17-MAY-2013
Shepley was the starting point. My travelling companion Mr Geoff Naylor points out the stations well maintained sign which, along with a bus shelter, is just about everything there is to see at Shepley.
A mid morning Penistone Line flyer to Huddersfield, courtesy of a Northern Rail Class 144 got the journey off at last. It has been quite a long gestation period planning the route and stopovers so at last finally on our way.
Just what can you say about this train.....not much really.
The guard was friendly
The ride bouncy
We got a seat
It was on time....something that was maintained over the whole trip...punctuality was exemplary from all of the operators we travelled with.
Lived up to the then "current" expectations which were not high and the short trip rated.............. 6/10 at the time.
Would not see the inside of a Northern Rail train again until the very last train ride of the trip thankfully, as you will see later.
17-MAY-2013
While waiting for the TPEx to York we took our time to solve all of Huddersfield's operational issues!
1. Open up a bridge/subway from the "old goods yard" car park to the station to provide some decent parking for the station
2. Give some thought to getting a pedestrian link to the bus station or use the current car park for a free shuttle bus to pick up and drop off bus passengers to make the connection easier. Buses and trains run by First, can't be beyond the wit of man or even TOC directors to manage that!
3. Re-instate the through line to allow (in rush hour only) some TPEXs to run thru Huddersfield without needing a "platform" and then utilise the platform to have a fast shuttle to run on behind the non stop TPEx with a call at Dewsbury. Just what is the point of full trains from Manchester stopping to pick up a platform full of passengers at Huddersfield....bonkers.
4 Buy some extra carriages/trains with all the money the full trains generate and run proper trains...express trains do not comprise of just 2 carriages....bring back the doubled headed Black 5s on the Liverpool>Newcastle run with 8 carriages in tow.
Huddersfield station gets 7/10, mainly for the catering and station facade. It lost marks because the widened platform in the shot now gets wet when it rains as it now is under the opening in the canopy!
17-MAY-2013
With a long week ahead the first stop, some 30 minutes (7 miles) into the trip, was the station buffet at Huddersfield.
Coffee, bacon and egg (otherwise known as..."salad" )sandwiches get us fueled to go.
The buffet is a lovely place with old images and photos of railway related items on the wall.
Good service/good food ............... 9/10 Well worth a visit as it is totally different from the other catering outlets on the station which are clones of every other railway station.
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This and the two pubs in the station make Huddersfield a place worth a trip!
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An improving start.
17-MAY-2013
TPEx franchise has a big problem with over crowding. Especially on the Leeds/Huddersfield section that we have most experience of. Even at mid day the train arrived to see a large number of passengers wanting to board. Fortunately our ticket was for 1st class and we had seats which is novel on this route. TPEx first class travel is hardly 3 stars never mind 5. Positive point the guard did throw out the interloper and did come back to make sure he didn't sneak back in. Negatives? On the 42 mile journey the complimentary drinks never materialised and in fact when the trolley did appear, just outside York, we were totally blanked by the staff member even though we were the first row of seats in the compartment. Walked straight passed us to serve others who had already had refreshments. 0/10 for that then.
And will the couple who were on board cease from the lady putting her shoeless feet in the lap of her husband sat opposite for a quick foot massage! Very off putting to grumpy old men like us.
As a first class experience its only saving grace was the fact a seat was available....it has very little else to offer............6/10... would have made 7 if we got that coffee.
Running mileage total now 49 miles.
17-MAY-2013
Time to spare whilst we waited for the "Highland Chieftain" to arrive. We had our coffee and bun which our friends at TPEx failed to supply and the lady in the cafe gets a bonus mark for offering to put an ice cube in the black coffee to assist in cooling it to a drinkable temperature...small gesture that was very welcomed by the older and more experienced grumpy one. I personally like my coffee white :-)
Again why did they remove the thru lines here as well....it means some big old dirtyfreight trains have to rumble along the platform lines if passing thru the station. Thankfully most are diverted around the avoiding lines giving the spotters(sorry enthusiasts) something to see in the distances from the south end of the station.
So what did we have to be grumpy about here.....well the big one was the very late platform change for the 125 we were expecting. Even as the train was visible in the distance the boards were showing our platform which was free of any waiting train. Then the quick switch and all the passengers, many elder or struggling with luggage had to leg it to the new platform. Some people had been waiting a long time in the right spot to ensure they could get on first to bag their seat...all plans now abandonded in the scrummage to just get on.
6/10.......would have been 5 without the ice cube but no platform change would have made it "seven"
17-MAY-2013
Well due to the platform change we never did get the photo of the 125 coming into York, too busy legging it across the station to the new platform. So you'll have to make do with a Mallard class image. Once again this was a very full train so grateful for the reserved seats which we claimed after having to turf out the "businessman" occupying both seats with his laptops (2) and multiple blackberry and iphones(3). He sat opposite us till Newcastle, which was a blessing as he could have had him all the way to Inverness our next stop. Non stop on the phone telling the same tales of his woes to anyone who was decent enough not to hang up on him. The crux of his troubles was as a salesman he had invited "seven" clients to a big do...and all "seven" had turned him down.....poor sad old "Billy no mates"....made us smile after he got off. Am I glad I have retired!!!! Just why do businessmen make business calls in earshot of all and sundry....must make them feel important but it also breaches business confidentiallity.
Newcastle to Edinburgh we had a nice couple of which the lady worked for East Coast...in our discussions she asked to be updated on the East Coast performance against the rest of the TOCs we would be using hence this blog came into being. I hope the cycling event went better than East Coast's performance :-))
17-MAY-2013
East Coast performance.
This is written with the hindsight of other TOC's performance so it gives my view of the relative performance not just a stand alone impression.
1. My seat locking mechanism was broken and so the seat had the ability to slide but not lock until we were north of Edinburgh when I could relocate opposite. Seat was OK but not the best we had by a long way.
2. The initial food service (York>Edinburgh) was good, selection of well filled sandwiches, soft drinks, hot drinks and wines and beer. Good sized slug of drinakble red washed down the BLT sandwiches, crisps and biscuits. Crew efficient but busy and so little "interaction"....just get the job done which is to be expected on a Friday PM service
3. However after Edinburgh, the "menu card" changed but the selection remained the same...BLT or cheese sandwiches offered again. Fine if joined at Edinburgh but not so good if travelling thru from the south...a bit repetative and boring to say the least. And even though the train was less busy it was efficient but impersonal service.
4. The 10 mins late running was made up the train crew and we arrived in Inverness on time having seen some wonderful scenery en-route in the Highlands. So good effort from them.
The old grumpy one really doesn't like the livery of East Coast and I have to say when in "used" condition ( weathered as the modellers say) it does lose some of its impact. Also some of the fleet is still in GNER livery...how long have they had to paint them?
Overall 7/10 let down by the catering selection and wonky seat...they have no influence over who they transport so that will not count against them!
17-MAY-2013
So 9.5 hours after leaving Shepley we arrive in Inverness. The 392 miles from York makes a running total of 440 miles on day 1. Cold and gloomy on arrival, wonderful weather for mid May! Was expecting sunshine until midnight this far north in the middle of the year...ah well that's what makes life interesting.
This was the only image of our 125 we got so make the most of it!
The caledonian sleeper was in and we even thought about a 600 mile overnight run to London but the hotel and Jimmy Chungs buffet were calling.
So Day 1 mileage stopped at 440 miles.
17-MAY-2013
New town for both of us so no knowledge of where to eat but we did pass this Chinese Buffet whilst walking to the hotel. Gave it a try and found it to be very pleaseant, plenty of choice and good quality food. All washed down with a nice pint of Guinness...a good end to our first day.
Jimmy C's gets 8/10. We later found out this is a chain of restaurants as we passed one in Edinburgh
Inverness is quite a nice town, seems to have everything you need along with big bouncers on every door....Fridays must get lively later on!
Inverness first impressions 8/10.
Glen Mhor Hotel. They did a selection of apartments and we chose one of those for our first night. Nicely furnished, two bedrooms, lounge, kitchen area and bathroom all for the same price as two normal hotel rooms.
Little gripes....couldn't get any of the 3 TVs to work...whilst they leave coffee and tea there's no milk sachets....the entrance door is a split single door and a struggle to get thru with bags and 60 years of girth....the steep stairway to the first floor appartment is not suitable for those with access difficulties, something not made clear at the booking stage. Not an issue for us surprisingly, but could be for others.
However these are minor gripes. Clean, warm and tidy and I would stay again.
I'll give Glen Mhor 7/10.
18-MAY-2013
Day 2. Breakfast was taken in the station Buffet. A preprepared breakfast in a bun and coffee. Unfortunately the warming process was not efficient and the hash brown potato in the bun was cold....too much fuss to return for reheating so that bit discarded. The buffet had little or no character compared with our favourite at Huddersfield but was larger and airy...the bun was an issue though so only 6/10 from me.
The station itself was light and airy also...plenty of space clean and tidy. Seemed to operate efficiently and was centrally located not much to fault really........8/10
So having been fed and watered time to join the morning train courtesy of Scotrail to the Kyle of Lochalsh.
18-MAY-2013
Some of the stations north of Inverness have very short platforms! This was Conon Bridge I believe.
The weather was not good until we crossed further west passed Achnasheen.
Train comfortable, power point for charging cameras and phones etc so this was above expectations.
To continue you need to click onto page 2...............
18-MAY-2013
When the weather picked up the views as the train trundled down Loch Carron were excellent. This is Loch Carron near Plockton.
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One question asked was the train runs down the south side of the Loch but the majority of inhabited villages seem to be on the north side. Was this a flaw in the great Victorians cunning plans or was the train there mainly for the goods traffic from the fishing at Kyle of Lochalsh?
18-MAY-2013
Our next 4 journeys would be courtesy of Scotrail so I'll give an over view score a little further down the blog.
This morning they provided a Class 158 for the return trip to the West Coast. To our surprise this did have a first class section which was good as the train was full mainly made up of a coach party on an organised UK rail tour. One or two loud experts in the group that knew everything....happy to be independant!
Not sure if it was a true first class offering or just the train rostered had one but it did ensure we had good seats for the trip.
One thing noticed was the helpful nature of the crew, assisting passengers with a smile. Limited but adequate trolley service was provided both ways with frequent passes thru the train.
18-MAY-2013
On time arrival at the end of the line
Not much to see in the town, a hotel, fish processing shed and a view of the Skye Bridge
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The local friends of the line joined the train to push their cause which is currently focused on the rebuilding of a fire damaged signal box. They have a small museum and model of the railway as it was in its heyday...well worth a visit if you are "passing"
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Short turn round then back to Inverness a round trip of 164 miles bringing the running total to 604 miles by the time we made it back to Inverness.
Due to the on time arrival we were able to update our plans and take an earlier train to Perth with a change for Edinburgh rather then wait for the direct train an hour later.
No images but the Class 170 to Perth provided the comfiest seat to date, good service from the catering crew and an on time arrival into Perth...little to fault with that leg at all.
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The train down to Edinburgh was busy, it was late Saturday pm and some of the passengers were "priming themselves for a night out"....red wine from the bottle is not very ladylike. At least those in the 1st Class came pre-prepared with plastic glasses for the wine. :-)). No catering service offered which was poor, the first real let down by Scotrail.
OK train, can't even remember what it was...a 158 probably. a further 174 miles bringing the total to 778 miles into Edinburgh.
So overall for Scotrail's first go (we return later in the week). I put them in the league of TPEx, medium long runs but not frontline top class league. And if that is their place they easily top TPEx. Nicer trains, Nicer staff, punctual and relatively clean and tidy. I know blue and white is "Scotlands colours" but the trains look like Northern/TPEx/FCC.....have a re-think on the paint scheme at the next change over and be distinctive.
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Overall a good 8/10 but the seating on the 170 was good for me and that is up there with a 9/10
19-MAY-2013
A very wet cold miserable evening greeted us in Waverley. Luckily the Motel One is 50yds from the station exit so we did not get too wet. This is a German chain which only has two hotels in the UK. They have taken an old building , retained the old fascade but put a modern "motel" like facility inside. Checking in was a bit fraught, busy etc, with the guest in front (overseas) trying to book a taxi to "Boness". The receptionist (overseas) made a good stab at telling the taxi firm where it was to go but was not quite there....A taxi to "Bones" is required.....it took some assistance to get them to the right place :-))
Hotel itself not particularly memorable. Clean warm and surprisingly quiet room. The one notable item being the fire on the TV....the room did feel warmer when it was on.
Decent chatty barman in the evening.
No tablet soap just a shower gel...poor. Shower cubicle very slippy when wet....not good Otherwise fine room. Breakfast was continental and simply adequate.
Motel One manages 7/10 based mainly on it being very handy for the station.
24-MAY-2013
Our hoped for visit to the Mussel Inn was quashed when it was full so we ended up here for tea. ( Image courtesy of Google maps as it was too wet to think about taking photos.)
They managed to squeeze us in at short notice and the food was excellent.
The really old grumpy one remarked that in Edinburgh the ladies dress up for a night out but the men seemed to dress down ( ie they were scruffy). My thoughts were the ladies seemed to wear very little material and the blokes were sensibly dressed for the weather!
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Any way I'll give this establishment an 8/10 for the food and the fact we managed to get a table with no booking.
19-MAY-2013
Day 3 dawns in Edinburgh cold, and misty but at least the rain had stopped.
Edinburgh Waverley seems to have been under renovation since it was first opened and it is still on going.
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Not the easiest station to navigate but has all the standard facilities you would expect from a capital city station.
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Frequent trains to most parts of the country with Virgin/East Coast/Cross Country/Scot Rail and our beloved TPEx being the major TOC working out of it.
Due to the ongoing work here Waverley station can only warrant a 7/10 for me.
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Our plan was for a long Sunday run to Plymouth direct on Cross Country trains
19-MAY-2013
One of the tour party deems this to be an ugly engine, whereas another thinks it looks quite smart.
Either way we were not using it so it hardly matters!
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Weather was slow in picking up.
PS I think its smart!
19-MAY-2013
A little bright colour to liven up the gloom of a late spring morning in Edinburgh.
A DB Schenker (the Germans are taking over) Rescue engine was parked up along with an East Coast about to leave for London and a ScotRail going somewhere in Scotland I presume!
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19-MAY-2013
At last our steed for the day is ready. Cross Country Voyager ready for the 542 mile trip all the way to Devon.
Views on this Cross Country service, bearing in mind it was a Sunday are.....
1. Train itself was presentable and relatively comfy even after the high mileage
2. Driver from Edinburgh to Leeds very friendly and talkative whilst on the platform
3. The crew on the middle section were good, our Julie made a big hit with the really old grumpy one.
4. On time within acceptable limits
5. Until Newcastle all was fine but from then on until south of Bristol the train was exceedingly busy and the standard issue is that these days trains are simply not long enough. Five carriages with the two ends taking up the equivalent of a carriage along with the catering bits leaves very few seats for the many that got on...by Birmingham it was unacceptable. Even up front it was full. Why can't we invest in more trains rather than worry about building HS2 which will in my humble opinion never happen or be the biggest white elephant going. Edinburgh to Plymouth deserves proper length trains. Simples!
So overall 7/10 mainly due to the crew being good, maybe on a week day mid afternoon the service might have been better....we shall have to try it again.
If in standard class I am sure it would have been a lower score.
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On arrival, on time, in Plymouth our mileage now stands at 1320 miles since leaving Shepley.
19-MAY-2013
Nice scenery as you left Exeter for Plymouth
View here of Exmouth across the river.
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First time also for a run along the Dawlish sea wall, quite amazing experience. Must try it again when the wind is blowing!
19-MAY-2013
Sunshine at last.
Left the gloom behind in Scotland and there was plenty of sunshine to be had in Devon.
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Another crew change before the train left for its last leg to Penzance, we had had enough by then.
Jury's Inn, Plymouth
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Our accommodation for the night was the Jury's Inn which was also being used by a coach tour from Trafalgar tours so not as quiet as expected for a Sunday night.
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The really grumpy one was upset about Gladys hogging the toaster at breakfast ( she had four slices) and people socialising over the fruit display.....never mind it was the best breakfast on the trip, rooms fine, it had baths as well as showers. Not too long a walk into the Barbican area of Plymouth and the Hoe and its sea view.
Not a bad hotel at all I'll give it 8/10 mainly for its breakfast.
19-MAY-2013
Just round the corner from the hotel was the Barbican area.
Lots of bars and eating places.
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The really grumpy one disapproved of the noise though, live music in most of the places
Also some interesting old railway related buildings to be found there.
Dinner was at a Cafe Rouge. Somewhat quiet when we arrived but then a group appeared and one of the ladies had a voice to sink the navy ships in the bay, even the not so grumpy one was glad of a quick exit. otherwise good food, nice place 7/10
19-MAY-2013
For some unknown reason Geoff seemed quite taken by the pink bicycle.
Overall we were impressed by Plymouth and will award it 8/10
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So that's us half way through the week.....still feeling fresh and raring to go....train travel especially at the front of the train is a nice stress free method of getting around.
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Reasonably fed and watered on the trains, good food in the eating places and weather holding on OK
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Continued on page 3
20-MAY-2013
Refreshed we were off again....leaving Plymouth taking the slower route from Exeter to London with South West Trains then a fast run down to Cardiff on FGW
Plymouth station was deemed Ok and had this single car unit that we didn't have time to try.
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All these First train companies look the same basic blue colour...come on guys use some variety
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Plymouth to Exeter was with Cross Country and the trip was fine and uneventful.
20-MAY-2013
Some nice details in the station like these tiled signs for indicating the platform locations.
Nice bright paint scheme as well to match the nice bright trains.
20-MAY-2013
Exeter St Davids is a nice station, retaining some of its original features.
Clean and tidy.....didn't see much litter the whole week so someone is doing a good job keeping Britain tidy.
We changed here for the SW trains route via Salisbury into London Waterloo.
20-MAY-2013
At last a change from the mass of blue trains....a livery with some life.
This was our train arrivivng at Exeter, it ran out to sidings for 20 mins before returning into our platform. Class 159.
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The route thru Salisbury/Yoevil was a pleasant run, much better that retracing our steps back to Bristol on FGW
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I am confident that this train was on par with my favourite so far (Scot rail from Inverness) Lovely comfy seats, smooth ride, quiet compartment. The only minor critique would be on on board service which was a bit impersonal.
It gets a good 7.5/10 ( no power socket let it down a notch) with again a 9/10 if just marking the seating comfort. Well done South West.
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Plymouth to Waterloo added another 223 miles to the running total which now stands at 1543 miles with an on time arrival
20-MAY-2013
Don't particularly like London stations.
Waterloo did nothing to change my opinion.
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Busy and frenetic so a quick photo then on the tube across to Paddington.
20-MAY-2013
Compared with a similar train shed at St Pancras, Paddington is a big disappointment.
Gloomy and dark, almost claustrophobic. 5/10 for the station.
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They play the same game as Kings Cross where the train stands ready but they don't announce the platform till almost departure time, then its a scramble to get thru and settled.
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The FGW 125 initially looked super with its grey leather seating however it was all "fur coat and no knickers" as the fascade was just a front. I found the seats not comfy at all, the leather being hard and slippy. I also expected more from the onboard catering than just a drink. Didn't need anything having had the late lunch but nothing was offered though I am sure a crisp or two was available
Train was, though, on time and the journey totally forgetable. But the 145 miles takes the running total to 1685 miles
FGW are in the big league but reside in the relegation spot. I can't give more than 6/10...on par with TPEx not something to be proud of!
20-MAY-2013
Plenty of time to spare at Paddington so looked for some lunch.
Nice quiet pub just round the corner was our first pub visit of the week....didn't we do well.
Hotel bars don't count as pubs by the way.
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Nice spot of lunch then back to the station for the FGW 125 to Cardiff Central
20-MAY-2013
Our first mistake, as the photo shows there are at least 6 hotels within a 300 yd radius of cardiff central but we managed to pick on that was 20 mins walk away...not good when you are getting on a bit. Travelodge, Radison, Sleeperz, Marriot etc.
Not a particularly welcoming hotel though the staff were fine.....bland and bleak would be the description of the public areas with new paint smell pervading the building.
Rooms OK but no bath....and I like a bath not a shower. There was soap which trumps the Motel One and breakfast did have bacon/sausage etc. However the remote location for non car users loses a point so this gets 6/10.
The presence of a steel works marshalling rail yard doesn't save it ...no trains for many a year.
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Not too long a walk though, down to the Cardiff Bay area which was on the night surprisingly quiet compared to Plymouth's equivalent the night before.
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Nice food in Wood's Brasserie. Engaging staff, good service an OK place 8/10
21-MAY-2013
New day new challenge as they say. looking at the Arriva Trains Wales stock the night before there was an abundance of Pacers around. Give them fair due they were making them into 4 car units by tagging them on the back of 144 and the like but a lot of low level stock in use. As today was our one day where we knew there was no 1st class option and we were "with the poor people" (not my quote!!!)we were pessimistic about the day ahead and what we might be riding on.
The plan was to go from Cardiff via Shrewsbury to Chester then Llandudno Jnct and Blaenau Festiniog, 219 miles, returning to Chester on Arriva before a transfer to Virgin for a quick run to Crewe adding another 92 miles to our total. .
Our fears were unfounded as this nice Class 175 rolled into the platform for us to use.
Nice comfy table seat, a lesson in marketing from the student and his very attractive lecturer as far as Cwmbran, coffee and mars bars from the trolley and we are sorted for the day.
This leg scores a well deserved 7.5/10 Well done Arriva, putting First Group to shame somewhat. The livery is attractive as well, though after a while the blue does start to irritate when used on the station paintwork
On time arrival in Llandudno Jnct where we changed for the Conwy valley line to Blaenau.
21-MAY-2013
En route north through the Welsh borders this impressive signal box at Shrewsbury was seen...long tall and thin a unique design?
21-MAY-2013
Sometimes the excitment got the better of Geoff and he had to sleep off the adrenalin rush!
Dreaming of his new pink bicycle.
It's a strange co-incidence I think but at these moments the questions stopped and I had time to recover :-)))
Little did he know of the excitement to come the following day........
21-MAY-2013
Llandudno Junction was an acceptable place to be. Nice station buildings, cafe and all the facilities old men need!
Even for the short run up the valley to BF Arriva produced a decent stock in the form of a 2 car class 150.
Not over crowded, perfectly servicable and helpful chatty guard who kept asking if we had any requests.....temptation was to ask for an old Buddy Holly song but he really was intereseted in requests for stops at halts so we didn't risk it as it would have been a long walk back
Some lovely views from the train as it wended its way up to Roman Bridge....but after the tunnel all the green goes to be replaced by slate waste....interesting industrial history though.
21-MAY-2013
The mainline and narrow gauge railways share the same station.....but clearly not the same track at Blaenau.
And wonders of wonders the trains are timed to allow connections to be made, what will they think of next?
Lovely little engine brought in hoards of tourists who thankfully were met by coaches and did not share our train back to Llandudno Junction.
Out of interest this railway is included in the all line rail rover ticket so we could have travelled on it.
21-MAY-2013
There was more smoke from the ciggy than the engine!
Lovely smooth quiet engine, hardly made a sound as it ran round the train..
Merddin Emrys..
The oldest operating Double Fairlie on the railway. Named after the 6th century Welsh poet. The locomotive underwent a major rebuild in 1987/8. Returned to steam in 2005 and converted to coal firing during the winter of 2006/2007. The engine is currently in service and covered more miles in 2010 than any other FR locomotive.
21-MAY-2013
For the return journey to Chester from Llandudno Jnct, the train was formed by detaching the last two carriages of an arriving Holyhead bound train. As the previous Chester train had only just departed the number of passengers boarding at Llandudno Jnct was somewhat limited.
We had a carriage to ourselves with three persons in the other carriage. it got a little but not a lot busier as we picked up along the route.
Again very acceptable stock on the route. Impressed with our exposure to Arriva and can give them 8/10 overall for their efforts.
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Watch and learn Northern!
21-MAY-2013
The weather remained fine for the run back along the coast to Chester.
This is Colwyn Bay.
21-MAY-2013
Chester Station.
Didn't get to see to much of the station but it did seem a little like it has been cobbled together over time with little thought to integrating the additions into the existing facilities.
Todays miles so far were 280 taking the running total to 1904 miles
21-MAY-2013
Our first taste of Mr Branson's trains.
Virgin Voyager to get us the 21 miles to Crewe.
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Some people complain in railway circles about men in Orange jackets spoiling the photos...there's another set that leave luggage in peoples shots!!!!!!!!
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21 miles gets us to a running total of 2004 miles.
21-MAY-2013
That had been the plan for the day but as we had a reasonably early arrival we decied to make the most of the rover ticket and try another run out that night on the trains
London Midland to Wolverhampton was the choice.......but not a good one.
I have developed an aversion to these green and grey trains.
Only one working toilet in the 4 carriages and the first class compartment had less legroom than the Pacers on the Penistone line. Truely uncomfortable experience and so London Midland get the wooden spoon out of all the operators used
As they managed an on time arrival I will be generous and give the 4/10.....pretty poor
A Class 350 Desiro was hardly desirable
21-MAY-2013
We chose Wolverhampton as I had a yearning for a curry and it was a safe bet we would find one here....we smelt them but surprisingly never saw one and ended up embarrassingly in a Pizza Hut...it was a good pizza so alls well in the end.
Next stop was "the Posada" in Lichfield Street. A wonderful pub with a fine selection of real ales. it also has the ability to confuse old people as I tried to open the door to leave...trouble was it wasn't the door just a panel of similar design...it raised a smile or two with the locals.
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Having let a few London Midland trains pass.....I will not travel with them again....we had the delights of Wolverhampton by night as we waited for the Preston bound Virgin train to arrive.
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Luckily we realised we were on the wrong platform and thus had time to get over in time for its departure!!
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This got us back to Crewe with another 80 miles under the belt. 2084 miles is now the running total......will we make 3000 in the week??
21-MAY-2013
On arrival at Crewe we pulled in alongside the Northern Belle
This was returning from London having been on an excursion to the Flower show at Chelsea.
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Our hotel for the night was the conveniently located Crewe Arms, 50 yds from the station.
They heating was on full blast on a mild evening. Requests for it to be turned off in our rooms failed but in the process they managed to lose Geoff's room key. It was nowhere to be found as we returned that evening.
The rooms had mismatched numbers (just shabby)/ keys had mixed fobs/mine had a towel under the loo waste pipe to catch the leak/broken stays on windows/due to heat windows open but noisy youths and aircon packs made for a disturbed night.
This hotel gets the "London Midland" award of 4/10 and that is for the chatty and helpful receptionist on the desk and its convenience for the station.
Not the best evening on the trip then!
22-MAY-2013
Last two days now and this one is Aberdeen via Haymarket using Virgin upto Edinburgh then Scotrail again for the run to Aberdeen.
Virgin Rail.
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What a delight it was to travel on this service.....bacon roll to top off the hotel breakfast.....and a nice chicken salad for lunch washed down with a tumbler of red.
The steward on this service was excellent the best of the trip...chatting with the travellers, giving advice, and providing a very efficient catering service. this guy and the rest of the crew get 10/10. I know us Yorkies don't give 10 but he was a Sheffield lad so we stick together and he gets the full top marks.
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A Virgin Voyager is very similar to a Cross Country one even down to the electrically operated toilet doors. These have the same issue on both companies trains in that, every so often, a passenger can hit the alarm button by mistake when trying to lock the door.
As the really old grumpy one needed to go he was advised of the potential for this....it had already gone off a couple of times that day. Normally it goes off once and is ignored by the crew, only if it continues to do they respond.
One has to give Geoff some credit as the doors had hardly closed before the alarm went off and again and again and again and......5 times in total.
10/10 for the lady steward who responded immediately and "sorted him out".
So for the top class crew, good catering and the in journey entertainment...virgin are top dogs of the week 9/10 overall
22-MAY-2013
Virgin may have sneaked an extra 0.5 points if they had been on time as our plan allowed for us to go to Edinburgh to make the connection to Scotrail, but with a tight change and running a few minutes late we did the change at Haymarket. Another station that appears to be constantly under refurbishment.
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Haymarket is 241 miles from Crewe so our running total now stands at 2325 miles
22-MAY-2013
Scotrail provided another Class 170 for the run to Aberdeen.
No problems with it at all, ontime, not overcrowded, 1st class was very quiet, good trolley service to keep you fed and watered. 8/10
Halfway up the train "hit some debris on the line" which had the driver inspecting at the next stop. We could see no evidence on arrival in Aberdeen. So it will remain a mystery what we hit.
Miles to Aberdeen were 129 making the total now 2454 miles
22-MAY-2013
The trip to Aberdeen gave us a good clear view of the Firth of Forth as we crossed the Forth bridge at Queensferry
The road bridge is in the distance
22-MAY-2013
Aberdeen station is nice and bright. Could not work out why the train stopped short of the central area where the access footbridge is, only to drive out passed it on departure. the result lots of passengers simply had further to walk.....railways are run for passengers not the convenience of the operating companies.....1 lost mark there Scotrail/Aberdeen station.
Otherwise the station was light and airy, and attached to a shopping centre making it very conveneient for the locals.
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One point to mention is that following the alarm incident I had held on as I did not want the embarrassment of also setting the alarm off. At Aberdeen station the toilets are barrier controlled and its 20p to have a pee.
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Luckily, as I was in a rush and didn't have 20p, the barrier was broken and I along with many others enjoyed a free "p" on Scotrail....thank you.
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Overall Aberdeen station gets a 6/10 losing marks for the walk/broken electronic signs and 20p charge.
22-MAY-2013
We had time to wander down to the harbour area and have a quick look round before we set off for our last overnight stop in Glasgow.
It might look summery but it was cold and windy and not at all like summer.
22-MAY-2013
Another class 170 to take us back to Glasgow. This one got quite full on the way down.
But as with most legs of the trip it was an on time departure and arrival into Queen Street
A journey of 154 miles giving us 2608 miles in total.
By now both of us were getting a little weary of lugging the cases around but surprisingly the travelling was not causing tiredness or rail weariness.....we were still looking forward to our last day on the rails.
22-MAY-2013
Glasgow was also fine sunny but very windy and cold.
Just round the corner they were demolishing a building and the dust combined with the wind was ensuring everything got covered with dust......very surprised at the H&S guys allowing this in the middle of a city with busy streets all round.....standards must be slipping since I retired!!!
Still last hotel was the Mercure. I think it was a robot that checked us in, no interaction simply a well rehearsed set of questions and statements that required no response other than Yes or No.
Hardly a warm welcome......rooms had everything you needed but were cramped to the point of being too small for comfort. In need of some TLC to replace cracked washbasins etc......struggle to give much more than 6/10 for this place.
22-MAY-2013
After a good meal at the Mussel Inn ( always gets 9/10 from me) we sampled the delights of the Pot Still pub across the way (9/10)
A fine selection of malts and an entertaining birthday party celebrating a 60th to keep us amused.
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On their departure our new friend seemed to be using someone elses legs as he clearly was unaccustomed to using them. The left one in particular giving him problems. Still he did make the door which is better than some!
He came to shake hands, after a visit to the gents (no alarms by the way,)with the classic phrase:
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"its OK I have washed my hands "..we shook his hands!
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....just brilliant.....Well done the guys from West Kilbride
23-MAY-2013
Last day starts with a brisk walk to Glasgow Central. Lovely old interior to the station but no waste bins requiring a walk to the road to deposit the coofee cups ....poor show.
Otherwise a station with everything you need so long as you don't want a free "p"....yes its 20p again to spend a penny....another poor show...these things matter to grumpy old men.
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Do the same trick as other terminus stations, keep you guessing until the last minute before giving the platform details. However with a rover and a little bit of nouse ( there was only one Virgin Pendolino in the station) the grumps were first on board long before the platform announcements were made.....1-0 to the oldies!!!
23-MAY-2013
Neither of us had ridden on the Pendolino before so we were looking forward to sampling the tilting train's performance.
11 car unit...a proper train.
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Settle into the seats...exactly the same as those on a Voyager....and ready ourselves for the run to London.
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Non stop after Warrington Bank Quay.
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Note from Geoff: Alarm in toilet has been relocated in this train...so it was clearly a design fault not operator error!
23-MAY-2013
Breakfast at 125 mph.....that's my excuse for the blurred shot.
Good service on the train, engaging crew, plenty of offers for coffee, light lunch and red wine as well...offered to leave the bottle as it was almost done......good show by all
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A little disappointed in the Pendolino in the fact you didn't notice any real difference...maybe a slightly more angle on the corners. I was expecting more than that but that's probably my fault.
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So it got us to London without fuss, on time and stressless...
...another 9/10 I think.
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Virgin by far the best service overall of the mainline TOCs
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For the East Coast lady we met on day 1......yes the windows are small but not a problem and no smelly tanks as promised....sorry Virgin beat East Coast by two country miles.
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400miles so far today making 3008 miles in total...we have broke the 3K barrier!
23-MAY-2013
Those orange jackets get everywhere....
23-MAY-2013
The original entrance to Euston lists the stations that were served in the days of proper trains. trains of decent length, trains run for passengers not shareholders, trains that went where needed not where franchises let them, trains run by one company BRITISH RAILWAYS.
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Explain to me how it is cost effective to have umpteen operating companies, each with their own infrastructure, management teams, staff etc each making a profit for the share holders. Train leasing companies also have multiple set ups also making profits for their shareholders and network rail running the track and stations for profit.....there is too many taking too much out of the system strangling growth, investment and operational capability....rant over.
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Or this could just be a football league table with Halifax trouncing neighbours Huddersfield
23-MAY-2013
Now that's a proper station roof.....light and airy....watch and learn Paddington.
St Pancras our last leg now upto Sheffield with yet another TOC East Midlands.
A 125 awaites in Platform one to get us back to Yorkshire in just over two hours.....how will they compare?
23-MAY-2013
"The train at Pershore station was waiting that Sunday night
Gas light on the platform, in my carriage electric light,
Gas light on frosty evergreens, electric on Empire wood,
The Victorian world and the present in a moment's neighbourhood."
Pershore Station, or A Liverish Journey First Class by John Betjeman
23-MAY-2013
Leather seats again.....not a good sign.
Nice bright cabin, good lighting but despite looking really comfy those seats disappoint again.
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The service in First was restricted to a drink....any food had to be bought, not quite the style we had become accustomed to.
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In fact having looked thru the menu booklet I inadvertently put it back in the holder opened at the wrong page.....it was corrected for me by the catering team....made me feel like a schoolboy in the naughty corner.
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The offer of coffee was frequent though.
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On time arrival into Sheffield.......can only give them 6/10 not in the same league as others.
Nice bright paint job though
PS.. we beat the system again to board early. 2-0 to the grumps.
23-MAY-2013
Sheffield
Back to the land of "too short" trains c/o Northern and TPEx. They are more coach and trailer than trains
Surprisingly a Cross Country came thru with a 4 car unit attached to a 5 car....almost a real train length. We could have done with one like that on the Edinburgh>Plymouth run.
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We had 30 mins to wait and realised in the whole week we had not had a pasty.....this needed correcting.....two large Cornish eaten to round of the trip in a celebratory mood while watching 144s and Pacers trundle by.
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Just the anticipation of what Northern were going to provide for the final ride home to Shepley......
23-MAY-2013
Northern lived up to the low expectations and we got an overcrowded 2 car "bus" on rails.
Standing room only until after Barnsley, some still stood as it was more comfortable than the seats.....seating being 3+2 across the cabin means you get to get one cheek each on the seats.
Still they can have 4/10, on par with London Midland.
"Single to Dodworth please". "I'll have to come back my machine is not working" Heaven help us.
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After an hour on this we suddenly became tired of the rides and were happy to be home at last.
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The 142 leaves Shepley vibrating its way to Huddersfield.
The coffee trolley never made it to the front carriage!
That was 188 miles from London making the final milage 3196 miles give or take an odd mile which for £460 for the rover ticket (SNR discount applied) was good value for money
24-MAY-2013
An overview of the routes taken
Each day being a different colour.
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The east and south were avoided this time...scope for the 2014 tour.
When fresh I will do one more entry giving my overviews of the performances but we know Virgin won and Northern Lost!
22-MAY-2013
Train companies.
I have divided them into various groups, those with the headline routes, other long distance operators and those which didn't offer 1st class accomodation.
The Premier League
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1. Virgin ..............................walked it no contest.
2= Cross Country and East Coast
4. First Great Western
Championship
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1= South West Trains and Scotrail
3. East Midlands Trains
4. TransPennine Express
10. London Midland
Blue SQ Conference. (2nd class travel only)
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1. Arriva Trains Wales............................. 1st by a long way
5. Northern
10. The Underground
