Since the last timetable change, Class 158 units have been seen regularly on the Manchester - Llandudno service, which for some years past monopolised by 175s except during shortages. The key reason for this is the re-appearance of a Manchester - Holyhead 'boat train' in the form of two through coaches attached to the 08:50 Manchester - Llandudno as far as Chester where they are detached and run limited-stop to Holyhead. Class 158s, with their end corridor connections make it possible for one conductor to reach all of the combined train. The 158 that goes to Llandudno returns with the 11:44 Llandudno - Manchester Piccadilly, where it spends the customary sojourn in the loop siding beyond the station, before returning as the 14:50 Manchester - Llandudno. 158 822 is seen on thus service passing Deansgate station in our picture above, which dates, like all those in this item, on 17 April. Oddly perhaps, the Holyhead service does not run at weekends when more passengers for the ferry to Ireland might be around.
