North London & Goblin Lines: Class 172 Turbostar

Does anyone else find the Class 172 an absolute pain to drive?

The controls seem awfully stiff and the train itself accelerates and brakes very slowly. I was about a minute or two late at every station between Barking and Gospel Oak. Now, in fairness, it was my first time driving that particular DMU was I was surprised by its lack of performance.

Any tips on operating it?

 

The 172 feels sluggish in general. At least the times I've attempted those scenarios.

 

The class 172 is fine IMO at least the braking is better than class 185.