Strange train sighted in Birmingham. What was it?

[py_megapixel]

I've just spotted a train passing through Birmingham New Street consisting of a long rake of carriages (that looked like Mk3s) and a GBRF class 66.

It was difficult to make our the livery on the carriages in the darkness of BHM station but they didn't seem to have contrasting doors from the bodyside, so I would assume unlikely to have been used in public service lately?

Any idea what this was?

 

[Darandio]

The Britannic Explorer is over that way today I believe.

 

[Polarbear]

Likely the Britannic Explorer. It was in Llandrindod Wells yesterday.

 

[Freightmaster]

I've just spotted a train passing through Birmingham New Street consisting of a long rake of carriages (that looked like Mk3s) and a GBRF class 66.

It was difficult to make our the livery on the carriages in the darkness of BHM station but they didn't seem to have contrasting doors from the bodyside, so I would assume unlikely to have been used in public service lately?

Any idea what this was?

Further to the other replies, this is the specific working (1Z73 Machynlleth to Oxford):

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U00834/2026-09-16/detailed

 

[Mag_seven]

Thread discussing the Britanic Explorer can be found here:

New Belmond train in England & Wales

New Sleeper service from 2025, run by the same folks that do the Royal Scotsman: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-14072053/Sleeper-train-england-wales-belmond.html The 'Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train' will depart from London Victoria It will have 18 'extraordinary' cabins ranging...

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