First Class Travel with First Great Western

Normally I can't afford to travel First Class but yesterday one of the quirks of the complex fare structure allowed me to travel from Chippenham to London and then back to Melksham "First Class" for only 1.50 each way more than I would have paid second class.

It turned out that I had the newest of carriages (well - most recently refitted) on the way up and one of the oldest on the way back. Thought you might like the comparison.

New Style carriages - from 2007

First Class, First Great Western

Spacious and room for my laptop, although I found the leather seat sticky in the hot weather and the recline mechanism is already broken on this seat, meaning I had to recline.

First Class, First Great Western

They look very smart

First Class, First Great Western

Great to have power points. I wonder if they could have been slightly higher so that plugs like these will go into them easily - as was, both my laptop and camera had to be levered in

Older Style - fading out in 2007

First Class, First Great Western

They look a little faded but very traditional.The older seats are REALLY comfortable and the coverings actually breath; IMHO, the move to leather is a poor one.

First Class, First Great Western

This is me - taken by a kindly fellow-traveler

First Class, First Great Western

The power points on this old coach has a dire warning on it, and the train manager confirmed that there was NOT a power outlet I could use when I asked.

First Class, First Great Western

A complete coach on the older train was taped out of use ...