I Tried Britain’s “NEW” Intercity Train, and I was SHOCKED!
Follow me on Bluesky @intercitysimon.com https://bsky.app/profile/intercitysim… Today I’m riding the new trains on the Chiltern Main Line: the controversial Mark 5A carriages built by CAF. These trains have a very troubled history. Originally introduced in 2019, they were withdrawn from service after just a few years due to serious quality and reliability issues, including cracks found in multiple carriages. For almost three years, they sat abandoned in sidings with no clear future. Now, in 2026, they’re finally back in service with Chiltern Railways. So join me on board as I take a closer look at these long-delayed trains and explain why, in my view, they might have been better left retired.
Train type: Class 68 + Mark 5A Route: Birmingham Moor Street to London Marylebone Train: 13:45 BMO – MYB Distance: 111 miles Journey time: 1h58m Average speed: 56 mph Price: £20 upgrade on any second class ticket. #Travel #Trains #TripReport
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