Great Western Coffee Shop

Heading home for Chrismas ... jingle with a song. 

Plenty on my plate for the next two and a bit weeks, but I'm headed home for Christmas over after what I think has been my final staying-away trip of the year.


(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20191207_00.jpg)

Some more picture from this morning ... interesting to see that virtually every picture shows changes or will change shortly.

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20191207_01.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20191207_02.jpg)(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20191207_03.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20191207_04.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20191207_05.jpg)

I wish First / TrenItalia all the best on the West Coast, but I can't help feeling a little sad travelling south this morning on Virgin's final day.

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20191207_06.jpg)

Have you squirrelled one of those antimacassars as souvenir of the last day of service.

I dare say quite a few of those will be disappearing throughout the day only to be found appearing on eBay the following morning.

I echo Graham’s sentiment that there is a little sadness today at the end of the Virgin Trains era. Sure they weren’t perfect, name me a travel company that is, I just think the rail industry has lost a good friend today.

But I wish First (said with slightly gritted teeth) Tren Italia well in their new venture. I like what I’ve heard so far with the order for IETs to replace those awful Voyagers welcome news, especially for the fact that it’s not going to take years to get them into service.

It says something about the glacial pace of change in the rail industry that trains due to come in during 2022 (so probably Dec - ie 3 years from now) is considered quick, especially given they are an existing design with a production line in full swing.

(Actually, maybe the expression glacial pace of change isn't so appropriate these days, given the rapid rate at which they are retreating.)

Virgin West Coast have always treated me well and their first class offerings of complimentary food and drink far exceed anything offered on GWR. I couldn't even buy on a GWR train out of Paddington what I have been given for free departing Euston. I hope the new service is not a race to the bottom with the new operators.

It's not "free", it's factored into the ticket price. You're still paying for it! 🙂

On some of the very reasonably priced Advanced tickets to Manchester, Liverpool or Preston, it certainly didn't feel like it!

I fear that a race to the bottom is likely, based on previous experience.
Changes are generally for the worse, where GWR lead, others follow.

In recent years, the emphasis has been "what downgrades can we get away with" rather than "what improvements can we make" This applies to both rolling stock design and to on board service.

I really do like the livery on the TransPennine Express Nova fleet. I'm told the interiors are a real improvement over the previous Class 185s.

Certainly no downgrade here. But then some would rather still see aging diesels hauling Mk2s over the Pennines.

Is that the Blue train? I thought that looked different (in a good way).

Yes I didn't mind travelling with Virgin especially in 1st. Once had a potato soup served to me leaving Euston that was delicious. So much so that I asked if they had the recipe or could get it.


Agreed I don't have a problem with the IET/800 series especially if the alternative is a Voyager. However   if they pick the same sodding seat, sterile decor and blinds on those trains as we've got on GWR.....