Day Two - Plus a Review!
Today, my friend decided to come to Liverpool for the first time. Upon arrival, he wanted to travel under the River Mersey, so we took a short ride over to Birkenhead on the West Kirby-bound 507019. To get back to Liverpool, we decided to take a ride on an Arriva North West operated Volvo B5LH back through the Birkenhead road tunnel.
Next on our list was a trip to the North West Museum of Road Transport in St Helens. We didn’t have to wait too long for our train, which was the 12:15 departure operated by 319376. The museum was very enjoyable indeed, we spent the best part of a couple of hours having a look around at the excellent exhibits, it was well worth a visit.
After going to The Glass House for something to eat, we decided to head back into Liverpool. The first train to arrive was a very full 319, so we decided to let it go and waited for the next train, which was 319367. Once back in Liverpool, we waited for Arriva North West’s 4590 to arrive back in the city centre so my friend could get a photo of it.
A friend had let me know earlier in the day it was on service 10B, so we kept an eye out for those. Why 4590? Well it’s recently been repainted in Merseyside Transport’s green, cream and brown livery and IMO it looks outstanding.
Soon enough, it was time for my friend to head back to Manchester. I decided to join him as far as South Parkway, with the service operated by the required
195116 Proud to be Northern. After saying our goodbyes on arrival at South Parkway, I’d planned to head home, but was very surprised to bump into fellow forum members on the overhead walkway.
I had cancelled plans to join them for the day due to my friend’s visit, but decided to join the meal after being invited to do so. We boarded 158777, paired with another 158, which took us back to to Lime Street before we headed to Pizza Express on Victoria Street for the meal.
It was an excellent evening with great company I have to say, on reflection I was glad I went along after all.
507021’s review of the Mark 5A stock.
I really like it, to be honest. I found Coach C of TP04 to be bright and spacious, giving a relaxing ambience and an enjoyable passenger experience. I’m a fan of the wood effect panelling at each end of the passenger saloons, too.
My seat was in the middle of the carriage, and I shared a table with another passenger. I found there was plenty of legroom, and I think the table was a decent size too. I also like the seat reservation screens, which in my view are well positioned and easy to read, with useful green and red lights to inform passengers of a seat’s availability. I like where the excellent PIS screens are positioned too.
Overall, I’d give these an 8.5/10. It’s about time TPE had proper intercity trains, and I think these will do an excellent job. Hopefully there’s an option to extend the rakes in the future.
Once again, thanks for reading!
