Toy Train First Class Tickets

Its only just under 90 days to go, and already all First Class tickets to Ooty are sold for my date and all I'm offered are Wait List.

I'm really keen to enjoy that special front carriage if at all possible, and fear I may not be upgraded from WL on this popular tourist train.

I wonder if local agents buy up these First Class tickets for re-sale ?
And if so, how might I contact them ?

Any suggestions ?
Ramblesider

Which date are you looking for?

There are a few available for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th, 15th, 16th, 19th, and 20th of February

I know .... but only the 14th is possible for me.

And its only just dawned on me that all those "honeymooners" must want to travel on Valentines Day!

Ramblesider

The Waitlist isn't too bad yet and there are 2nd sitting seats as a fall back so you will get to travel. These cost 23 rs plus fees so won't break the bank. Book both and keep your fingers crossed. If you start talking to agents at this stage they will spot that you are keen and try to fleece you.

All first class tickets were sold for our mid-October trip, as we tried to book the day before. Late I know..
So booked at the station into 3rd class, and it was fine. Full of friendly locals getting off and on at small stops. The seats are hard plastic, but it was clean and had good vibes.
Took the local bus back to Ooty, which was fun.

Glad to hear 3rd Class is OK.
I've now booked "Second Sitting" (is that the same as "3rd" ?) as well as my "Wait List" for First Class - so we're definitely on the train.

BUT (never against a bit of gentle "fleecing" if needs be) I'd still like to hear where to find local agents with First Class tickets to at least consider later ??

The other lingering doubt must be continuing reports of loco problems :
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper...cle2587190.ece
We will pack food, drink ... and a good book !

Ramblesider

ramblesider, what wait list number are you? i have a wl5 for my trip and also booked 2nd sitting as well to make sure i get on. zamba

We were told it was 3rd class, but did not notice any 2nd class. There were only 2 class on the train. So no clue as to what class is really was. We just stood in line at the train station with the rest of the people buying tickets, locals and a few tourist. The tickets were really cheap as I remember.

Zamba,

I have WL 1 and 2 .... which must give us a very good chance of up-grading before travel in about 85 days time .... if it wasn't Valentine's Day.

Ramblesider

Were any one of you on board the nilgiri mountain train recently? I'm among the unfortunate souls who had to miss the train though had confirmed 1st class tickets! Bad luck

That's bad solo-n

Any idea whether there are any agents who can provide tickets?
We need 6-7 tickets on 3rd week of May, but as usual, all FC tickets are booked!

Thanks...

I thought a 'confirmed' ticket mean't that you were assured a seat. Obviously not. I travelled this train in mid to late January 2012 and had a waitlisted 1st class ticket that didn't get confirmed, but I also booked a 2nd class seat which was confirmed. When I sat in the carriage amids't the mayhem at Mettapulayam, an indian gent asked me thru the glass less window if I would swap with him in 1st class??? I did and it was a fantastic experience. A lesson learn't I suppose, 'it is India'. cheers. Zamba.

That's interesting that he swapped his 1st class with your 2nd sitting!
Any idea why so?

thanks for the reply animdas. yes he explained that his wife and young child were in the 2nd class carriage and he had a 1st class seat. How that came to be I have no idea but it worked for me. Not a lot of difference between the 1st and 2nd class anyway as I recall. Zamba

For me Toy Train is big put off .you can see all those views by cab without any issues ..