[pavorossi]

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.