Not really West Midlands, but Bedford to Bletchley and Cleethorpes to Barton-upon-Humber both produce single 153s (though there is a 150 diagram on the Bedford-Bletchley line). I think Crewe-Derby produces some single 153s too.
Crewe to Shrewsbury shuttle is usually a 153 as our the Heart of Wales trains on weekdays. Shrewsbury would be your nearest option to see them.
crewe-chester.
Whenever I've passed through Crewe .... the Derby via Stoke (EMT) has almost always been a cl-153
Often a 150, isn't it?
PHP:
Just the one I was thinking of as a nice day out!
why not make a day off it? Travel from Brum to Norwich direct.
Yes you'd get your fill of single coAch travel if you went all the way over the line. The 0900 ish off Shrewsbury actually runs through to Cardiff after arriving in Swansea 4 hours plus if you fancy it.
crewe-chester.
How does one do that? No direct service last time I checked...
Long time since I've seen a 153 on the Crewe - Chester shuttle. I would say it's 90%+ 150/2.
Crewe-Shrewsbury shuttle I would say is 80%+ 153.
Crewe - Derby often a 153, but can also produce 156 or 158 - or a 222 on special occasions!
I've seen pairs of 153s, 158s and a 156 on it in recent history, but also single 153s.
Crewe - Derby is often strengthened on Uttoxeter race days, or at other times of possibly enhanced demand. A few weeks ago, the three diagrams consisted of
153 x 3
158 + 153 x 2
and 158 + 156.
I am told that even Meridians have been used, but have not seen that myself. However, on many days, all three diagrams are single 153s.
Also, single 153s are sometimes used on Nottingham - Derby - Matlock services.