Crosscountry trains - HST or Voyager?

[whole diary]

[CVO_Dan]

I like the EDB > KGX > CDF^» (Cardiff - next trains) option....
How much time should I leave between sked. arrival @ King's Cross and departure @ PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains)?

Would probably take the train that leaves EDB @ 1130 sked to arrive in KGX @ 1551.
We'd probably taxi to PAD.

[chrisr_75]

I did wonder about the London transit option but for some reason chose not to mention it!

I would be inclined to allow yourself at least an hour if you want to have time not to rush and also if you need to use the facilities, buy some food etc before you leave Paddington. Also consider the effect of any traffic delays if your arrival time at Kings Cross coincides with the evening peak.

But better than anything, you'll get to experience the delights of First Great Western which is what this forum is all about!! 

[chrisr_75]

After inspecting google maps for journey times (about 15-20 mins by road), if you don't want to rush for your train I would tend leave an hour minimum if you are unfamiliar with Paddington station and perhaps up to 90 mins if you wanted to grab something to eat etc.

[eightf48544]

The Mad Bishop & Bear, above concourse, at Padd does decent beer and reasonable food. It even has departure boards so you can watch out for your train.

[bobm]

Can certainly vouch for the beer. Was in there a few hours ago supping their beer and watching Wimbledon (with subtitles).

Didn't dine today but they have a good range of bar snacks as well as full meals.

[Rhydgaled]

I have some comments to make on some of the suggestions.

1. While Pendolinos are better than Voyagers in most respects (largely due to the increased length of the unit, I suspect) their low windows aren't great for views. Coach D (I think) in a Virgin Super Voyager is much better for views, but I find the seats uncomfortable.

2. Arriva Trains Wales normally use class 175 units on the Manchester - Crewe - Cardiff - Carmarthen - Milford Haven route. These are quite comfortable and much better for views than most other UK^▸ (United Kingdom) rolling stock but only come in 2-car or 3-car sets, which often isn't enough on the Manchester - Cardiff leg (I was once a frequent user of one (I think the 15:30 off Manchester) which was very busy, particularly out of Crewe). Shame about the short length as they probably have the best standard class interior of any UK train (not quite perfection, but very nearly).

3. While the East Coast service (Edinburgh to London) has nice trains, better than either Pendolinos or Voyagers, the 'view' gets rather dull a bit before York (mile after mile of flat expanse).