Travelling down Britain’s London to Glasgow West Coast main line in the cab of a 30-year-old electric locomotive is an assault on the senses. The locomotive rolls about, especially crossing sets of points, makes a tremendous noise and the driver needs constantly to adjust the controls.

The contrast when travelling in the cab of a brand new Pendolino tilting train is stark. There is scarcely any noise, the driver has to do far less and the ride is far smoother.