LondonMidland out / Chiltern back

On Monday I was booked onto the 0753 LondonMidland service out of Birmingham New Street as the LM web site assured me it would be running. Even on Sunday afternoon, there was a £16 advance first class single fare available to Euston on it...

As ever, the train rolled into Platform 1A from Crewe on time (7.48) and, as ever, the automated announcement was determined that 'this train terminates here' despite the fact that it was clearly forming the 7.53 service. Why can't the announcements be programmed correctly?

The First Class compartment was relatively quiet so had no problem getting to a table with a power point for my laptop. An advantage that LM First Class has over the very good Standard Class Chiltern provision is the availability of curtains. Certainly needed on Monday as the sun was shining brightly in the East!

Another advantage on the morning run from New Street is the trolley service which offers free tea / coffee and a biscuit in First Class (no hot rolls though - a Chiltern strength...). The trolley appeared soon after departure from New Street with a very friendly hostess. No ticket inspection however...

All went well until Northampton. Due to a technical fault, coupling up with another unit wasn't possible so we had to leave our train and hurry along to catch the 905 departure. Not a real hassle but still a nuisance when you're settled into a through journey routine.

Clearly the 905 from Northampton was busier but ticket checks meant the First Class stayed relatively quiet. On time arrival at Euston where, as usual, the barrier gates at Platform 8 refused to recognise my ticket...

Had hoped to book on the 1813 LM train back from Euston but no advance First tckets had been available. So onto Marylebone for the 1800 Clubman back to Snow Hill. As usual, this was busy to Banbury and then gradually quietening down as Birmingham was approached so access to a table on which to work was possible. Good run back too. As ever, Chiltern delivers.