Uploaded January 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago

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Hello, and welcome back to another train trip report on the channel. For this week's video, I am trying out the classic GWR Class 43 + Mk3 'High Speed Train' in Cornwall, on a regional service using the shortened 'Castle' sets.

These trains were recently replaced on frontline express services to London by the controversial Class 800/Class 802 'IET' units, which I consider to be the worst high-speed train I've used.
WATCH: youtube.com/watch?v=i1At3LMD_QM

Today's route begins in Devon, at Plymouth station, this is the largest city in Devon, and just a short distance away from the Royal Albert Bridge crossing into Cornwall, which we cross shortly after departure. After crossing it, we arrive into Saltash, the first station in Cornwall. Later in the journey, the train stops at Liskeard and Par, which are both junctions for the branch line services to Looe and Newquay. Later, the train arrives into Truro, the only city in Cornwall, and also the junction for the Falmouth branch. After continuing to St Erth (for St Ives), the train is finally on the scenic approach to Penzance, where it terminates at the South Western tip of the UK railway network.

After trying out the new 'IET' units, I decided to find some of those trains predecessors in service on regional routes in Cornwall, to see whether the old was better than the new. My findings certainly suggest so, enjoy the video!

#gwr #hst #tripreport
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Journey Details:
Origin: Plymouth
Destination: Penzance
Company: GWR (Great Western Railway)
Train: UK Class 43 + Mk3 'High Speed Train' (Castle Set)
Accommodation: Standard Class Seat (2nd)
Distance: 79 miles / 127 kilometres
Price: £7.55
Time: 1h55m

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