Caledonian Sleeper discussion

[TimboM]

Would appear to be a bit of a shambles ongoing at Waverley. Looking like a late departure for 1C11.

What was the mini-shambles?
1C11 departed 25L; recovered a bit now to 20L at Carmuirs.

 

[JModulo]

What was the mini-shambles?
1C11 departed 25L; recovered a bit now to 20L at Carmuirs.

Think it was due to the late arrival of the 73 from EC. I believe the plan wouldve been to keep the 92 on 1C11 had the 90 in Klondyke not failed.

 

[Scotrail84]

Think it was due to the late arrival of the 73 from EC. I believe the plan wouldve been to keep the 92 on 1C11 had the 90 in Klondyke not failed.

Yes, that’s what should have happened.

 

[JModulo]

Yes, that’s what should have happened.

Thanks for confirming. Not like a 90 to burst on the beds. Usually quite reliable.

 

[tsr]

...because NR Control was informed that most of the passengers had left the train to visit the chip shop and been told they didn’t need to be back until 1745. But we’re well off topic now.

If that’s true (and from yourself I am sure it is!), that’s probably the best excuse for a delay that I’ve heard for a while.

Even better than “platform staff absent due to incorrectly searching Caffe Nero for train guard, who was later found to have already boarded the train” (may or may not have happened)...

 

[GW43125]

In what is probably rather a rare move, 1M11 is currently following 1C11 up the main near Lanark Jn.

 

[Scotrail84]

In what is probably rather a rare move, 1M11 is currently following 1C11 up the main near Lanark Jn.

Happened last Sunday as well.

 

[causton]

If that’s true (and from yourself I am sure it is!), that’s probably the best excuse for a delay that I’ve heard for a while.

Even better than “platform staff absent due to incorrectly searching Caffe Nero for train guard, who was later found to have already boarded the train” (may or may not have happened)...

"Contacted by Delay Investigation on 3 minutes loss in running, the conductors reply was that "they must have stopped for a beer & fag"."

That's the best one I think I've seen in a while

 

[Scotrail84]

90 047 with 90 048 (DIT) tucked in behind on 1S26 tonight.

 

[Scotrail84]

73 971 on 1C11 and 1B26

 

[TimboM]

73 971 on 1C11 and 1B26

Thanks for confirming.
Able to shed any light on why 1C11 was 33L away from Edinburgh?

 

[al78]

I used the sleeper on Friday and Sunday evenings. It felt more comfortable than the last (and only) time I have used it, the beds were more comfortable than I remember. It is a shame I couldn't get into the lounge on Friday (despite having a 1st class ticket) as it was completely full, but other than that, a decent journey. It arrived into Blair Atholl about 20 minutes late. Coming back from Kingussie on Sunday evening, it turned up just over 20 minutes late, a little irritating as I had already had five hours to kill in Kingussie (not that easy on Sunday when virtually everything is closed), but once on board, again, it was a pleasant ride, and there was space in the lounge this time. Slept better (I was tired after walking 30 miles), and got to Euston at 8:30am, so it made up about half the lost time.

 

[Edward101]

I'm travelling first class on the northbound Fort William sleeper (for the first time) on the night of Monday 25th June arriving Tuesday 26th, and am really looking forward to it. I'm slightly concerned, though, from reading this thread by the number of people with first class tickets who board the train to find they've been downgraded to a standard class berth with the possibility of sharing- does this happen often and why does it happen? What are the chances of it happening to me? I'd find it very awkward sharing one of those rooms for such a long journey. Is there any way of telling whether you've potentially been mis-allocated a standard berth? Can the on-board staff do anything about it on the night? Presumably if there are no spare berths there's nothing they can do. Also, if you're downgraded (i.e. have a first class ticket but get a standard class room) are you still entitled to other benefits of first class such as the priority lounge car access, the evening meal and having breakfast in the lounge?

Also, I've paid £15 in advance for an evening meal on the train. Do I get a reserved table/seat for this, or do I have to get my seat in the lounge as soon as the train is ready for boarding? Is there any way you can try and reserve a table? I can imagine, given the time of year, that this will be a sell-out train and that the lounge will be very busy. Do you show your ticket and booking confirmation to the staff so they know you've prepaid £15 towards your meal? Presumably, though, if I'm downgraded, I won't be entitled to this anyway.

 

[JModulo]

I'm slightly concerned, though, from reading this thread by the number of people with first class tickets who board the train to find they've been downgraded to a standard class berth with the possibility of sharing- does this happen often and why does it happen?

I believe it happens during the booking process. Sometimes it would appear to happen when the train is almost fully booked and the system can mis-allocate rooms. The coaches are usually set up in the same order, half 1st (solo), and half standard (twin). "Rooms" 1 to 6 are usually the 1st ones, so if that is on your reservation I imagine it will be ok.

What are the chances of it happening to me? I'd find it very awkward sharing one of those rooms for such a long journey. Is there any way of telling whether you've potentially been mis-allocated a standard berth?

As above, very slim if you have already booked your ticket and the reservation is as above.

Can the on-board staff do anything about it on the night? Presumably if there are no spare berths there's nothing they can do. Also, if you're downgraded (i.e. have a first class ticket but get a standard class room) are you still entitled to other benefits of first class such as the priority lounge car access, the evening meal and having breakfast in the lounge?

On the occasions that it has happened to me, I haven't had to share, however you are just allocated a twin room, sole use. Not much the staff can do if the train is fully booked however even if it isn't it took alot of explaining to (several) hosts about what the problem actually was. Everything else is still as normal, priority access, morning breakfast (if you end up with a standard room, make sure to state on the "menu" cards in the room that you are 1st class and entitled to it. The menus in standard rooms have prices beside them and also do not offer the full selection). The 1st class ticket does not entitle you to an evening meal, however you've already stated above you've paid for the £15 offer.

Also, I've paid £15 in advance for an evening meal on the train. Do I get a reserved table/seat for this, or do I have to get my seat in the lounge as soon as the train is ready for boarding? Is there any way you can try and reserve a table? I can imagine, given the time of year, that this will be a sell-out train and that the lounge will be very busy. Do you show your ticket and booking confirmation to the staff so they know you've prepaid £15 towards your meal? Presumably, though, if I'm downgraded, I won't be entitled to this anyway.

As far as I know (and with previous attempts of my own) a table / seat can only be reserved on the night when boarding / on the train. I usually head to my room, dump my stuff and go to the lounge and its usually ok. If its busy I head back to my room and return later when its quieter. On the occasions that I have used the £15 offer, I've just told this to the host serving me, and they deal with it (usually ask your Room/Coach). I can't see you being "downgraded", its just an issue sometimes with the berth allocations. You are still entitled to everything you get with a "1st" ticket, especially the £15 meal as you've paid extra on-top for that. Essentially all it is, is your 1st class "extras" in a standard class berth.

Hopefully that clears things up a bit for you.

 

[47271]

I'm travelling first class on the northbound Fort William sleeper (for the first time) on the night of Monday 25th June arriving Tuesday 26th, and am really looking forward to it. I'm slightly concerned, though, from reading this thread by the number of people with first class tickets who board the train to find they've been downgraded to a standard class berth with the possibility of sharing- does this happen often and why does it happen? What are the chances of it happening to me? I'd find it very awkward sharing one of those rooms for such a long journey. Is there any way of telling whether you've potentially been mis-allocated a standard berth? Can the on-board staff do anything about it on the night? Presumably if there are no spare berths there's nothing they can do. Also, if you're downgraded (i.e. have a first class ticket but get a standard class room) are you still entitled to other benefits of first class such as the priority lounge car access, the evening meal and having breakfast in the lounge?

Also, I've paid £15 in advance for an evening meal on the train. Do I get a reserved table/seat for this, or do I have to get my seat in the lounge as soon as the train is ready for boarding? Is there any way you can try and reserve a table? I can imagine, given the time of year, that this will be a sell-out train and that the lounge will be very busy. Do you show your ticket and booking confirmation to the staff so they know you've prepaid £15 towards your meal? Presumably, though, if I'm downgraded, I won't be entitled to this anyway.

The 'downgrades' happen because of confusion caused by recent reconfiguration of the mk3s combined with individual coaches taken out of service or out of sequence at the last minute. I have three contacts who are very regular First Class users of the Inverness section of the Highlander and it hasn't ever happened to them at all so the chances are pretty slim.

However, many times they've found themselves in a Standard Class cabin assured of no other occupants, and you of course entitled to all normal First Class benefits in this situation.

Prebooking should ensure you a reserved place in the lounge but if you're anxious about it make sure that you've checked in at 830pm and call in to see them on the way to your cabin. Even at this time of year the northbound Aberdeen/Fort William lounge is unlikely to be bursting at the seams on a Monday night.

 

[Scotrail84]

The 'downgrades' happen because of confusion caused by recent reconfiguration of the mk3s combined with individual coaches taken out of service or out of sequence at the last minute. I have three contacts who are very regular First Class users of the Inverness section of the Highlander and it hasn't ever happened to them at all so the chances are pretty slim.

However, many times they've found themselves in a Standard Class cabin assured of no other occupants, and you of course entitled to all normal First Class benefits in this situation.

Prebooking should ensure you a reserved place in the lounge but if you're anxious about it make sure that you've checked in at 830pm and call in to see them on the way to your cabin. Even at this time of year the northbound Aberdeen/Fort William lounge is unlikely to be bursting at the seams on a Monday night.

Pre booked meals are first come first served, the earlier you get there the more choice on the menu you have, as you know the menu is limited in regards to the amounts of each selection available.

 

[BRX]

I only ever travel in standard class, in which case I usually have an arrangement with my travelling companion that one of us legs it to the lounge car to grab a table while the other checks into the cabin. But usually there are already a few tables with 'reserved' on them so it must be that it's normal to be able to reserve a table in advance.

 

[Edward101]

I believe it happens during the booking process. Sometimes it would appear to happen when the train is almost fully booked and the system can mis-allocate rooms. The coaches are usually set up in the same order, half 1st (solo), and half standard (twin). "Rooms" 1 to 6 are usually the 1st ones, so if that is on your reservation I imagine it will be ok.

My reservation is for Coach G 03L so this might be right. I'll wait and see. I don't really mind there being two beds in the room as long as I'm not sharing with someone I don't know, I'd just find that too awkward and it would make me very, very anxious, which is the main reason why I booked first class, the rest I'm not that bothered about. I'll do as you suggested with the dinner and just get down there as soon as possible. Or can you ask your host for a reservation at a specific time?

For breakfast in the morning, so I can enjoy the West Highland scenery, am I able to arrange that in the lounge car with the host for my carriage? Presumably a table will be reserved for that, or will I just have to get down there early to bag the seat? Presumably there's a box I can tick on the menu card, or do I need to ask the host specifically? Would be an amazing thing to do on the West Highland line!

 

[Scotrail84]

I only ever travel in standard class, in which case I usually have an arrangement with my travelling companion that one of us legs it to the lounge car to grab a table while the other checks into the cabin. But usually there are already a few tables with 'reserved' on them so it must be that it's normal to be able to reserve a table in advance.

Std class get told its takeaway only if the lounge is very busy with first class or the option to come back later when its quieter, 1st class class and pre booked meals always get priority.

 

[Scotrail84]

My reservation is for Coach G 03L so this might be right. I'll wait and see. I don't really mind there being two beds in the room as long as I'm not sharing with someone I don't know, I'd just find that too awkward and it would make me very, very anxious, which is the main reason why I booked first class, the rest I'm not that bothered about. I'll do as you suggested with the dinner and just get down there as soon as possible. Or can you ask your host for a reservation at a specific time?

For breakfast in the morning, so I can enjoy the West Highland scenery, am I able to arrange that in the lounge car with the host for my carriage? Presumably a table will be reserved for that, or will I just have to get down there early to bag the seat? Presumably there's a box I can tick on the menu card, or do I need to ask the host specifically? Would be an amazing thing to do on the West Highland line!

There is an option to have your breakfast in the lounge and times you can pick, just tick the one you prefer before you hang it on your door handle, the only thing that could screw your trip is if the lounge car is gubbed like it is on tonights Ft William. You will be notified on the day of travel if there any problems with your trip though.

 

[47271]

My reservation is for Coach G 03L so this might be right. I'll wait and see. I don't really mind there being two beds in the room as long as I'm not sharing with someone I don't know, I'd just find that too awkward and it would make me very, very anxious, which is the main reason why I booked first class, the rest I'm not that bothered about. I'll do as you suggested with the dinner and just get down there as soon as possible. Or can you ask your host for a reservation at a specific time?

For breakfast in the morning, so I can enjoy the West Highland scenery, am I able to arrange that in the lounge car with the host for my carriage? Presumably a table will be reserved for that, or will I just have to get down there early to bag the seat? Presumably there's a box I can tick on the menu card, or do I need to ask the host specifically? Would be an amazing thing to do on the West Highland line!

They don't really do booked times in the lounge since it's difficult to predict when people will clear off to bed. But if you miss a slot ahead of departure then you should be able to get back in there around 1015-1030pm or so.

Just make sure that you're checked in and zooming down the platform at 830pm, it's by far the safest way to get what you want in the lounge.

Breakfast: Specify lounge on the door hanger when you book breakfast but also have a chat with them the night before to make sure that there's a place for you.

Bear in mind that it'll be light even before the train reaches Edinburgh at this time of year so, as long as you don't mind a short night's sleep, there's no harm in getting down to the lounge immediately on departure from Waverley.

 

[Edward101]

Breakfast: Specify lounge on the door hanger when you book breakfast but also have a chat with them the night before to make sure that there's a place for you.

Bear in mind that it'll be light even before the train reaches Edinburgh at this time of year so, as long as you don't mind a short night's sleep, there's no harm in getting down to the lounge immediately on departure from Waverley.

Oh right, I thought you'd have a tray laid out for you or something? Am I just imagining that (or being hopeful)? I swear I saw a picture someone took once of the lounge car laid out with breakfast trays with name labels on them? Was my romantic imagination running wild? Or is it, again, first come first served in the morning? I think I'd definitely want to speak to staff to see what they can do as I don't really fancy getting up at 5am (the train doesn't get to Loch Lomond till 7 so if possible I'd want to sleep till then, and enjoy the amazing scenery from say Garelochhead/Arrochar onwards). If they can't do anything I appreciate that, it's a very, very busy train and lots of people will want to do the same as I'm doing.

As for the pre-ordered meal, can you just go to the buffet counter at your leisure after departure and ask them to put it in a polystyrene tray for you to take back to your room? Or does health and safety preclude that with hot food? I don't mind doing that as long as I get some food; I don't particularly mind what I have as everything on the menu looks nice, even if it's just soup or a bacon roll. I only booked first class to avoid the awkwardness of sharing a room with someone I don't know, that alone is worth the extra money (I remember in the past there was a Caledonian Solo supplement which you could pay, where you had a standard class ticket but were guaranteed a private cabin, I'd just have bought this had this still been available). As I say, I'm not bothered massively about anything else, I thought I'd order the evening meal as I liked the sound of the food a lot, but don't really mind where I eat it. I was merely curious as to the possible extras you got with first class. Similarly in the morning I might just have the breakfast in the room at say 7.30 then find a window with a view somewhere. It'll still be a beautiful journey and it might be more relaxing that way, rather than running around like a headless chicken/a German tourist in a beach resort trying to bag seats.

If there are vacant seats, are you allowed just to sit in the seated coach to enjoy the views? I'm aware the cabin window is quite small. Or is that not allowed? (I appreciate they may want to keep the seats free for walk-up passengers between Edinburgh and Fort William, as I think it doubles as a day train from there?)

 

[47271]

Oh right, I thought you'd have a tray laid out for you or something? Am I just imagining that (or being hopeful)? I swear I saw a picture someone took once of the lounge car laid out with breakfast trays with name labels on them? Was my romantic imagination running wild? Or is it, again, first come first served in the morning? I think I'd definitely want to speak to staff to see what they can do as I don't really fancy getting up at 5am (the train doesn't get to Loch Lomond till 7 so if possible I'd want to sleep till then, and enjoy the amazing scenery from say Garelochhead/Arrochar onwards). If they can't do anything I appreciate that, it's a very, very busy train and lots of people will want to do the same as I'm doing.

As for the pre-ordered meal, can you just go to the buffet counter at your leisure after departure and ask them to put it in a polystyrene tray for you to take back to your room? Or does health and safety preclude that with hot food? I don't mind doing that as long as I get some food; I don't particularly mind what I have as everything on the menu looks nice, even if it's just soup or a bacon roll. I only booked first class to avoid the awkwardness of sharing a room with someone I don't know, that alone is worth the extra money (I remember in the past there was a Caledonian Solo supplement which you could pay, where you had a standard class ticket but were guaranteed a private cabin, I'd just have bought this had this still been available). As I say, I'm not bothered massively about anything else, I thought I'd order the evening meal as I liked the sound of the food a lot, but don't really mind where I eat it. I was merely curious as to the possible extras you got with first class. Similarly in the morning I might just have the breakfast in the room at say 7.30 then find a window with a view somewhere. It'll still be a beautiful journey and it might be more relaxing that way, rather than running around like a headless chicken/a German tourist in a beach resort trying to bag seats.

If there are vacant seats, are you allowed just to sit in the seated coach to enjoy the views? I'm aware the cabin window is quite small. Or is that not allowed? (I appreciate they may want to keep the seats free for walk-up passengers between Edinburgh and Fort William, as I think it doubles as a day train from there?)

Sorry, I wasn't being clear. They do lay out the lounge for breakfast and you should have a reserved place but you're best to make sure of it the night before. I was only suggesting that you got up super early to take in the (admittedly mixed) view from Edinburgh onwards, not just to dash down to the lounge before everyone does!

Not sure about hot food from the buffet counter or whether sleeper passengers can use the seated coach, but you should be okay with your first options without having to fall back on either of those.

You can enjoy the view from your compartment but remember that you'll only be able to see out of one side of the train.

 

[BRX]

Pretty sure you can take dinner back to your compartment if you want. After all if you buy food whilst in the seated coach you get it in a takeaway type container.

I don't reckon anyone would stop you sitting in the seats.

Regarding the scenery...I wouldn't bother getting up for the bit between edinburgh and glasgow; however it does start to get nice quite soon after leaving glasgow, ie. a bit before garelochead.

 

[James James]

My reservation is for Coach G 03L so this might be right. I'll wait and see. I don't really mind there being two beds in the room as long as I'm not sharing with someone I don't know, I'd just find that too awkward and it would make me very, very anxious, which is the main reason why I booked first class, the rest I'm not that bothered about. I'll do as you suggested with the dinner and just get down there as soon as possible. Or can you ask your host for a reservation at a specific time?

For breakfast in the morning, so I can enjoy the West Highland scenery, am I able to arrange that in the lounge car with the host for my carriage? Presumably a table will be reserved for that, or will I just have to get down there early to bag the seat? Presumably there's a box I can tick on the menu card, or do I need to ask the host specifically? Would be an amazing thing to do on the West Highland line!

I travelled recently (in first):
- For dinner: reservation wasn't available online when I booked, but I made sure to be one of the first people on board, and got myself a seat in the lounge. 3 tables did have reservations on them, I suppose they'd either booked before me, or called in to get the reservation (at least 2 of those tables seemed to be frequent travellers with some sort of aristocratic standing)
- For breakfast: there's a questionnaire in your cabin for breakfast time & meal selection, you can choose between lounge or cabin. You're supposed to hang this on your cabin door before departure, I didn't realise this but the host happened to be passing by after I returned from dinner and took my questionnaire. In the morning, there was a seat with my name on it in the lounge.

The scenery after Glasgow was rather nice, so I ended up hanging out on the sofas until my conservative breakfast time (I suppose I could've asked for it earlier, but I wasn't all that hungry earlier).

 

[paul1609]

I'm on the down West Highland tonight first time I've left from Platform 1 in ages bit of a jerky start. This is my final Garelochead commute.

 

[ScottDarg]

47727 collected 2 Mk.2s (1x lounge and 1x brake/seats) from Polmadie this morning and moved them to Bishop Auckland:

It then collected 2 Mk.2s (1x lounge and 1x brake/seats) that had been re-painted into Serco Caledonian Sleeper livery and moved them North to Polmadie:

 

[Scotrail84]

Posted earlier in the thread that the remaining MK2 coaches requiring overhaul would go to somewhere on the EC, to be fair I thought it was the weardale railway. 9497 is a day coach on long term hire and will normally only feature on the Ft William - Edinburgh - Ft William.

 

[gsnedders]

That… does not look like a frequently used bit of track! I'm always curious as to at what point do you start getting worried driving over plants! (OK, those mostly look pretty soft and moveable, but at some point you have to get concerned, right?)

 

[BRX]

47727 collected 2 Mk.2s (1x lounge and 1x brake/seats) from Polmadie this morning and moved them to Bishop Auckland:

It then collected 2 Mk.2s (1x lounge and 1x brake/seats) that had been re-painted into Serco Caledonian Sleeper livery and moved them North to Polmadie:

Interesting that they have bothered to repaint them, given that in theory they will only be in use for less than a year.