London Northwestern Railway from Euston Tips

[thleunomas]

I am due to travel from Euston to Birmingham on a London Northwestern Railway on a weekday around 2:00pm. From what I have heard this train can often get very busy. I was wondering if anyone knew any of the following things:

1. Are there luggage racks on London Northwestern? I am travelling with a large suitcase and wondered if there is a luggage rack or if it can fit overhead?
2. Are first class labels still on London Northwestern trains? First class is no longer sold on this route but wondered if the signs are still on and should aim for those compartments where they might be more space?
3. How many carriages are usually on this train?

Any tips for this route is welcome

 

[Chiltern006]

1) A few, but there’s overhead racks throughout the train that should have enough room
2) Some do, some don’t. Some may say first class but some might have had the headrests changed. If the unit had antimaccasars (velcro headrests) then they’ve been removed.
3) Normally 8 car, but can change on the day. You’ll be guaranteed a 4 car if this does change

Hope that helps

 

[Bletchleyite]

The seats in former 1st are awful and the legroom poor. I'd recommend a Standard end section.

 

[james_the_xv]

Probably best off aiming for the front of the train as well, most of the station stops up until Coventry have the station exit/entrances towards the rear of the train. The rear 4 carriages are often markedly busier than the front 4 due to the inability of passengers to spread themselves out along the platform.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Probably best off aiming for the front of the train as well, most of the station stops up until Coventry have the station exit/entrances towards the rear of the train. The rear 4 carriages are often markedly busier than the front 4 due to the inability of passengers to spread themselves out along the platform.

Except if using one of the Euston "long" platforms eg 8/11, when the rear coach is usually quietest because people don't think to turn back on themselves at the bottom of the ramp.

 

[zwk500]

Except if using one of the Euston "long" platforms eg 8/11, when the rear coach is usually quietest because people don't think to turn back on themselves at the bottom of the ramp.

Even so, in my experience far fewer People move up to the second unit, as people who've crammed into the penultimate one can see space in the rear. It can depend how close to departure they put the platform up though.

 

[Hadders]

There's space to put luggage on the trains.
Forget the old 1st class areas - there's no more space in them and they quickly fill up. I'd head for the very front of the train.
I think the trains are normally 8 cars, you sometimes have a bit of a wait at Northampton.
Some trains detach carriages at Northampton so listen out for any annoucements to make sure you're in the correct portion.
There's no catering so bring supplies.

If you're on a flexible ticket it's normally 20 minutes faster to take the xx46 Crewe service and change at Rugby.

 

[Kite159]

The only time I wouldn't go to the front of the train is if a 3+2 seated 350/2 is leading and the rear unit isn't a 350/2. Then I would aim to be at the front of coach 5 (extra legroom seats).

If you get unlucky to get a pair of 350/2s then maybe try for the former 1st class area at the front unit just to give a bit of extra comfort for the long journey (at least you get a tray table).