Virgin pendolinos. A quick question.

pauluscp · May 2007

Whereabouts on the train do the bikes go? I am going up to Carlisle next week to do the C2C and will have to change at Birminghamm N.St. It could turn out to be quick change if the train I will be on is running a bit late so I want to know which carrage to aim for?

So many roads, so little time!!!

Mister Paul · May 2007

At one end of the train. So you'll have to take a guess (if the train gets diverted it can come in backwards). If you get the right end you'll be fine. If you don't you have to struggle your bike through a load of stroppy alighting passengers. It's fun!

__________________________________________________________
Road Sweeping Expert

bikepacker · May 2007

On both Voyager and Pendolinos it is usually the opposite end to 1st Class. If you are taking a Virgin from Birmingham to Carlisle it is likely to be a Voyager, and the bikes go in Coach E. Which will be the opposite end to 1st class. Unless it is running late Virgin usually have 5 minutes of station time at Birmingham so you will have plenty of time to get your bike on.

If you are taking a loaded bike, moving from platform to platform can be a problem. If you have plenty of time use the lift, it will take you down to the subway and then get the lift back to up to your platform. If entering the station you need to take the lift from outside on the concourse to subway level.

If you need to change platforms quickly (they often change platforms at the last minute at Bham) use the ramp leading to the goods subway at the western end of the platform. If you don't ride your bike no one will bother you.

I'm pedaling around the world looking for the sunshine that always seems to come my way.
www.bikepacker.co.uk

pauluscp · May 2007

Cheers guys, thanks very much.

So many roads, so little time!!!

PHcp · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by bikepacker

On both Voyager and Pendolinos it is usually the opposite end to 1st Class. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

There is a way to tell which end is which as the train approaches;
The first class carriage has a yellow bumper like this

The standard class, where you load the bikes, has a black bumper like this

I know it isn't really called a bumper, but this reply is anorak enough already[;)]

Bloke on a bikecp · May 2007

Also, the information TV on the platform will tell that first class is either at the front or the back of the train. Only problem is, you need to know which way the train is coming in.

--
Basil W Brush

Cheys03 · May 2007

Also, with the Pendolinos, 1st class */normally/* points towards London, bike compartment it the other end.

greenmarkcp · May 2007

ask at the station. I've done it before. They'll confirm which end it's at.

Cunobelin · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">this reply is anorak enough already<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Do I detect a Locomotive and Rolling Stock Recognition Executive in our midst?

Or did you just happen to have pictures of both ends of the train in your collection by chance?

He that buys land buys many stones.
He that buys flesh buys many bones.
He that buys eggs buys many shells,
But he that buys good beer buys nothing else.
(Unattributed Trad.)

rdaviesb · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by greenmark

ask at the station. I've done it before. They'll confirm which end it's at.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

..or if you are getting on at Preston, guess incorrectly!

bikepacker · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by greenmark

ask at the station. I've done it before. They'll confirm which end it's at.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Try asking that at Birmingham, guarantee you will get either, no answer, or the wrong answer.

I'm pedaling around the world looking for the sunshine that always seems to come my way.
www.bikepacker.co.uk

greenmarkcp · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by bikepacker

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by greenmark

ask at the station. I've done it before. They'll confirm which end it's at.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Try asking that at Birmingham, guarantee you will get either, no answer, or the wrong answer.

I'm pedaling around the world looking for the sunshine that always seems to come my way.
www.bikepacker.co.uk
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Actually, Brum station is one of the places where I have once asked and they got me the right answer that time.

bikepacker · May 2007

That's a first then. Often when you ask they don't even know which direction the train will be travelling.

I'm pedaling around the world looking for the sunshine that always seems to come my way.
www.bikepacker.co.uk

paulo.mc · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by PH
There is a way to tell which end is which as the train approaches;
The first class carriage has a yellow bumper like this
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
...taken at Winch station, and only 4 minutes late. I doubt this is a common experience, I once decided to stuff my Airnimal semi-folder at the 1st class end to save the sprint up the platform. Instead of being thrown out of the moving train at Micheldever Stn covered in rightous guard spittle, the steward let me sit in 1st and offered me a free coffee. A true gent.

Anybody brought up the tricky subject of booking on VT?

I'm happy [:)]..... and angry! [:(!]

Virgin pendolinos. A quick question.

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