Manchester to Wales and Back
 

I've just returned from a week in Wales which I journeyed to and from by train, and I thought I would relate my experience incase it is of interest to any modern traction fans. On the way down I travelled with Arriva Wales from Man Pic to Llandudno Juntion. I have know idea what I was travelling in other than it was an overcrowded 2 car unit. Indeed, it was so overcrowded so badly that it was apologised for over the tannoy. The change at Llandudno Junction was easy enough, and the following train was comfortable, though late. The first leg of the return journey (Bangor to Chester) was on a Virgin Pendelino, with a loco at it's head. I didn't note the numbers but the loco had a nameplate reading Thunderbird FAB 1, whilst the Pendelino bore the legend Virgin Quest. At this point it is worth noting that me and my friend reserved seats, namely 23 and 24 in coach A. However, the unit didn't have seats 23 and 24, the spot where they should have been was a luggage rack. The journey from Chester to Manchester was with Arriva Wales and nothing noteworthy happened.

Ah. the fun of travelling on railways in Britain, passengers,sorry, customers, are nothing but an inconvienience.

That will teachu for going to Wales boyo

To be honest I wouldn't have bothered going if it wasn't for the fact that I wanted to see a bit of narrow gauge action, we where camping right next to the Welsh Highland Railway. But I like Wales, good scenery and nice little pubs with big portions.

Hope to get to the Welsh highland on Thursday. Staying on Anglesey en route to Bristol. My wife won 2 tickets from Temple Meads to Kingswear on Sunday so thought we could break the journey up so to speak.

Yorky,
I hope to be taking photos on the station on Sunday all being well. if you have a look at my gallery, there is a photo of me. If you see me , say hello.
Syd

Anglesey is lovely, should be a nice trip for you Yorky. Enjoy the Welsh Highland, if you want to break your journey for a meal there's a nice pub right next to Waunfawr station.

Thanks, will bear that in mind.

DSY011.. Will try and look out for you, We r in coach F.31/32. Me I am the ttallish bloke with a beard using an Olympus dslr.

Since when is Anglesey between Halifax and Bristol? Anyway are you back yet and have you got any pictures?

I went to Wales at the end of July, and on a 57 + 390 service (10:50 from Crewe). The train was pretty busy but I managed to get one of the two 4 seat tables in coach A. Had quite a bit of litter on it from other passengers but still I was pleased to get it sincethere were so many passengers.

The best time to go is at the beginning of July in my opinion, did that last year on the same service, where I was in coach B and the coach was practially empty.

Next trip I go on wth a 390 I plan to reserve seat 27 in coach A, a two seater with a table but this is next to the baggage rack or a wall depending on which side of the train the reseved seat is. Either this or seat 57 in coach B where there is more space but not a good window view.

Yorky
I called in to your coach this morning. the only man with a beard looked at me as if Iwas mad when I asked if he was Yorky. He said no the train is going to the west coast and the 3 seats had been taken. I thought then that it was time to leave.
Syd

Syd, I almost fell off my chair on reading that. :D

Are you back yet Yorky? Did you go on the WHR and if so did you get pictures?

Adam