Roversfan's adventures

[roversfan2001]

Thought I might as well start my trip report thread, should be a report here Sunday/Monday from a trip I'm undertaking tomorrow.

 

[Kite159]

Have a good trip

 

[roversfan2001]

Have a good trip

Thanks Got about 3 and a half hours of VTWC Weekend First to look forward to

 

[Techniquest]

Sounds promising, that's for sure!

 

[roversfan2001]

Trip 1: A (Weekend) First Class Day (Sunday 23rd October 2016)

The night before this trip was far from ideal preparation for my first real long-distance marathon trip as I didn’t sleep at all because I was planning the trip out! Once 8am rolled around, and after I'd attempted to get a solid answer to any question made to Virgin's Twitter account, it was time to get up and get ready for the day ahead.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw that the train to Preston was cancelled, and then I remembered I altered my plan so I went to Wigan North Western before catching the VT. Knowing my train to Wigan wasn't until 0931, I drank my cuppa while watching TV before setting off to Leyland at around 9am; ready for the biggest challenge of the day - getting Leyland ticket office to sell anything more than a point-to-point ticket! Surprisingly, they managed to sell me a West Midlands Day Ranger with ease, but refused to sell me the Weekend First upgrades that Virgin had told me are available at stations... :roll: Oh well, I had 25 minutes at Wigan for me to go and try to get them.

As it was a Sunday, the 319s didn't venture up to Preston, and the Liverpool service was run by DMUs. 142053 was the diesel to carry me the short distance to Wigan North Western. We left Leyland 1 minute late at 0932, but barring a nightmare, this wouldn't affect my connection onwards to Rugby. The unit was well filled but I found myself a seat towards the rear of the front carriage. The ride on the Pacer was as bouncy as I was used to on the East Lancashire Line, possibly even more as it reached its 75mph top speed on the 110mph stretch between Euxton Balshaw Lane and Wigan.
We arrived 1 minute late at Wigan (0947) and I promptly made my way to the ticket office to buy Weekend First upgrades for the train to Rugby and then from Coventry back up to Wigan. Here I was told the exact same as I was at Leyland, to buy them on board the trains I would be travelling on; completely contradicting the advice given to me by Virgin's Twitter account.

Anyway, I made my way back up to platform 4, awaiting the arrival of the 1009 to London Euston, which I would alight at Rugby as I was the furthest south I could go on that train using the West Mids Day Ranger. While I had a spare 15 minutes I went over to the bay platforms to see what was in there. In Platform 2, 150144 was stood, having presumably stabled there overnight.
Arriving 12 minutes late at 1021 was the 9 coach Pendolino 390020. A last minute platform alteration into platform 1 (!?) meant the end 2 coaches (First Class Coaches J and K, as the set was in reverse formation) were off the end of the platform. About 10 minutes after we left the trolley came round and I got some orange juice, a cup of tea, a banana and a panettone.

About halfway between Warrington and Crewe the TM came and sold me the upgrade, however he charged me £7.50 for a Preston to Rugby upgrade, even though I got on at Wigan. I had confirmed with Virgin before I left home that the upgrade was £5, so told the TM that he had made a mistake, to which he replied it was the same from Wigan, and even Warrington, anyway…:roll:. After yet another exchange with the Twitter team, the TM sent me down to the shop, 4 coaches from where I was sat, to get the £2.50 back as he had no change. The shop attendant told me that he needed confirmation from the TM (understandably), so I had to stand around near the shop while the shop attendant rang the TM to confirm that I was sent by him. For this leg of the journey, I was impressed with the First Class section of it, just not the way I was upgraded to it (I will be complaining to Virgin as I was still short changed by 20p in the initial transaction and I don’t think it should be my job to get change if the TM has none.

Moving on, I arrived at Rugby 5 minutes late at 1137 and I waited for the train to take me to Coventry, where I would meet my uncle to catch up over lunch. I was told by fishquinn just before I arrived at Rugby that it isn't the most exciting place to spend 35 minutes, and boy was he right. After a quick toilet break as soon as I left the train, I watched 390020 leave, bound for Milton Keynes and Euston. Before long I made my way to platform 1 and waited for the London Euston to Wolverhampton Virgin service that would take me 8 minutes further down the line at Coventry. Luckily, the WiFi at Rugby actually worked, unlike at Wigan, so I sat down in the waiting room next to P1 and continued listening to my 90s Alternative/Indie (with a bit of Courteeners thrown in for good measure) Spotify playlist that I had been listening to since I first connected to Virgin Wi-Fi about 30 seconds after I boarded the train . While I was stood on Platform 1, 350118 rolled into P2 on a Euston-Crewe service. In my opinion the 350s are brilliant commuter units, it's just a shame TP (and to a lesser extent LM) are using them on an inter-city route (or as an inter-city service), where they are wholly inadequate. Shortly after the Desiro left for Crewe, 11 coach Pendolino ‘Virgin Ambassador’ 390151 came in on the same platform with a Glasgow Central service, via the Trent Valley. At 1211, ‘Virgin Soldiers’ 390046 arrived and was my ride to Coventry. As the train was fairly full and it was only an 8 minute journey to Cov, I stood in the Coach F vestibule, where a few other people were also stood.

I arrived in Coventry at 1222 and met my uncle outside the station. We went out for lunch and went to Tesco then he dropped me back off at Cov in time for the 1425 CrossCountry service to Bournemouth, that I took to Leamington Spa to get my first taste of CrossCountry and therefore the dreaded Voyagers too (as I’ve had 390’s on every VT I’ve been on, luckily). I have heard mixed reactions to the Voyagers, so was excited to finally see what the fuss is about now that I’d have this train to Leam, and a train to New Street (that I thought was via Tyseley, but it was via Cov ) both being Voyagers.

At 1426, 220012 arrived on Platform 2 at Coventry, and I had to stand in a vestibule for the 11 minute journey. At 1438 we arrived at Leam and I dashed under the station subway and up the other set of stairs just as 220026 pulled into Platform 2 at 1442 on its way to Newcastle, which I would alight at New Street. I found myself a airline style seat, which to my surprise had a plug socket! The journey was rather dull, and I was certainly feeling the effects of my lack of sleep the previous night. We arrived at New Street at 1514 and I headed to the ticket office to try to purchase my final First Class upgrade so I could use the lounge until my train up to Wigan arrived at 1609 (departing 1615).

I was directed to the main ticket office (that had a very large queue). After about 10 minutes I was called up to a counter and asked for the upgrade, and for the 3rd time today, refused it and told to buy on board, and therefore I missed out on entry to the 1st class lounge for the 40 minute wait for the 1615 to Edinburgh, where I would alight at Wigan. Instead of relaxing in the lounge, I went to Boots and picked up some flavoured water for 75p and a short dated tuna crunch sub for 50p, I then descended into the dark, gloomy platform area and found an empty bench on Platform 6a. What with New Street being a busy station and me waiting for 30 minutes for my train, I saw a lot of units and locos pass. The highlight of this was 68003 hauling 'The Northern Belle' through Platform 6. Because of the appalling lighting at platform level I didn't even attempt to take a picture of it as it wouldn't be of a good quality as my phone camera isn't the best in light conditions, never mind dark.
Soon enough the Edinburgh train, formed of 9 coach Pendolino 390039, rolled in at 1611 and I found a seat in 1st class (coach K seat 12) and waited for the TM to upgrade me. Just before Wolverhampton he came round and did the upgrade easily and with a smile on his face, far better customer service than the TM on my WHN-RUG leg. I was offered a ham and egg sandwich and the usual chocolate biscuit and pretzels, plus a 250ml can of Pepsi. I had never had the sandwich before (in my whopping 3 previous First Class journeys ) so I was excited to see what it tasted like. My personal opinion on it is that the snack box that is usually offered is far superior to it, but I suppose I'm a fussy eater.

At Crewe another round of food and drinks were served, and I elected to go for a snack box, along with the customary chocolate and pretzels, as well as another Pepsi. By Warrington it was clear that I wasn't going to make the -5 connection I had at Wigan to get home so I had to put up with a 53 minute wait, with no Wi-Fi either, as the Wi-Fi at Wigan doesn't seem to want to work with my phone. Once I arrived at Wigan at 1735, I went in to the waiting room between platforms 5 and 6, plugged my phone in, and guess what - the Wi-Fi actually worked! It was still a long time until my train back home (damn you Sunday timetables!) so I just had to wait it out. As an aside, 150144 was still in platform 2, having presumably remained unmoved all day - seems an odd place to stable a unit. At about 1820, 150134 joined her fellow Sprinter in the bay platforms - this one in platform 3.
Eventually the 1831 to Blackpool North arrived, formed of 150143+142051 and as the Sprinter was quite full I took a seat in the almost empty Pacer (even normals hate it, clearly ). The train departed slightly late at 1835 and kept this 4 minute delay until at least Leyland, where I alighted at 1852 to finish a brilliant day.
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Well that's it! There are a few pictures that I will add on as soon as I figure out the easiest way to . As this whole report thing is new to me, I'm not sure how good that is, any feedback is much appreciated.

 

[FQ]

A brilliant, informative first report! Shame about the ticket offices not issuing the upgrade, especially at New Street - not getting into the lounge must have been annoying. The TM on your train to Rugby doesn't sound like the most helpful person, that's for sure! At least you had Wi-Fi while waiting at Rugby (and, obviously Wigan in the evening - a 53-minute fester there most certainly wouldn't be fun!).

I certainly agree with you regarding dezes - they're most certainly not suitable for long distance stuff.

Finally, to end on a low note, I can't believe you went for not one UHT but 2! You're absolutely crazy and I can't believe you didn't just wait at Leamington for the Chiltern not long behind! Also, sitting in the pacer instead of the 150 back from Wigan should be against the railway bylaws .

 

[cactustwirly]

A brilliant, informative first report! Shame about the ticket offices not issuing the upgrade, especially at New Street - not getting into the lounge must have been annoying. The TM on your train to Rugby doesn't sound like the most helpful person, that's for sure! At least you had Wi-Fi while waiting at Rugby (and, obviously Wigan in the evening - a 53-minute fester there most certainly wouldn't be fun!).

I certainly agree with you regarding dezes - they're most certainly not suitable for long distance stuff.

Finally, to end on a low note, I can't believe you went for not one UHT but 2! You're absolutely crazy and I can't believe you didn't just wait at Leamington for the Chiltern not long behind! Also, sitting in the pacer instead of the 150 back from Wigan should be against the railway bylaws .

Because a Voyager is better than Chiltern's glorified commuter trains (unless it's a 68)

Anyway sounds like a good trip, what did you think of the 220s?

 

[roversfan2001]

A brilliant, informative first report! Shame about the ticket offices not issuing the upgrade, especially at New Street - not getting into the lounge must have been annoying. The TM on your train to Rugby doesn't sound like the most helpful person, that's for sure! At least you had Wi-Fi while waiting at Rugby (and, obviously Wigan in the evening - a 53-minute fester there most certainly wouldn't be fun!).

I certainly agree with you regarding dezes - they're most certainly not suitable for long distance stuff.

Thanks

Finally, to end on a low note, I can't believe you went for not one UHT but 2! You're absolutely crazy and I can't believe you didn't just wait at Leamington for the Chiltern not long behind! Also, sitting in the pacer instead of the 150 back from Wigan should be against the railway bylaws .

I'd never been on a 220/221 before so wanted to try it. As I was alone I didn't fancy the Moor Street/Snow Hill to New Street walk, so took the Voyager back too. In hindsight, I'd have been better off avoiding them altogether and waiting for the 1442 from Coventry to Wigan, and getting home an hour earlier.
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Anyway sounds like a good trip, what did you think of the 220s?

They were alright, I was stood in a crowded vestibule from Cov to Leam (not a surprise so didn't have the best first impression; the journey back to New St from Leam was alright though, the seats are comfy and there are plugs at airline seats so can't complain!

 

[dave87016]

Sounds like a good day was had, I quite like LM 172's they are comfy and a nice ride. well typed report, decent haulage, I cant stand vommiters ( sorry voyagers )

 

[Cowley]

That was a very good read. Thanks for posting it

 

[roversfan2001]

Sounds like a good day was had, I quite like LM 172's they are comfy and a nice ride. well typed report, decent haulage, I cant stand vommiters ( sorry voyagers )

The only time I've been on an LM 172 was Bordesley to Moor Street, when I stood in a vestibule as the train was rammed after the football!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

That was a very good read. Thanks for posting it

Thanks!

 

[Kite159]

A nice little day out, bar issues with FC tickets not being able to purchased before boarding

 

[Techniquest]

Welcome to the trip reporting community!

A well written piece there, not the best of experiences on Virgin sadly. You wait until you've been on a Voyager for hours upon hours...

 

[roversfan2001]

Welcome to the trip reporting community!

A well written piece there, not the best of experiences on Virgin sadly. You wait until you've been on a Voyager for hours upon hours...

Thank you

Hopefully I won't have to, from what I've observed from spending hours on end on a railway bridge, Virgin only tend to run Pendo's up to Preston/Wigan frequently on Sundays, with very few during the week.

 

[Segedunum]

Sounds like an excellent day, and i'm jealous of the first class experience, even if it was given to you rather haphazardly.

I was however screaming at my screen when it seems that you had 142051 and 142053 on the same day, ie my 2 remaining Miseryfail Pacers

As for the Voyagers, i've survived Newcastle to Birmingham New Street numerous times on them, they're fine if you have space to yourself!

 

[roversfan2001]

I'm going on a trip tomorrow, very similar to Sunday's though. Should have the report up on Saturday.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Trip 2: Loophole Tickets! (Friday 28th October 2016)

So, 5 days later and I'm back on the rails, with something slightly different, and much more risky... Using a loophole ticket! As my school finished for half term on Thursday, and my friends didn't finish til Friday, this coupled with the fact that I have to use this particular loophole next Saturday anyway, made it an opportunity I couldn't resist.

I set my alarm for 8.55am, hoping to be ready for the 0927 to Hazel Grove. After I hauled myself out of bed at 5 past 9, I got changed quickly, had a quick drink, and left the house just before 9.15, hoping Leyland station would sell me the GM Rail Ranger, after refusing to sell me the Wayfarer in July. As it happened, they sold me the Ranger fine, but struggled to understand NRCoT Condition 14.2; so I ended up with a ticket to Horwich before splitting onto the Ranger, rather than Blackrod. The loophole ticket was still left unbought though, I'll leave it to Manchester Piccadilly to sell me that.

4 minutes late, at 0931, 150114+150116 came from under the road bridge at Platform 4 and were the units taking me to Piccadilly. I sat myself in an empty bay in the rear unit and listened to music for the 45 minute journey to Man Picc. The journey itself was quite dull, although the Guard didn't seem to notice I was on a technically invalid ticket (CDR not valid until 0929, train timed to depart at 0927); not that I was complaining though, obviously!

After being 2 or 3 down for most of the journey, we arrived in Piccadilly 5 minutes late at 1023, leaving me a tad over 20 minutes to buy the last ticket I needed. After I bought the ticket from a TVM at Picc, I waited on Platform 9 for the first risky journey of the day, in which 323224 would (hopefully) be carrying me all the way to Crewe.

The journey itself was quite interesting as I had never covered this line before, a few people got on at each stop, but as expected for 11am on a Friday, the train was nowhere near full. As Virgin Trains were being due to problems in the Trent Valley, the VT that was meant to be 9 minutes ahead of us at WML was there as we pulled in, and as it was an express, got priority over us so we were held at Wilmslow for 4 minutes so the Pendo could remain ahead of us.

After Alderley Edge the train sped up considerably, obviously as this stretch of track was used by Pendolinos regularly it had a high line speed. We sped on through the countryside, stopping at Holmes Chapel and Sandbach, before arriving into Crewe on time at 1146.

The guard didn't make an appearance throughout the journey which I was quite surprised at, and it also meant I had no problems on what I expected to be the most difficult section of the day.

It was a quick walk to Platform 5, letting a London Midland 350 go in the hope that the VT would be a Pendo. Unfortunately, it wasn't, as I found out from the PIS. On the bright side, I had never been on a 221 before so it was something to look forward to.

Arriving slightly late at 1200, 221104 came into platform 5 ready to take me to Birmingham New Street. The train was well filled for a Friday lunchtime, but I found myself a seat in Coach D, meaning I had a table so could charge my phone, combined with my Wi-Fi code that I got from Virgin Red, made this experience very similar to Weekend First! As I hadn't eaten all day and only had 10 minutes at New Street, I headed for the shop to see what was available. Well, that was until an announcement was made that the shop had closed for a crew change and wouldn't reopen until after Wolverhampton.

The rumble of the underfloor engines didn't really bother me as I'm used to diesel traction with Northern. As we arrived into Wolves on time, we waited for the entire timetabled 13 minutes here. As I only left myself 10 minutes at New Street, I kept an eye on RTT to see our arrival time at BHM. As RTT said my train back up north was planned to arrive on 6B, I made the assumption that it would be yet another single Super Voyager.

I ran round to Platform 6b, expecting the Voyager to be there already. It was however delayed somehow between Birmingham International and New Street so 221116 arrived at 1316, departing a couple of minutes later. It was very busy so I wasn't expecting to get a seat, but I managed to find a seat in Coach D again, meaning I could charge my phone up to 100% for my journey home the long way round. I made the very short walk over to the shop and bought a Chicken and Bacon sandwich and a Coke for £4.50. Not the best prices, but as it was the first thing I'd have eaten all day I was willing to stomach it.

Now for the first interesting part, about 10 minutes after Wolves, the TM came to check tickets and refused to believe the ticket was valid. I presented the maps and explained the route taken; and the TM said "I don't know how you've got away with that" and continued to check tickets down the train. First problem, first win.

We arrived at Crewe at 1408, only slightly late. I decided to give the delayed 1411 Pendolino a miss as I couldn't be bothered with any more hassle than what could happen on the 1434 Northern service to Manchester Oxford Road (formed of a Class 323 that I forgot to take the number of ), which I alighted at Manchester Airport to get around the GM Rail Ranger evening peak restrictions (that will be explained shortly). A ticket check was performed while arriving at Sandbach and this guard had no problems with my tickets, thankfully. The journey itself was nothing special, having already covered this line 4 hours before. One thing I did notice was how smooth the ride is on a 323, much better than most diesel units I've been on.

We arrived on time at platform 1a of the Airport at 1504 and I enjoyed the last bit of Wi-Fi I'd have until I got home, which wasn't til after 5. Before long the 1529 service to Blackpool North arrived, also at platform 1 and I boarded. As this is an ex-TPE service it doesn't stop at Leyland, so I had a choice of alighting at either Horwich, Chorley or Buckshaw Parkway to continue onto Leyland. It's possible to change at Piccadilly, Oxford Road, Salford Crescent and Bolton too; however in that scenario I would have to purchase a new ticket to Horwich as the GM Rail Ranger does not permit boarding a train between 1600 and 1829, but does permit staying on the train if boarded before 1600, which is why I changed at MIA and not MAN or MCO.

The journey on 156443 was distinctly average, but as I joined at the origin I could easily get a table seat; and the ticket check passed swimmingly as I was now on 100% undoubtedly valid tickets. After being delayed by a red signal just outside Piccadilly, we remained roughly 8 minutes late throughout, leaving me with just other 10 minutes at Chorley, where I took some pictures of the work that's going on in the project to electrify the Preston to Manchester Line between Euxton Junction and Ordsall Lane Junction.

The 8 minute delay meant we arrived at Chorley (at the temporary platform) at 1630 which meant I had 12 minutes until the stopper to Leyland. After a few pictures were taken showing the difference from last time I was at Chorley to now, I waited for the 1642 to Blackpool North formed of 150115+???, which arrived at 1643 and departed 3 late at 1645. I stood in a vestibule for the short hop to Leyland, where I arrived to finish off the day at 1653.

Overall it was a fun day, with the only downside being the TM from New Street to Crewe refusing to believe my ticket was valid, but letting me continue anyway, which doesn't really add up but hey ho, some people are stubborn, myself included.
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And another trip done! I don't think this write-up is as good at my last one, and obviously I'm still open to any feedback as I'm new to the trip reporting scene.

With a bit of luck I should be using this loophole again next weekend but on a slightly different route so there should be another report then if you guys want.

 

[dave87016]

No problem at all. Some people manage to make the reader think they are on the journey with you when reading reports and you fall into that category another throughly enjoyable read

 

[cactustwirly]

Sounds like you had a good trip! I've just been to Birmingham today

 

[Techniquest]

I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see if you'd clear the ticket check on the Virgin run, so you've clearly done well with your trip reporting!

A nice and easy day there, but ouch to the lack of food in the morning. Not fun going on a day out on the rails with a raging stomach!

 

[FQ]

I was also in Birmingham today Cactus!

The report was really good - I don't see what you were worried about! Shame about the 221s though - I can't believe you went for them!

 

[roversfan2001]

I was also in Birmingham today Cactus!

The report was really good - I don't see what you were worried about! Shame about the 221s though - I can't believe you went for them!

Believe me, the Voyager's weren't intentional! If I wasn't hampered by the evening peak restrictions on the Rail Ranger I'd have waited for the next one!

Sent from my HTC Desire 530 using Tapatalk

 

[Kite159]

Sounded like a good day, vote voyager over 390

 

[55013]

Choosing between a Voyager and a Pendolino is like choosing between being punched or kicked, neither has much appeal
Anyway, a couple of good reports, welcome to the trip writing community.
Just one thing, maybe I'm missing something but what exactly was this dubious ticket?
I've read it through three times and can't seem to find it.

 

[FQ]

Just one thing, maybe I'm missing something but what exactly was this dubious ticket?
I've read it through three times and can't seem to find it.

Roversfan has chosen not to put it in as it could easily be closed down if found out. If you want I could send you a PM as I know it?

 

[55013]

Ah, makes sense.
Thanks, no need to let me know what it was I was just confused (it easily happens )

 

[roversfan2001]

I know I've not posted a report in a while, should have one up shortly from Saturday's trip.

Thought I'd ask this question here instead of opening a new thread as it's a small question, but what food/drink am I likely to receive in First Class on the 1258 PRE-EUS on the 5th January? I'll be with my dad too so any details on free booze is also appreciated

 

[roversfan2001]

Sorry for a complete lack of reports recently, exams have taken over my life over the part few weeks. I should have a few trip reports written up over the next couple of weeks now it's the holidays.

Sent from my HTC Desire 530 using Tapatalk

 

[roversfan2001]

A trip to see the football - Saturday 26th November 2016

4 weeks later and I'm back on another trip; I must be giving off the impression that I think the West Midlands is a brilliant place by now, as I'm heading to Coventry (once again) to sample some lower league football (before Rovers are there next season ).

Anyway, as I decided to go via Liverpool this time, and because I can't resist taking advantage of cheap Advances, I was booked onto the 0904 from Liverpool Lime Street to Wolverhampton. What I didn't quite realise at the time was that meant I had to be up at 6.30 to catch the 0735 from Leyland. I must be a heavy sleeper as I slept through all but one of my alarms, leaving me half an hour to get ready before I had to leave to go to the station. The usual things were done before I left the house at 7.15, to a night sky with the ground being frosty and slippy underfoot (how Christmassy!). I ended up waiting on Platform 2 for 20 minutes before 319353 turned up 3 minutes late to take me to Liverpool.

The journey was rather uneventful, the information system being as irritating as it normally is, with heavy fog descending on us after Wigan. We arrived into Lime Street on time and I looked around for a shop to buy some food from, after hardly eating anything before leaving the house. I decided that the £3.29 deal in Boots was the best, and I made sure I got my money's worth, buying a chicken triple, an Innocent Energize smoothie and some carrot cake, saving £3.51 in the process.

Before long, 350253 showed up on Platform 6, ready to return to Birmingham New Street, although I would alight at Wolves because first class fares in the West Midlands are dirt cheap. I sat down in a bay of 4 (with no table ) in the front coach and was disappointed when there were no plug sockets, my battery having been depleted quite rapidly in the 2 hours since I left the house. The train did fill up quite a bit throughout the journey, with the vestibules fairly full by Penkridge. We were delayed at Crewe for a couple of minutes so arrived at Wolves 3 minutes late at 1030.

A quick change over to Platform 3 (from 4) and 221102 and another 221 (that I didn't catch the number of) were shortly arriving to take me to New Street. My reserved seat was taken but there was a free seat at the end of Coach L instead so I sat in that. The trolley didn't come down at all between Wolves and New Street (unsurprisingly) and we arrived in Birmingham about 5 minutes late. I spent about half an hour in the first class lounge and had a small can of Pepsi Max and a few nibbles before leaving the station and going shopping for a few Christmas presents for family.

I arrived back at New Street in time to catch the 1230 to Euston, formed of 390039. As my seat reservation was for the train in 20 minutes time I looked for a seat as close to the kitchen as I could (freebies are wanted ) so sat in K18. The short journey to Cov went smoothly (still no freebies though) and we arrived fairly punctually.

From here my uncle picked me up and we went to watch Coventry City play MK Dons at the Ricoh Arena. The game itself was rather unexciting and MK Dons won by 2 goals to 1. Following the game my uncle drove me to Nuneaton, where I arrived at roughly 1745, leaving me 18 minutes to wander around the station before the 1803 Virgin to Liverpool Lime Street. 390112 arrived on time on Platform 3 so I boarded and took a seat in Coach C, in the table bay of 4 next to the shop. I was pondering a £5 Weekend First upgrade but decided a warm cheese and tomato panini, a Coke and a KitKat for £5.50 from the shop was a better deal to satisfy my hunger. The journey was fairly uneventful; however 3 youths decided to sit at the table I was at in a sparsely filled train at Crewe :roll: Anyway, we arrived at Lime Street fairly late (I can't remember the exact time but it was roughly 15 minutes), meaning I couldn't make the 1930 to Preston.

Here I had a choice, I could either wait for the 2030 to Preston or catch the 1947 stopper to Wigan to pick up the 2030 from there, therefore splitting my fester into two separate sections. I elected to catch the stopper, which was (as normal) a 319. As my phone had little to no battery life since 11am I didn't realise Liverpool FC were playing at home in the evening, meaning the 1947 was fairly full of fans heading home. I stood in a vestibule and didn't get a seat until a large number of people left the train at St Helens Central. Over an hour after leaving Liverpool, we arrived at Wigan North Western, where I sat in the platform 5/6 waiting room and saw a Virgin to Scotland was delayed by over 90 minutes due to issues in Birmingham (good idea to go via the Trent Valley in the end then!). At 2103 another 319 turned up to take me to Leyland, where I arrived at 2118 meaning I was home by 9.30pm.
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It's been a while since I've uploaded a report, sorry! I have a few more that need writing up that should be done before the end of the month. Sorry for missing unit numbers, towards the end of the trip I was more focused on getting home! Any feedback is much appreciated as always.

 

[Kite159]

I'm surprised you didn't make use of the plug sockets on the Voyagers or 390s

 

[Techniquest]

Yeah I was surprised at the not using power sockets on the numerous Virgin moves, which would have helped a lot!

Oversleeping is something I used to be an expert on

Otherwise a decent little bash was had, although a train full of football supporters must have been grim!