THE train: Virgin Trains first class service between London Euston and Birmingham New Street at 11.23am. The service should have been operated by a nine-car Pendolino electric train (pictured) but instead it was a five-car Voyager diesel train.
THE Check-in: Ticket pick-up prior to boarding from the First class lounge at Euston station worked seamlessly. Boarding was announced in good time, at 11.10.
THE CARRIAGE: The switching of train types had all sorts of ramifications, from the absence of seat reservations to there being only one first class carriage instead of three. It was also running five minutes late as this was a slower train. Having walked the length of the train trying to find my carriage, an announcement explained the changes and I finally found a seat.
THE seat: The Voyager First Class carriage was still comfortable, arranged in a 1-2 seat configuration and each seat had a fixed table. Smart navy check upholstered seats had white linen headrests and there was plentiful leg room. I found the fixed table too far away to be useful to work on, and the idea is to work, as the carriage is fitted with a Hotspot wireless internet network for mobiles, laptops and other devices
THE SERVICE: The service was slow to start. It took 20 minutes before the first pass of bottled water was offered (25 minutes before the on-board shop opened), but then it came constantly. There were biscuits and crisps, tea and coffee and a constant coming and going of crew with soft drinks and nibbles and, before I knew it, the train had arrived in Birmingham
THE VERDICT: Despite the initial hiccup from the train swapping, the journey was comfortable and quiet and the staff capable and friendly. Not being able to work effectively at the table was the only glitch.
THE DETAILS: Virgin Trains links London Euston and Birmingham New Street every 20 minutes during weekday daytimes and Saturday daytimes, and from early afternoon on Sundays. The journey time is one hour and 25 minutes. One-way Advance First Class fares on this route start at £23.50. Tel: 0871 977 4222. For more information see: www.virgintrains.com.
