1st Class ALR - Ideas!

Hello all,

Yet another customary ALR thread I'm afraid! Don't know if it belongs in here but I didn't want it clogging up the NR forums.

I have never undertaken an ALR trip before. I'll be getting a Railcard-discounted First Class ALR (7 days) for use at some point this winter and will be making the most use out of it. Requirements for my itinerary:

1. To be fed and watered - so lots of Intercity trips!
2. To take in every single TOC (except the Island Line part of SWT)
3. To include at least one Highland Sleeper Trip and one Night Riviera trip (I am aware of berth supplements)
4. To visit as varied a bunch of places as possible
5. To take in the ATW Premier Service
6. If possible, to travel on every single class of stock with 1st Class accommodation (pushing it a bit I know)

I'm aware of the ALR restrictions before 10am.

Also, is the ALR always printed on plain orange-edged stock? I'd really like to keep this one as a souvenir so is there anywhere I can go to get it printed on weird or wonderful stock?

Thanks in advance....

NXEAs MK3s are nice, but you'd need to pay for your items from the buffet. Also I'd advise not to use Class 165/166s, 377s, 319s, 450s at least, same seating as standard (except for 319s I think) but you'll get bog all freebies, and don't bother with a 377/1, as the FC is open plan and you'll get the delights of the racket in Standard Class loud and clear. Don't know what other units are like, however 321s are pretty good when I did one on the Romford Shuttle.

AlterEgo said:

Also, is the ALR always printed on plain orange-edged stock? I'd really like to keep this one as a souvenir so is there anywhere I can go to get it printed on weird or wonderful stock?

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IIRC there are TOD machines in London that print on LU design tickets so you could use telesales and collect it there? I'd love to see you hand it over in Thurso

Sounds like a mammoth epic trip though - good luck planning it!

You should talk to All Line Rover, he's the resident expert on FC, ALRs and inclusive catering!

mickey said:

IIRC there are TOD machines in London that print on LU design tickets so you could use telesales and collect it there? I'd love to see you hand it over in Thurso

Sounds like a mammoth epic trip though - good luck planning it!

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Who will sell me an ALR over the phone? Scotrail?

AlterEgo said:

Who will sell me an ALR over the phone? Scotrail?

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According to "the man in seat 61" you can buy them from any TOC telesales
department.

I wonder why you can't buy them online ?

mickey said:

IIRC there are TOD machines in London that print on LU design tickets so you could use telesales and collect it there? I'd love to see you hand it over in Thurso

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(My BOLD)

Really, can you name them? I've heard of LOROL who use stock with a TFL roundel in place of some of the 'Rail Settlement Plan' wording, this is in the same colour. I would love to see an LUL issued ALR bearing in mind the rover isn't valid on LUL ( I have used a TFL roundel ticket outside of London many occasion)

Norwood Jn is one such station. Saw one today!

I do rather suspect I'd get a load of nonsense if I tried to buy an ALR through telesales....

AlterEgo said:

Norwood Jn is one such station. Saw one today!

I do rather suspect I'd get a load of nonsense if I tried to buy an ALR through telesales....

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Nothing ventured nothing gained ....as long as you got a UK call centre you should be ok.

Are you sorry about the demise of The wrexham and shropshire - that would have been nice on your trip.

I reckon East Coast will flog you one, their telesales are usually top notch

transportphoto said:

Really, can you name them? I've heard of LOROL who use stock with a TFL roundel in place of some of the 'Rail Settlement Plan' wording, this is in the same colour. I would love to see an LUL issued ALR bearing in mind the rover isn't valid on LUL ( I have used a TFL roundel ticket outside of London many occasion)

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All right, there's no need to be mean: I was only trying to help.

Best station seems to be New Cross Gate - these ticket machines seem to print millions of VOID VOID VOID VOID tickets as well, so just look for the ones with a roundel on
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transportphoto said:

I would love to see an LUL issued ALR bearing in mind the rover isn't valid on LUL

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Buying a normal train ticket (i.e. off peak single) from an LUL machine looks weird enough!

heart-of-wessex said:

Also I'd advise not to use Class 165/166s... 450s at least, same seating as standard

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No, both of those have improved seating in first class; 2+2 with arm-rests/tables vice 3+2. 350/1s, on the other hand, just have a different type of seat.

When I lived in London highbury and Islington station sold rail tickets on LUL stock. I remember a very questioning guard when we arrived in lowestoft with a LUL ticket!