Why not check out Ciao's own Ladyfuscia at http://www.myspace.com/akolayd She can really play.
Why not check out Ciao's own Ladyfuscia at http://www.myspace.com/akolayd She can really play.
Member since:06.02.2001
Reviews:110
Members who trust:404
Virgin Trains are running late again but is it all their fault. There can be a multitude of reasons why the train is delayed, if a rail breaks is it Virgins fault or Railtracks, if some poor unfortunate decides to end it all, is it Virgins fault, or if the Locomotive expires can you than blame Virgin, I would say in 8 out of 10 cases no.
Let me explain, when Virgin took over the running of Cross Country trains and West Coast Trains it inherited a fleet of locomotives and rolling stock some of which are almost 40 years old. These locomotives had been run into the ground by British Rail and were for all intent and purpose life expired before Virgin took over.
Diesel and Electric locomotives are operated daily by Virgin, the diesels falling into two categories, the relatively modern High Speed Train known as the Intercity 125 and the older Class 47 locomotives.
The Class 47 locomotives were built between 1963 and 1967 in Britain as a direct replacement for the Steam locomotives that were withdrawn from British Railways in 1968. The Intercity 125 being introduced later between 1976 and 1982 as a replacemant for the Deltics which transformed travel on the East Coast Main Line.
Also of the three classes of electric locomotive the earliest was built in 1965 and the latest in 1990 all though not many of the later build are in service with Virgin.
Virgin knew that in taking over the two operating companies that it had a mammoth task on its hands with the West Coast Mainline in a terrible condition and Cross Country loosing money hand over fist The first thing that was done was to investigate the carriages and locomotives that they had inherited and investigate ways to upgrade them to a standard acceptable to the general public. This was achieved fairly rapidly but it was only done as a stopgap while new trains were ordered and delivered, one brief to the Train builders being that the new trains had to be able to operate over the existing track at an enhanced speed.
In the meantime the locomotives still operate in front line service nationwide on express passenger services and it is a credit to the fitters responsible for their upkeep that they operate as well as they do. Would you expect your car to travel from one end of the country to another day in and day out with the engine operating at maximum speed at 40 years of age without a breakdown, I think not? I know that you have to pay to travel on these trains and expect and deserve better but realise that it is not always Virgins fault. Indeed if these locomotives had to have Road Fund tax they would be tax exempt and classed as Classics. If these locomotives do expire on a passenger service the likely hood is that a nearby freight engine will be pressed into service to haul the train often at a reduced speed due to design differences on to the train’s destination.
The new generation of trains are now undergoing testing and crew training in this country and when they are introduced into service then the fare paying passenger must expect and get a far better service
As a final thought before I expose myself to a barrage of comments be aware that Virgin does not own either the Locomotives or Carriages these are leased from hire companies.
I've only used Virgin Trains twice. The first time they were great but on the return journey it took 6 hours from London to Manchester. Inconsistancy is their trouble...
Mel27 14.08.2004 22:37
I bought a Virgin Newcastle-Bristol return ticket in 2002 for just £25. An upgrade for 1st class was £15 extra. The service was as good as can be expected and the train was quite clean etc.
phil2001 20.03.2002 17:37
I agree with the fact that it is not always Virgins fault. In my opinion they seem to be the only ones actually doing something to improve comfort etc.
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Record Rent a Car is present in the main spanish airports and has a very wide fleet. We offer: exceptional discounts, free additional drivers,
unlimited mileage... subscribe to our Club Record and take advantage of special offers.
Advantages: execellent services, the driver always introduces himself and lets you know how the journey is going, wide choice of snacks and drinks available Disadvantages: none
coolchanty 06.01.2002 (06.01.2002)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Virgin Trains
Advantages: Pleasent Staff, always there to help! Disadvantages: No leg room, very dated, uncomfortable seating, and not enough space to put your luggage.
Copie1990 23.11.2009 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of CrossCountry
Aug 17th, 2001
very helpful by (97%):
helpful by (3%):
