I travelled up to London today using London Midland trains to Birmingham New Street and Virgin Trains Pendolino to Euston. The LM trains have comfortable seating even though this was an all stations commuter train. The Pendolino started at Birmingham and the Train Manager kept on and on about the only types of tickets that were valid on this train and the serious penalties that would be incurred if one were caught. He advised such passengers to get off because if he didn't catch them the barrier staff (who turned out to be non-existent) at Euston would. The manager had obviously received Gestapo-type training and was not welcoming at all. However, the train arrived on time.
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| Birminghams jazzy exterior adds some interest to an otherwise gloomy train shed |
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| The electric, tilting Pendolino at Euston. A happy exterior which contrasted to uncomfortable seats and a miserable atmosphere |
London was its usual busy self. I had plenty of time to walk to the Skinners Arms.
The train back was a diesel tilting train with a friendly Scottish train manager. Again the seats were uncomfortable but we arrived at Crewe five minutes early. I transferred to an Arriva Trains Wales train to Shrewsbury, arriving on time.
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| The diesel train at Crewe |
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| Our train was formed of two five car units, the rear one would be dropped off at Chester leaving the front train to continue on to Holyhead |
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