On the slow train to glasgow

I appear to be on the inaugural transpennine slow train to glasgow replacing virgin cross country.

all the fluffy bunny marketing ladies in branded baseball caps, glossy magazines reminding you of the rebranding to FIRST TRANSPENNINE EXPRESS and non scottish conductors wearing kilts handing out free scottish shortbread cant disguise the fact i am stuck on a commuter train with very few facilities stopping at every tiny station in the north west all the way to glasgow. For the next four hours.

at least virgin trains had a power socket and on board shop.

One step forward, one step back

Heading back south from Glasgow towards Newcastle, I find that another new train operator has taken over from GNER - National Express. Thankfully it's a much plusher train, with wood panel tables, comfy (albeit beige) seats, and more importantly free Wi-Fi. Score!

Then I put my knees up and suddenly find my trousers covered in chewing gum. On an ostensibly new train. Oh dear.