was as easy as LNER where they simply advise your due a payment, confirm it's ok and the money is transferred. I have had to lodge a few appeals with EMR, maybe a tactic to reduce payouts, as the appeals have always approved.

Hola from Long Eaton. Yep, the 222's are getting quite ropey now, and certainly could use with some TLC, but with the experiences I've had with both LNER and GWR, I'd sooner have these than the Hitachi's any day, even with the improved seating. As for the 222's going to a new operator, XC would be the likely choice, however they will need to be recalibrated to work with the 220's / 221's, due to an indifference of their electrical systems.

Maybe XC will take them and off load there 12 HST strong fleet?

nottingham would need the bridge and old taxi rank and concause being re built to be electrified with the ohle but could use the 3rd rail system

Living in chesterfield I've known the voyagers and meridians since I can remember. It will be a shame to see the meridians go from EMR but exciting to see some new trains serving chesterfield. Who knows, the meridians might still serve Chesterfield if bought by XC

Great video midland. Will the 222s end up with XC? Who knows? The monorail coast £4.90 singal from Luton to the airport? That's crazy considering the Birmingham version is free...

It looks a lot better than anything Via Rail Canada can offer!

1:43 when EMR ends, i hope this staute goes to the rail museum

The Meridians could be some of the best trains in the UK with a bit of TLC. The standard class seats are very comfortable when in good condition but do have a habit of collapsing and leaving a metal bar in your thigh which is quite painful. I really hope that they head over to CrossCountry to increase capacity there but I'm not holding my hopes out for any refurbishment since CrossCountry don't seem to care in the slightest about their trains from my experience.

Perhaps because MMR aren't bothering with refurbishment of the class 222s because they're giving to be replaced soon.

I want the 222’s to replace the 158’s at SWR 🤞

have you ride on a Thameslink service? i wanna see you review it!

Have you reviewed the electric class 360s on this mainline yet? Hoping the 360 doesnt replace the 222 when electrification of the line progresses further north - no one wants the 2+3 seating!

join the movement, return the much beloved pacers #Ilovepacers #blovedpacers

The voyager and meridian family seem to get a hard time from train fans. However having recently experienced the harsh, noisy, rattling, LNER Hitachi ‘Azuma’ I would take a refurbished voyager / meridian any-day.

All good until the summer sweats (you will stick to the seat)

Most likely the 222s will go to CrossCounty, there doesn’t appear to be much demand for them elsewhere

I think Grand Central might have the class 222 when EMR gets the class 810 they already have the class 180

Didn’t EMR just take enough 360s for the Corby services, they need refurbishing so can’t see them running to Leicester.

Class 222's should stay with EMR for their Liverpool to Norwich route (albeit being shortened). The current trains on that long route are noisy and outdated. Either that or maybe give them to Scotrail to replace the Intercity 125's. Yes, I know the 125's are much better for passengers, but after that crash the other year, there's been calls to replace them with more modern, safer designs.

Sheffield to St Pancras International Sheffield, access to, CrossCountry, TransPennie Express, and Northern service Chesterfield Derby East Midlands Parkway Leicester St Pancras International, our final stop, and access to, Southeastern, Thameslink, and Eurostar service, thank you for usinf the EMR service

Sorry I can't agree with you about Sheffield Station. While the front has been smartened up over the years, the partial closing in with glass screens made a great improvement over the old open taxi rank frontage, the platforms are still the cold, often wet, wind tunnels they always were with few sheltered, warm, waiting areas on many platforms. It's also a noisy place to wait for trains as operators are still reluctant to turn the diesel engines off while trains idle in the platforms - the air quality around the station must be horrific. In that respect I note that the Shellfield ULEZ for traffic conveniently misses the station! Consequently I try to minimise travelling through Sheffield as much as possible (I'm a Worksop resident) and much prefer the ECML over the MML. As for trains it would be unfair to compare the Meridians with the ECML Azumas but an old Cl 91 / Mk IV train, on the ECML, is far superior to any of those multi engined 'coaches' now in use on the MML. 😂 - and I think LNER offer far better catering in First, free alcoholic drinks to start with! It will be interesting to see what the Hitachi stock ends up like and whether the on train service improves .

I hope they go to XC. It would make sense to me as XC really need longer trains and are probably wanting to rid of their HSTs eventually. XC also have depots that will probably not need much tweaking if any to support these trains owing to them already having 220s and 221s. If they did go to XC I do worry that they will be left to fall apart and I suspect XC would turn off the tilting to save maintenance cost. Ideal scenario: Arriva loses XC and the government or another company take it over

Class 222 will probably end up with Cross Country so they can retire there HST sets

I really don’t like EMR at all to be honest I quite often head towards Manchester and Liverpool purely for the comfort and excitement of the pendolinos. The meridians are great but nothing beats Avantis pendolinos

Your accent. Kind bit of mixed great video

Cross Country

I think the class 222's would go to cross country

YOU KNOW WHA GRINDES MY GEARS, MORE IETS AND KNOWING THERE GONNA BE BAD, REALLY REALLY BAD

Sick and tired of these worn out filthy units. At 4:00 freeze the picture and look at the filthy threadbare seats. The bolsters that would be beside your face are filthy and black the aisle seat to the right has been worn away so you can see the orange foam coming through. Why is it that the 170 cascaded from all over the U.K. are being put into service with out being refurbished (before the ex Scotrail Turbostars entered service on the Robin Hood line 20 foot long posters were put up at every station along the route saying your new trains are coming and telling everyone they would be refurbished with new seating and three years later they have not been touched. we get the TFW, WMR and then the old southern crap with the wrong couplings fitted to them (so if they fail then its hard to move them as some of the line is single track). Not forgetting the class 360 units they are total and utter rubbish, yet again the passengers were told the units would be refurbished and the 3 and 2 seating would be replaced with 2 and 2 Come on E.M.R. pull the other one its never going to happen. I live 2 miles from the Robin hood line that could get me to Nottingham to get a connecting train to St Pancras. But because the trains are so filthy and knackered I prefer the 30 minute drive to Newark Northgate on the East Coast Main Line to get an L.N.E.R. Azuma or 225 set to get me to Kings Cross. Its also mostly cheaper to drive to Newark Northgate pay for a return on L.N.E.R. and to pay for parking than to do E.M.R. To London on the dirty filthy stinky clapped out Meridians.

The mildest Yorkshire accent if any, I’ve ever heard

Are you American? You pronounced lever in the American way

2nd worst company after cross country. 1st class OK but standard is awful,mainly to massive overcrowding. Years too late with new rolling stock,only took over the franchise to get access to HS 2,which will not now happen. They also use the awful class 180s.

豪華やけど、日本では、逆向きに走るのは、受け入れられない😥