Regular readers of my blog will know that I wrote about Chiltern's publicity for thier new slam-door trains in December (Going First Class with Chiltern - well almost...) Due to snow and holidays, it wasn't until last Thursday that I was able to try out the new stock and service...
The 16.33 from London Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street is formed of Wrexham & Shropshire stock and staffed with a W&S crew BUT is run under Chiltern's operating agreement. Therefore, as the publicity makes clear, the first class carriage is available to all Chiltern ticket holders so naturally that is where I headed.
Fortunately it was at the Birmingham end of the train which meant that most passengers were getting on the standard class carriages. Even still, a fair number of people seemed to be 'in the know' and the First Class carriage was filling up nicely as I boarded. Nevertheless, I was able to get a table seat easily.
The publicity leaflet suggests that a dinner is available on this train. However, it was the first time that the W&S crew had done this turn and the two stewards on duty didn't know anything about the dinner provision. Still, the buffet car was well stocked and I had a wide choice of hot and cold snacks from which to choose. In the end I settled for a hot chicken tika and rocket pannini, some Welsh cakes and a latte.
Then it was simply a case of settling back into First Class comfort, switch on the Wi-Fi, and enjoy the trip... Loadings after Bicester and Banbury were light, and after Solihull I was virtually alone in the carriage. Arrival was on time at Moor Street.
So, for the standard class Chiltern off-peak fare (£33 return) this is definitely the way to travel! Just a pity about the dinner...
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