The train home from work on Friday was a Class 142 (they're usually a 158, 155 or very occasionally a 150). While it wasn't the greatest rail experience I've ever had, it wasn't as bad as I was expecting given the slating they get.
Yes, they're a bit cramped and the bus seats are really 2.5+1.5 rather than 3+2, but it turned up on time, the heater was keeping things at a decent temperature and everyone who wanted one got a seat.
I last rode a 142 last year Between Keighley and Leeds, it was a little bouncy but comfortable enough, I could've waited for a 333 but I wanted to enjoy the 142..
Enjoy @the_mikey?
What you meant is you wanted to experience a ride on one before they are replaced
I will say this, I'd rather be sat in a seat on a 142 than standing in the toilet on an overcrowded crosscountry 220/221 service between Bristol and Leeds..
Voyagers were totally inadequate for what they replaced at the time. They should have been 8 car units at least.
to be fair, have you seen how narrow a railway rail is? It must be really tricky to steer the train that precisely for hundreds of miles
A good read, even though it's way out of my area, & up to press, I've never been to IpswichMy dad is a self-confessed 'gricer' and the older I get the more interested I find myself in the subject. My dad retired years ago and writes for a bunch of steam railway magazines. I commissioned him to write a bit about the original mainline station in Ipswich and it's by far the most popular article on my site at https://sosuffolk.com/suffolk-history/ipswich-railway-station-croft-street/
I find the history interesting because it's so tied to social history.