(27 Nov 2014, 9:16 am)Scott wrote I found East Coast rather sloppey with jerky uncomfortable trains, heaters on during the summer, and even a tarin stopping short at Edinburgh, with no info as to replacement bus services. Open ticket did allow the use of a ScotRail service to complete the journey.
Cross Country seemed to provide a better service, but I rarely used them. Northern Rail do very well with the older rolling stock. A return journey on Virgin West Coast wen't very well. Got into Carlilse 5 minutes early, with a very smooth ride.
First TransPennine are my personal least-favourites, closely followed by CrossCountry!
Had bad experiences with both operators that has resulted in travelling with each only the once, and likely that shall remain.
I do agree with your point about Northern Rail, considering they do use some ancient rolling stock, they seem to get by rather well.
