I'm shifting from Bombay to Hyderabad, traveling with my wife & 3yr old kid (so 2 tkts). I have few queries related to the household stuff (3 or 4 standard-sized cartons totaling about 80-100kgs) that I will be carrying along with me.
Journey will be either by:
1) 4thNov, 02702 - LTT-SC SUP SPL by 1stAC, confirmed tkts but seat/cabin not alloted yet OR
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2ndNov, 12701- HusainSagar Exp 3rdAC, WL 46/47. If it doesn't move up, I might tatkal it.
Both tickets booked online. Planning to board at Panvel but willing to change to starting terminus CST or LTT if it's easier based on answers to Qns.
a) What are the luggage allowances for different classes that can be carried along with passenger in berth/cabin?
b) 02702 has a full 1AC coach, can I get an exclusive couple cabin? I read that the cabins for 1AC are allotted few hours prior to departure (along with chart preparation?) based on the other passengers booked. Is it true?
c) If I get an exclusive cabin will I still have to book luggage?
d) If I don't get an exclusive cabin (so which means sharing cabin with 2 other ppl) - in that case how much is allowed in cabin without inconveniencing co-travelers with me.
d) Do both the above trains have brake vans where luggage can be carried? What is the acronymn for luggage coach if I want to look it up in train details rake/coach composition?
Other than brake vans is there any separate luggage coach? (Or to put it other way, a meta Qn: why is it called brake van if it's used only for carrying luggage?)
sorry too many Qns, as this is the first time I'm traveling with substantital luggage which might be required to be paid. And since I'm travelng with wife & a kid departing night, I don't want any last min surprises or hiccups.
Ideally I'd prefer to get exclusive 1AC cabin & travel with all cartons inside my cabin (I think they should easily fit in) - but I have no idea what are the rules or free allowances in 1AC cabin.
Bonus Qn:
Are there any sumo/tavera type transport services available at Begumpet or SC stations that I can arrange from here in Bombay to drop us with luggage in the city? Last trip I went to main Nampally stn, I could see only rickshaws.
Thanks for the help.
ps moderators: Are there any sticky posts or must-read threads for newbies on this forum so that I can familiriase myself with all the jargon? And eventually contribute back to the forum.

Dear Members/Guests,
One query which requires some thought.
SEC-LTT SF Puja Spl train 02701 takes 17 h 20 min to reach mumbai.why?
It travels at a speed of 44km/hr,which is below than oher SF trains.Cost for 3A is 950 rs.If i travel by volvo it will cost little less & wud take 12 hrs journey.
SF...
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charges of 40 rs are levied,which is not justified.
Any explanation for this discrepancies?
THanks/Rgds,
Prasad
Mumbai