Accessing the train
These are relatively modern and smart trains, but their primary function is to transport commuters to and from London, so they don't have the same ambience and range of facilities of long-distance express trains.
In common with other new British trains Wi-Fi is available and wheelchair friendly spaces on the train and toilets have also been provided for.
However, they do have some new features including information screens suspended from the ceilings of each coach, which show London Underground info, the trains calling points - and also show which coaches are comparatively busy or quiet.
They are also comparatively unusual because once you are on board, the Standard Class coaches flow into each other, they have no dividing doors between them, so when a train isn't too busy, it's simple to walk through the train to find optimum seats
Sliding doors on the trains separate the Standard class and First class seating areas.
Although ShowMeTheJourney's humble opinion is that these trains aren't especially comfortable, with the lack of leg-room at window seats being a particular issue, considering that it's possible to travel for more than two hours on these trains.
Seat reservations aren't available on these trains, so seats aren't guaranteed, particularly when trains get closer to London between 08:00 and 10:00 and when leaving London between 16:00 and 19:00.
These trains have dedicated bike spaces so look for the signs on the outside of the trains - depending on the length of the train, they're either in the front and rear coaches OR they're three coaches back from the front and rear of the trains.
Non-folding bikes can be taken on board most departures, as long as they are kept out of the way of other travellers.
However, you cannot take Non-folding bikes on trains which are scheduled to arrive at or pass through central London between 07:00 and 10:00 and between 16:00 and 19:00 - more information is available here.
If you require Assisted Travel the information is available here.
This is one of more than 150 train guides available on ShowMeTheJourney, which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.