V-Flyer

Having a wonderful trip today (apart from the bit in the middle) from Euston up to Preston first thing this morning and back tonight as I write this. Only £106 return in First, not bad in my book. Almost had the entire quiet carriage to myself there and back. I guess there is a benefit in travelling against the traffic on Virgin Trains.

I received not one but two greasy breakfasts this morning. First was like an aeroplane one dished out on a rectangular plate, second was a proper one on a nice warm round plate and a proper runny yolk. Don't know why I got two - maybe they do an express service up to Milton Keynes and then the serious brekky eaters kick in. Didn't need the second one, it just turned up. Brown sauce, hash browns, bacon, sausage, full monty, cushty, dirty job, someone had to do it. All included.

On the way back, I've overdosed on free sarnies and more cups of tea. Have to drive at the station on arrival so couldn't partake of the free grog - doh! Next time I'll take a cab to the station.

What's more no-one has used a cellphone on the entire journey in the quiet carriage. My regular trips last year to Cardiff yielded many mean eyes at those daring to use there mobiles to yell at the recipient "I'm on the train" in the quiet carriages. And I never got any good deals on the trips, quite unlike this one.

The Pendolino makes some funny noises though. Some pumps and churns, plus some ding dongs for no apparent reason. A little disconcerting at first.

Good job, recommended. They should get WiFi like GNER, although thankfully my cellphone internet access hasn't dropped out too many times.

Cheers, Howard

I'm doing that route and class in June, so look forward to sampling it myself. I managed to bag a £32 first class fare, which is rather spectacular value (especially since it also includes the journey from Preston to Blackpool by a local carrier).

Sounds like you were in the pantograph car Howard (where most of the power control gear is). Were you aware of the tilt?

Regards

John

originally posted by Howard Long

The Pendolino makes some funny noises though. Some pumps and churns, plus some ding dongs for no apparent reason. A little disconcerting at first.

I know what you mean, coming back from Birmingham last saturday there were weird 'ding dongs' every two minutes or so [:?]

The ding dongs are the crew calling each other, usually from the buffet to the kitchen car and yes, it's a complete pain in the backside.

The best First class fare i mananged to get was a single ticket between london and Wolverhampton was £16, the standard ticket was 10. I thought for an extra £6 im having that. lol

A a train now up to manchester, have to say the service has been great, but they need WiFi on the train (although my 3G card is working fine) and also 230 UKP for a first class return is a rip-off, probably explains why the carriage I'm in is 75% empty....

(still better and easier than flying though)

Originally posted by Howard Long

I received not one but two greasy breakfasts this morning. First was like an aeroplane one dished out on a rectangular plate, second was a proper one on a nice warm round plate and a proper runny yolk. Don't know why I got two - maybe they do an express service up to Milton Keynes and then the serious brekky eaters kick in.

Last time I travelled to MK in Virgin First it was made clear that breakfast would not be offered to travellers getting off at MK.

I don't know if this is normal, or whether there was a problem with this particular train.

Mrs D

I was on a Pendolino this week - I thought it was a bit narrow!!

Originally posted by MarkJ
I was on a Pendolino this week - I thought it was a bit narrow!!

The Pendolinos were built like that to meet regulations regarding tilting trains, (which also explains the small windows) as well as allowing the train to tilt woihtout hitting anything.

As for the toilets...don't get me started on that [:$]