Night Riviera - merged posts, ongoing discussion

[whole diary]

[swlines]

Can someone clarify for me whether the Penzance sleeper has first class seating coaches available? I phoned FGW^▸ (First Great Western) and their response was rather contradictory.

Also, are there any complimentaries? 

[devon_metro]

......

http://www.rollingstock.fotopic.net/p46358354.html

"The refresh includes a new external livery to the trains, new internal colour scheme and lighting, reupholstered First Class style seating throughout the seated carriages, new carpets, taps and blinds, better quality linen and towels."

"Our range of services for Night Riviera Sleeper customers
We have a range of services to make your journey a comfortable and relaxing experience:

    * There is a dedicated Service Leader to provide an at-seat food and drink service in the Lounge Car.
    * The Sleeper berths are air-conditioned for your comfort.
    * You can have a morning wake up call with complimentary refreshments.
    * We offer a complimentary newspaper and breakfast for all First Class customers.
    * You can use the First Class lounge on arrival into London Paddington.
    * Complimentary refreshments are provided for all Sleeper berth customers in the lounge.
    * There are showers available for Sleeper berth customers upon arrival at London Paddington.
    * There is a dedicated Customer Host on-hand to answer any queries and to ensure a comfortable and safe journey.

Buffet service
There is a buffet service on-board to provide you with a range of food and drinks. View our Food and Drink menus for more information."

[swlines]

I don't trust the FGW^▸ (First Great Western) website! 

[Lee]

I don't trust the FGW^▸ (First Great Western) website! 

Actually, I find it very informative at times (link below, 19 November 2007) :
http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/NewsItem.aspx?id=570

Neill Mitchell Chairman of the SW Chamber^s of Commerce, and, until recently, a member of the former Rail Passengers Committee for Western England says: "The appointment of such a high profile regional businessperson, rather than a career railwayman, to the top job is a bold and innovative move by the UK^▸ (United Kingdom)'s largest train operating company. It sends a powerful message that FirstGroup is committed to ensuring that their renewed Great Western flagship franchise is to be keenly responsive to both the customer interest and, importantly, to the stakeholder partner performance expectations of the regions served by FGW. Rightly, First clearly recognise that this franchise must be both "Great" and Western" in its aspirations for excellence in service delivery and in its visionary outlook for the future".

See also link below.
http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=2076.msg15541#msg15541

[swlines]

Just to note, tonight's 2345 Paddington to Penzance sleeper is revised tonight. Overcrowding comes to the sleeper? 

This train has been revised.
This service will today be formed of 3 Sleeper Carriages instead of 4.

[devon_metro]

I don't trust the FGW^▸ (First Great Western) website! 

Well it doesn't lie.

I assure you there is seated First Class seating!!

[vacman]

I don't trust the FGW^▸ (First Great Western) website! 

Well it doesn't lie.

I assure you there is seated First Class seating!!

All seating is "first class" but you dont need a first class ticket to sit in it! the old MKIII first class seats have been fitted to the day cars, albeit reuphulstered, so don't bother buying a first class ticket!

[devon_metro]

A wise move by FGW^▸ (First Great Western) I think, as nice as the old seats are the first class ones provide much more room.

[Jim]

I don't trust the FGW^▸ (First Great Western) website! 

Well it doesn't lie.

I assure you there is seated First Class seating!!

All seating is "first class" but you dont need a first class ticket to sit in it! the old MKIII first class seats have been fitted to the day cars, albeit reuphulstered, so don't bother buying a first class ticket!

And god are they good for dossing in!

[Btline]

Why do they label the seats "First Class" if you don't need  first class ticket?

[Conner]

Why do they label the seats "First Class" if you don't need  first class ticket?

It is all First Class until May but standard may sit in it as there is no Standard Class.
For more info check out the latest issue of Go To magazine, it says.
From 18 May all Sleeper berths will be sold as one Standard level of accomadation. You will still be able to book single or twin berths. All sleeper berths include Continetial Breakfast. All seating accomodation will be Standard Class.

[Btline]

In a way, it is a shame the old GW^▸ (Great Western) trains livery is going....

I mean, it's not as if we need any more dynamic lines, is it?

[Conner]

I mean, it's not as if we need any more dynamic lines, is it?

Yes actually, although I love the Green/Gold Fag Packet livery, one brand and livery across services is definatly the way to go. And the dynamic lines IMO^▸ (in my opinion) is brilliant.

[smokey]

Normal Night Riveria Sleeper formation is, (note: all MKIII stock)
Coach A TSO^▸ (The Stationary Office (now OPSI)) (Tourist Standard Open)
Coach B BFO^▸ (Brake First Open (carriage)) (Brake First Open)
Coach C RFO (Restuarant First Open)
Coach J 1St Class Sleeper
Coach K Std Single Berth Sleeper
Coach L Std Twin Berth Sleeper
Coach X  "      "       "        "     (Friday Night Only Down/Sunday night only up).

However it has been seen running with 2 BFO vice the TSO on some nights.

IIRC^▸ (if I recall/remember/read correctly) the ^10 First Class up grade can be obtained EVERY night in coach B.

[Conner]

IIRC^▸ (if I recall/remember/read correctly) the ^10 First Class up grade can be obtained EVERY night in coach B.

Yes it can but who would as all seats are First Class now.
From May formation will be:
Coach A TSO^▸ (The Stationary Office (now OPSI))(Tourist Standard Open)
Coach B BSO^▸ (Brake Standard Open (carriage))(Brake Standard Open)
Coach C RSO(Restuarant Standard Open)
Coach ? Single Berth Sleeper
Coach ? Single Berth Sleeper
Coach ? Twin Berth Sleeper
Coach ? Twin Berth Sleeper (Not All Trains)
This is what I can grasp it will be from Go To magazine, Coach letters for sleepers have been left off as they may be D/E/F/G or they may be J/K/L/X.