Minor Ferroequinological Interest

Vir­gin Cross Coun­try is rarely a treat — just hang in and get off when you get there — don’t get obsessed with time-keeping — so it was with some delight that I found when the 17.51 to York pulled in to Taunton on Fri­day last it was formed of a full length Mid­land Main­line HST on hire to Vir­gin. And, as I was trav­el­ling first class (cheapest single ticket bought in advance) that meant lots of room. So, all a delight — and what’s in a creep­ingly slow approach to New Street and a 10 min late depar­ture — until Leeds, where the HST gave up the ghost and a trans­fer to a Trans Pen­nine ensued. Res­ult — only 12 mins later into York than I would have been on the HST — though why does a train leav­ing Leeds at 22.10 not arrive in York until 22.58?