ChrisTheRef
Established Member
Just wondering if anyone has experience - good or bad - of travelling with them. I'm considering it, but with them being a small company, am slightly sceptical
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Personal Experience with Wrexham and Shrops
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Daimler
Member
I had a lovely experience with them last November - we went first class Marylebone to Shrewsbury. The train was freezing when we got on (I think the highest temperature that day outside was 2 degrees), but it warmed up to gorgeously toasty very quickly (it had obviously been left off overnight). After it had warmed up, the Mk3 was beautifully snug, and the full cooked breakfast with tea/coffee, toast, and orange juice went down a treat - all served in proper porcelain plates/cups - and, for once, that joy, a teapot! No need to keep asking for more every 5 minutes! The staff were friendly, the food was excellent, and the stock tidy (and proper coaching stock it is too) - there was only 1 other person in first class, but standard seemed pretty full.
I recommend them whole-heartedly!
I recommend them whole-heartedly!
I have travelled with them once, just from Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton (part of a day ranger with a friend who wanted me to go on one after he travelled to London on one and liked it)
We were in the standard accomodation, which has penty space, comfortable seats, and, if I remember rightly, all arranged round tables too (although I believe it is on lease while they have theirs redone) - either way its worth a try
We were in the standard accomodation, which has penty space, comfortable seats, and, if I remember rightly, all arranged round tables too (although I believe it is on lease while they have theirs redone) - either way its worth a try
snuk
Member
Travelled with Wrex and Shrops once from Wolverhampton to Telford on a West Midlands Day Ranger as I fancied my first loco/MK3 journey in about 10 years - unfortunately had to stand as there were no free seats in standard. But I've heard nothing but good things about them. Brought back happy memories of when I used to travel on Virgin CrossCountry 
:cry:
Steve.
:cry:Steve.
robert2000
Member
they would not let my friend on their service when he was coming back to chester from shrewsbury, surely wrexham is the changing point.
once i came back from birmingham via LM and changed at shrewsbury even though the holyhead train was 10 minutes behind me.
so WSMR are still not clear about their tickets.
once i came back from birmingham via LM and changed at shrewsbury even though the holyhead train was 10 minutes behind me.
so WSMR are still not clear about their tickets.
merlodlliw
Established Member
What ticket did your friend have? not sure about the changing point though,
why dont you ask WS, a responce usually arrives within the hour.
Anyhow for the thread starter, this is taken from North Wales Rail
website, dated the 13th June.
Wrexham and Shropshire blows its trumpet
Quote: Wrexham & Shropshire has redesigned its online ticket booking system to make it simpler and easier to use. For the first time, all single and return ticket options will be presented on one screen, along with information on ticket validity. The simplification is designed to complement Wrexham & Shropshire’s simplified fares, launched in March.
The redesigned ticket booking system is just the latest in a series of innovations designed to make train travel easier and simpler. These include:
a.. Enabling all tickets booked online to be printed at home or delivered by text message
b.. Introducing a simple flat fare valid on any train at any time of day
c.. Permitting tickets to be purchased on board at no extra cost
d.. Becoming the only train company to provide food freshly cooked on board every train.
I will of course be accused of being biased, but W/S in my 50 years of rail travel is the best TOC I have ever used.
1D53
Established Member
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- 2 Apr 2006
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Used them in April on the 0646 from Marylebone right through to Wrexham, fantastic.
37401
Established Member
Fantastic and brilliant, never had a bad word to say against them. the staff are always friendly and are always smiling, Great company
Daimler
Member
On a slightly different note, any news on their (year late, nearly) refurbished stock?
MCR247
Established Member
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- 7 Nov 2008
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- 10,292
summer hopefully apparantley
merlodlliw
Established Member
Andy Hamilton gave his now Annual talk & Q/A session a few weeks ago to SCRUA, he showed pictures of the new stock being prepared including the new cafe car. He also told us that the company in Stoke took on the
contract for refurb, but could not cope, they now have a new production Manager, the company as since been taken over by DB part owners of W/S.
When will the stock be ready, he did not say, but asssured us no half measures will be allowed, the cafe car was full of new gizmos,all coffee
will be freshly ground etc etc
Andy said his staff have seen the new refurbs.
Had 2 trips from Shrewsbury to Marylebone this year - each time a first coach was being used as Standard accommodation, so opted to use this!
Last time I used the buffet - the salad was freshly prepared with a proper china plate/cutlery etc & someone brought it directly to my seat.
main gripe is the 10:17 northbound has been withdrawn, so cannot use WS on outward journey (generally need to be in shropshire early afternoon), so had to go out Paddington/Newport (easy journey, much better than changing at Birmingham off euston services!) - just meant that couldn't use WS only tickets.
Journey time is not the quickest (mainly due to the slow line speed on chiltern route but I gather that chiltern are looking at improving this), but through service & comfort of the Mk3s make up for this.
you get a good tour of the west midlands round Birmingham!
Last time I used the buffet - the salad was freshly prepared with a proper china plate/cutlery etc & someone brought it directly to my seat.
main gripe is the 10:17 northbound has been withdrawn, so cannot use WS on outward journey (generally need to be in shropshire early afternoon), so had to go out Paddington/Newport (easy journey, much better than changing at Birmingham off euston services!) - just meant that couldn't use WS only tickets.
Journey time is not the quickest (mainly due to the slow line speed on chiltern route but I gather that chiltern are looking at improving this), but through service & comfort of the Mk3s make up for this.
you get a good tour of the west midlands round Birmingham!
I travelled on the 16.07 Ex Shrewsbury WSMR service on Monday.
I arrived at Shrewsbury at 15,50 to find the stock on platform 5 with the doors locked. Several people at this stage were tugging on the doors trying to get them open, The staff then turned up and could be seem putting reservations in coach B. The outside of the train was clean and smart but coach B was mysteriously marked as first and also a quiet coach despite being a standard class layout inside. Just under 10 mins to departure and the doors are released.
Climbing on board the interior can best be described as tired and it appears that the air conditioning isnt working in either of the standard coaches. Departure is on time but there have been no announcements and the old lady next to me is concerned as to whether the train calls at Wellington.
There follows a short announcement that introduces the train manager and says this is the WSMR service to London Marylebone but that's it.
On leaving Shrewsbury coach A is about 25% full and as both vestibule doors are broken and the droplights are open temperature quickly drops to a comfortable level. At Telford a few more passengers join but Cosford has only 1 passenger who buys a single to Wolverhampton.
We are more or less on time approaching Wolves but are then held at the signal protecting the junction with the WCML for about 7 mins. There is a further pause in Platform 4 and the driver can be seen on the platform talking on his mobile phone. A lot of people get off at wolves and on departure there are 41 standard passengers and no-one in First Class, I find the lack of First class passengers surprising as the website has said that First Advance was sold out a week ago.
At this stage I walk to the buffet expecting great things but reality strikes home. There is a choice of just 4 sandwiches or what looks to be pork pie.
We arrive at Tamebridge Parkway 12 mins late but nobody gets on or off. Then we start on a very slow magical mystery tour around Birmingham including an interesting pass through New Street platform 5 in the middle of the evening rush hour at 1 mph. Having passed through New Street I'm expecting us to do a right and join the Chiltern Line through Solihull but suddenly the 67 applies full power and off we head towards Coventry at high speed. This continues as far as International where we start getting yellows. We continue through Coventry and come to another lengthy halt at the end of the double track on the route to Leamington Spa. We should have been in Banbury about 5 mins ago but there has been no apology or explanation. A northbound WSMR comes off the single section and off we go again. Banbury is reached 34 mins late and about 10 passengers alight there.
I'm expecting serious pathing problems now but the truth is its all greens until just before Princes Risborough. Unfortunately we then lose more time until we pass a 165 in the loop at West Ruislip.
Finally we experience another couple of signal stops outside Marylebone and suffer the indignity of being overtaken by stopping Metroplitan tube trains. As we approach platform 1, 43 mins late there is an apology about the late arrival due to signalling problems and rerouting.
The train has already missed its departure northbound and there are about 25 passengers waiting to join.
I arrived at Shrewsbury at 15,50 to find the stock on platform 5 with the doors locked. Several people at this stage were tugging on the doors trying to get them open, The staff then turned up and could be seem putting reservations in coach B. The outside of the train was clean and smart but coach B was mysteriously marked as first and also a quiet coach despite being a standard class layout inside. Just under 10 mins to departure and the doors are released.
Climbing on board the interior can best be described as tired and it appears that the air conditioning isnt working in either of the standard coaches. Departure is on time but there have been no announcements and the old lady next to me is concerned as to whether the train calls at Wellington.
There follows a short announcement that introduces the train manager and says this is the WSMR service to London Marylebone but that's it.
On leaving Shrewsbury coach A is about 25% full and as both vestibule doors are broken and the droplights are open temperature quickly drops to a comfortable level. At Telford a few more passengers join but Cosford has only 1 passenger who buys a single to Wolverhampton.
We are more or less on time approaching Wolves but are then held at the signal protecting the junction with the WCML for about 7 mins. There is a further pause in Platform 4 and the driver can be seen on the platform talking on his mobile phone. A lot of people get off at wolves and on departure there are 41 standard passengers and no-one in First Class, I find the lack of First class passengers surprising as the website has said that First Advance was sold out a week ago.
At this stage I walk to the buffet expecting great things but reality strikes home. There is a choice of just 4 sandwiches or what looks to be pork pie.
We arrive at Tamebridge Parkway 12 mins late but nobody gets on or off. Then we start on a very slow magical mystery tour around Birmingham including an interesting pass through New Street platform 5 in the middle of the evening rush hour at 1 mph. Having passed through New Street I'm expecting us to do a right and join the Chiltern Line through Solihull but suddenly the 67 applies full power and off we head towards Coventry at high speed. This continues as far as International where we start getting yellows. We continue through Coventry and come to another lengthy halt at the end of the double track on the route to Leamington Spa. We should have been in Banbury about 5 mins ago but there has been no apology or explanation. A northbound WSMR comes off the single section and off we go again. Banbury is reached 34 mins late and about 10 passengers alight there.
I'm expecting serious pathing problems now but the truth is its all greens until just before Princes Risborough. Unfortunately we then lose more time until we pass a 165 in the loop at West Ruislip.
Finally we experience another couple of signal stops outside Marylebone and suffer the indignity of being overtaken by stopping Metroplitan tube trains. As we approach platform 1, 43 mins late there is an apology about the late arrival due to signalling problems and rerouting.
The train has already missed its departure northbound and there are about 25 passengers waiting to join.
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They are a good TOC with friendly staff although i traveled London to Wrexham using a £1 ticket each for me and my dad (an offer in Modern railway's). On the 06.45 train everything was fine until at Banbury we have to leave the train due to loco failure (the seat in the 67(013) wouldn't adjust to the requirements of a a new driver) the train is terminated. We got to Chester over 2 hours late after traveling Marylebone-Banbury Chiltern to Moor Street London Midland New St to Shrewsbury ATW to Crewe (after a ATW to Holyhead was canceled)and ATW to Chester, we were planing to go to Liverpool from Wrexham 
,we spent an hour in Chester before getting the 17.23 from Wrexham, which to London with no problems.
After speaking to W&S we got given complementary tickets about a month later on the same train and train manager as before, everything OK until between Banbury and Leamington Spa when the loco breaks down (67014). We are there for two hours (luckily the train was on a passing loop so Chiltern,XC and freight were able to pass, all of which i got good photos of from the Mk3 window and free food was given away from the buffet car credit to WSMR for this. A 67(029) came and took us to Leamington Spa where we got Cross Country to Wolves and a London Midland to shrewsbury where we choose to say. Again the trip home was fine. Every passenger wrote details down but i haven't got anything back but if i do London to Wrexham return three times for £1 isnt bad is it .
,we spent an hour in Chester before getting the 17.23 from Wrexham, which to London with no problems.After speaking to W&S we got given complementary tickets about a month later on the same train and train manager as before, everything OK until between Banbury and Leamington Spa when the loco breaks down (67014). We are there for two hours (luckily the train was on a passing loop so Chiltern,XC and freight were able to pass, all of which i got good photos of from the Mk3 window
and free food was given away from the buffet car credit to WSMR for this. A 67(029) came and took us to Leamington Spa where we got Cross Country to Wolves and a London Midland to shrewsbury where we choose to say. Again the trip home was fine. Every passenger wrote details down but i haven't got anything back but if i do London to Wrexham return three times for £1 isnt bad is it .
krus_aragon
Established Member
I travelled with WSMR for the first time on Tuesday, on the homeward leg of a day out in London with two friends. As I live in the North Wales coast, I had to buy two separate tickets in order to travel via Wrexham (Routeing guide says I should go via Crewe and the WCML). The WSMR ticket was a First Class Advance, at ~£36 each with a railcard, then a standard ticket from Wrexham to Colwyn Bay to get the rest of the way home. This was the first time any of us had travelled first class, and only the second time I'd traveled in a 'proper' engine and coaches mainline train.
The train was stood waiting for us at Marylebone when we arrived a few minutes before the 20:03 departure. I was slightly confused to find a first class carriage directly behind the Class 67 (instead of the nice quiet DVT) but it turned out to be declassified to standard class. Ours was at the far end. The train staff appear to lay out one set of crockery etc. for every two seats, so our three reservations were spread over two tables until I rearranged them. A first round of drinks was served as we set off, even before anyone asked for our tickets.
The carriage was one of their loaners, but I found it to be in good condition, and was very happy with the environs. Slightly retro, but homely. One of my friends expressed disbelief when I told him that the carriage was only a stopgap, but do remember that we're not seasoned first class travellers! Two other individuals were travelling in first class, both left the train in Shropshire.
A menu was at the table, but our train manager/waitress/insert title here informed us that it wasn't the up to date one. She discussed the starters and main courses available, and took our orders to the kitchen. We had a mountain of bread rolls between us to go with our soup, and each of us enjoyed the main courses we chose.
We weren't initially offered any deserts (at least not before I asked after them), but we each received a slice of cheesecake. The example menu I'd seen online beforehand suggested that there was a small charge for the third course, but we weren't asked to pay. My main complaint would be that the staff weren't always prompt about collecting our empty dishes.
A third round of drinks was offered after Shrewsbury, as we made our way toward Wrexham General, pulling in on time. Sadly, our connecting service to Chester was advertised 16 minutes late, giving a very tight connection for the last train down the coast. Bad news turned to worse as the estimate was revised to 33 minutes late: no way would the coast train be held *that* long for us. At that point, the WSMR driver who'd brought us as far as Wrexham called across the platform to ask us of our predicament. Fortunately, he resides in Chester and gave the three of us a lift to Chester Station, getting us there two minutes before the coast train left (on time). He saved us from a forty mile journey cooped up in the back of a cab, as well as a very expensive taxi fare for Arriva!
All in all, I'll choose to travel with WSMR again if heading down to London, and probably first class with advance tickets at those prices.
P.S. The driver mentioned that they hope to get their first rake of new coaches within six weeks or so.
The train was stood waiting for us at Marylebone when we arrived a few minutes before the 20:03 departure. I was slightly confused to find a first class carriage directly behind the Class 67 (instead of the nice quiet DVT) but it turned out to be declassified to standard class. Ours was at the far end. The train staff appear to lay out one set of crockery etc. for every two seats, so our three reservations were spread over two tables until I rearranged them. A first round of drinks was served as we set off, even before anyone asked for our tickets.
The carriage was one of their loaners, but I found it to be in good condition, and was very happy with the environs. Slightly retro, but homely. One of my friends expressed disbelief when I told him that the carriage was only a stopgap, but do remember that we're not seasoned first class travellers! Two other individuals were travelling in first class, both left the train in Shropshire.
A menu was at the table, but our train manager/waitress/insert title here informed us that it wasn't the up to date one. She discussed the starters and main courses available, and took our orders to the kitchen. We had a mountain of bread rolls between us to go with our soup, and each of us enjoyed the main courses we chose.
We weren't initially offered any deserts (at least not before I asked after them), but we each received a slice of cheesecake. The example menu I'd seen online beforehand suggested that there was a small charge for the third course, but we weren't asked to pay. My main complaint would be that the staff weren't always prompt about collecting our empty dishes.
A third round of drinks was offered after Shrewsbury, as we made our way toward Wrexham General, pulling in on time. Sadly, our connecting service to Chester was advertised 16 minutes late, giving a very tight connection for the last train down the coast. Bad news turned to worse as the estimate was revised to 33 minutes late: no way would the coast train be held *that* long for us. At that point, the WSMR driver who'd brought us as far as Wrexham called across the platform to ask us of our predicament. Fortunately, he resides in Chester and gave the three of us a lift to Chester Station, getting us there two minutes before the coast train left (on time). He saved us from a forty mile journey cooped up in the back of a cab, as well as a very expensive taxi fare for Arriva!
All in all, I'll choose to travel with WSMR again if heading down to London, and probably first class with advance tickets at those prices.
P.S. The driver mentioned that they hope to get their first rake of new coaches within six weeks or so.
rail-britain
Established Member
- Joined
- 12 Aug 2007
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- 4,102
I am travelling on their service for a service review :
Tuesday 23 June 2009 :
06:45 London Marylebone - Wrexham General : WSR
Full details will appear at page (currently inactive) :
http://www.rail-britain.co.uk/wordpress/?page_id=37
So far the main issue has been getting a seat reservation
I was unable to perform this at Glasgow Central, the service could not be found
On a second attempt the service was found, but we couldn't figure out the seat plan
Contacting WSR proved fruitless, refusing to release a copy of the seat plans (usual excuse)
Tuesday 23 June 2009 :
06:45 London Marylebone - Wrexham General : WSR
Full details will appear at page (currently inactive) :
http://www.rail-britain.co.uk/wordpress/?page_id=37
So far the main issue has been getting a seat reservation
I was unable to perform this at Glasgow Central, the service could not be found
On a second attempt the service was found, but we couldn't figure out the seat plan
Contacting WSR proved fruitless, refusing to release a copy of the seat plans (usual excuse)
can you provide more details about this please?
rail-britain
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Yes, there seem to be quite a few reports of customers not being permitted to make "short" journeys
I have asked Julie at WSR to provide a copy of the policy...
I have asked Julie at WSR to provide a copy of the policy...
merlodlliw
Established Member
I did tell the person to send an e mail to Banbury last week, where are these few reports I am not aware of them on this site? that single lone one was over a week ago
rail-britain
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I receive them by email (general rail enquiries)
merlodlliw
Established Member
Ill take your word for it then, with such an excellent responce service at W/S
it amazes me the public moans to third partys and not to the Company, I say this with all respect to you.
Anyhow enjoy your trip to Wrexham.
rail-britain
Established Member
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The main reason I sometimes receive such emails is that a passenger has had a poor or no response from the relevant TOC, or in some cases they are even unsure which one to contact
As always, I remain completely impartial and it is this part of the process people like
Sadly it's knowing about knowing who or where to contact, to get a more efficient and "correct" response
Equally, in some cases the irate passenger has no grounds to complain...
The poorest responses, at the moment, are about East Midlands Trains
Complaints seem to be concerning just about everything!
merlodlliw
Established Member
fair enough
rail-britain
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This was completed today, 67015 was the locomotive
I can see why people are asking when the "new" coaches are due, the RFM was showing it's age with signs of wear and tear, including many parts missing
merlodlliw
Established Member
I look forward to reading your report, pls tell us when its up and running,was the rolling stock that bad? could be we are so used to ATW, so anything is better.
rail-britain
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Full details will appear at page :
http://www.rail-britain.co.uk/wordpress/?page_id=37
The original post was edited yesterday
The rolling stock is at the stage where it now needs refurbishment
On the set I was on, the FO had numerous faults :
no working vestibule doors
one of the toilet seats was missing
the lights in the other toilet were not working
numerous Virgin Trains safety signs
The TSO was in general good condition, but the seat trims were clearly worn and the carpet was heavily stained
The RFM had a panel missing off the galley walkway, most of the seats would not recline and had parts missing, and again the seat trims were badly worn
The seat I was in would not recline, so I swapped to the seat at the table opposite, it also would not recline but the trim was in better condition
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