Virgin Pendolinos

[googolplex]

I've had a search and can't find anywhere that shows which Virgin services are Voyager operated and which ones are Pendolino operated.
I'm looking at travelling on the 16:40 or 17:40 departures from Glasgow Central to Euston (getting off at MKC) on a Saturday and would ideally like to have a go on a Pendolino as I haven't managed it yet. What are these services likely to be, and is there somewhere I could find out info on other services?

Also, how busy is First Class likely to be on these services and is there likely to be an at-seat weekend service or will I have to go to the shop for complimentaries? (I'm claiming the ticket on expenses, and can only claim standard, so am looking at doing a Weekend First upgrade).

 

[sonic2009]

I've had a search and can't find anywhere that shows which Virgin services are Voyager operated and which ones are Pendolino operated.
I'm looking at travelling on the 16:40 or 17:40 departures from Glasgow Central to Euston (getting off at MKC) on a Saturday and would ideally like to have a go on a Pendolino as I haven't managed it yet. What are these services likely to be, and is there somewhere I could find out info on other services?

Also, how busy is First Class likely to be on these services and is there likely to be an at-seat weekend service or will I have to go to the shop for complimentaries? (I'm claiming the ticket on expenses, and can only claim standard, so am looking at doing a Weekend First upgrade).

All Glasgow - London Euston are Pendolino Operated.

Super Voyagers only do Glasgow/Edinburgh to Birmingham..

Weekend Service, is tea, biscuits and crisps, and soft drinks.

 

[WestCoast]

I'm looking at travelling on the 16:40 or 17:40 departures from Glasgow Central to Euston (getting off at MKC) on a Saturday and would ideally like to have a go on a Pendolino as I haven't managed it yet. What are these services likely to be, and is there somewhere I could find out info on other services?

Both departures are Pendolino booked. The general rule (there are a number of exceptions and covers) is that all services are operated by Pendolnos except Birmingham - Glasgow/Edinburgh and London - Chester - North Wales, which are voyagers.

Also, how busy is First Class likely to be on these services and is there likely to be an at-seat weekend service or will I have to go to the shop for complimentaries?

Tends to be an at-seat service of tea, coffee and soft drinks with biscuits or crisps BUT on some services (for all or part of the journey) it is collect from shop.

I have no idea if the at-seat services are set or not, someone will know I am sure..

 

[junglejames]

Both departures are Pendolino booked. The general rule (there are a number of exceptions and covers) is that all services are operated by Pendolnos except Birmingham - Glasgow/Edinburgh and London - Chester - North Wales, which are voyagers.



Tends to be an at-seat service of tea, coffee and soft drinks with biscuits or crisps BUT on some services (for all or part of the journey) it is collect from shop.

I have no idea if the at-seat services are set or not, someone will know I am sure..

It depends on availability of staff.
There is a morning service from Crewe to Glasgow, i think it is, which is booked for a voyager. Makes no difference to you though.
The extra you pay for weekend upgrade is definitely worth it on a pendo. Its actually comfortable in 1st. Unlike elsewhere.

 

[WestCoast]

It depends on availability of staff.

I would imagine they would try and make staff available for the Glasgow - London services as a priority, at least on the Preston - London stretch.

 

[ainsworth74]

at least on the Preston - London stretch.

That's my understanding actually. An at-seat service operates between London - Preston, north of there its a walk to the shop to get you freebies.

 

[voyagerdude220]

Apologies for being a tad awkward, but on some April/May Saturday's, there is a 1153 GLC EUS via Kilmarnock & Blackburn, which will be about 7-hours iirc, on a Super Voyager. I personally greatly prefer 221 to 390's, im on a Super as i type this.

 

[route101]

Apologies for being a tad awkward, but on some April/May Saturday's, there is a 1153 GLC EUS via Kilmarnock & Blackburn, which will be about 7-hours iirc, on a Super Voyager. I personally greatly prefer 221 to 390's, im on a Super as i type this.

Thats o good diversion to get . The Settle and Glasgow South West combined . I managed to get the Glasgow South west line on a Pendo last may . Dosent always come around.

 

[googolplex]

Thanks for the info.
The last time I travelled on a Voyager was a VXC service in September 2007, I haven't yet travelled on a Pendolino though, so figured I ought to before I move back down south in a few months.
I normally travel to St Neots with East Coast (usually an HST Dundee-Peterborough but also done a 225 from Edinburgh), so will have to see how the Pendolino compares to a Mk3 or Mk4 and how the service with Virgin is.

 

[WestCoast]

so will have to see how the Pendolino compares to a Mk3 or Mk4 and how the service with Virgin is

Well, most people on here are not fond of the Pendolinos, but in First Class I think they are really comfortable and pleasant to travel on. The last time I traveled East Coast in First Class it was still NXEC, from that experience I thought Virgin was far superior in First Class on service. However, East Coast weekend first may be better now....

What do others think? Virgin or East Coast on weekend service?

 

[googolplex]

Apologies for being a tad awkward, but on some April/May Saturday's, there is a 1153 GLC EUS via Kilmarnock & Blackburn, which will be about 7-hours iirc, on a Super Voyager. I personally greatly prefer 221 to 390's, im on a Super as i type this.

If I wasn't travelling down from Dundee first I'd probably be tempted, but an ~8 1/2 hour journey in between two probably hectic weeks doesn't seem fun. I might have to give it a go in future though if it's possible, when I can do it as a pure leisure trip.

I have however done the East Coast diversion via Carlisle on an HST (Newcastle-Carlisle-Carstairs-Edinburgh) and that was quite a good run. I've also travelled from Dundee to Edinburgh via Perth a couple of times on diversions with East Coast. Some how the run between Dundee and Perth seems nicer on an HST than a 170.

 

[voyagerdude220]

Yep i've been very interested in doing both the S&C and GSW line on one Super Voyager since i saw the times, but the first nb one ex Preston (1159), has *alot* of slack Car to Glc, making it impossible for me to get the 1653? back from Glc to Pre. I've a sneaky feeling it could be the same set in reality.

 

[junglejames]

Well, most people on here are not fond of the Pendolinos, but in First Class I think they are really comfortable and pleasant to travel on. The last time I traveled East Coast in First Class it was still NXEC, from that experience I thought Virgin was far superior in First Class on service. However, East Coast weekend first may be better now....

What do others think? Virgin or East Coast on weekend service?

Wouldnt quite go as far as saying 'really comfy' in first class. Seats could still do with a bit more padding in my eyes. Nearly as good as an original Mk3 in Standard, but with a bit more room, and obviously recline.

As for what is better (EC or Virgin), Id say EC for both the trains (1st is brilliant) and service. I think EC have more staff than Virgin, even on a weekend, and service is pretty good. You should still be able to get the decent meals served at your seat as well.
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Yep i've been very interested in doing both the S&C and GSW line on one Super Voyager since i saw the times, but the first nb one ex Preston (1159), has *alot* of slack Car to Glc, making it impossible for me to get the 1653? back from Glc to Pre. I've a sneaky feeling it could be the same set in reality.

I once did London to Glasgow via Brummie, S&C, and the GSW (the latter a last min thing because of flooding), on a Mk3.
Was a long day!! Thoroughly enjoyed it though.
Youd have to pay me for me to consider doing it on a voyager or pendo, and enough to make it worthwhile. Even then id probably still request 1st class.
Standard class and id probably be wanting about £300 to make it worthwhile (you think im joking?).
Id do it for less in 1st, and may even do it for nothing 1st class on a pendo.

However even if they gave me a free trip, i wouldnt do a voyager on that run, and not even standard on a pendo.
But anyway, thats slightly off topic.

 

[WestCoast]

As for what is better (EC or Virgin), Id say EC for both the trains (1st is brilliant) and service. I think EC have more staff than Virgin, even on a weekend, and service is pretty good. You should still be able to get the decent meals served at your seat as well.

Virgin is far more generous with weekend upgrades though, free if you hold an anytime ticket and £15 if you don't! East Coast at least £20-25.

Virgin is IMO currently better at first class during the week - people used to whinge about Virgin's food offerings, well what do you currently get complementary in First on East Coast...errr hardly anything? (I know that's changing).

Weekend negligible between the two - I might take a trip to try East Coast out again.

I don't think the Mallard seats are all that wonderful, plus I think you're seeing mark 3 in standard through 'rose tinted spectacles' - IC70s and me don't really get on!

The Pendo First Class seats could do with a little more padding in first but they surpass any IC70 in my eyes..

 

[junglejames]

Virgin is far more generous with weekend upgrades though, free if you hold an anytime ticket and £15 if you don't! East Coast at least £20-25.

Virgin is IMO currently better at first class during the week - people used to whinge about Virgin's food offerings, well what do you currently get complementary in First on East Coast...errr hardly anything? (I know that's changing).

Weekend negligible between the two - I might take a trip to try East Coast out again.

I don't think the Mallard seats are all that wonderful, plus I think you're seeing mark 3 in standard through 'rose tinted spectacles' - IC70s and me don't really get on!

The Pendo First Class seats could do with a little more padding in first but they surpass any IC70 in my eyes..

Definitely not seeing anything through rose tinted specs. Thats quite a strange comment. Are people not allowed to think IC70s are lovely and comfy? Are people not allowed to think Mk3s are the best coaches we have?
To me the Mk3s are the best, and the Mallard refurb is the best refurb with alternative seating, closely followed by XC. First class in EC has lovely big seats, even more comfy than pendos. Admittedly the snug feeling of the pendo 1st seats are nice at times, but to me, not as comfy.

I suppose pendos in 1st and IC70s rank about equal once youve taken recline into account, but i do like my padding, so IC70s always come up highly with me.
So yes, with me, EC 1st class beats the pendos. For service, EC wins at weekends, Virgin during the week if you get the meal.

 

[WestCoast]

Definitely not seeing anything through rose tinted specs. Thats quite a strange comment. Are people not allowed to think IC70s are lovely and comfy? Are people not allowed to think Mk3s are the best coaches we have?
To me the Mk3s are the best, and the Mallard refurb is the best refurb with alternative seating, closely followed by XC. First class in EC has lovely big seats, even more comfy than pendos. Admittedly the snug feeling of the pendo 1st seats are nice at times, but to me, not as comfy.

I suppose pendos in 1st and IC70s rank about equal once youve taken recline into account, but i do like my padding, so IC70s always come up highly with me.
So yes, with me, EC 1st class beats the pendos. For service, EC wins at weekends, Virgin during the week if you get the meal.

The comment was a bit of a throwaway remark.
I think mark 3 coaching stock is great, comfortable and the mallard and XC refurbs make them look brand new. I would still choose first class over standard on either train if I had the choice just because it offers a greater standard of comfort.
Of course, if we all had the same opinion the forum would be a boring place.

 

[googolplex]

If I am remembering the IC70 seats correctly, I don't actually like them (at least in standard class).
The cost was a consideration in my plan to travel with Virgin. An off-peak return from Dundee - Milton Keynes is about £10 cheaper than one to St Neots with East Coast (with a YP Railcard), and then when East Coast want an extra £5-10 each way for a first class upgrade, I figured I might as well try and travel by Pendolino.

 

[Ibex]

For anyone who's interested, 390 054 is out and about today, currently on it's way to Manchester Piccadilly working 1T33 10:52 Euston to Manchester. It's running via Crewe and was last reported through MKC at 12:15, 52 minutes late.

 

[Geezertronic]

For anyone who's interested, 390 054 is out and about today, currently on it's way to Manchester Piccadilly working 1T33 10:52 Euston to Manchester. It's running via Crewe and was last reported through MKC at 12:15, 52 minutes late.

I presume that is an ECS testing run and not a passenger service?

 

[voyagerdude220]

Yep, 390054 is currently doing some test runs around the WCML.