Where to change? Too much choice!

[whole diary]

[rower40]

Journey - Burton-on-Trent to Newquay, this Saturday.

Train 1: 1V44 0611 Leeds to Paignton.  Cross-country HST^▸ (High Speed Train).  Best train in the country.(*)
Train 2: 1C76 0903 Paddington to Penzance.  Assuming that GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) no longer run HSTs from Paddington, this will be an IEP^▸ (Intercity Express Program / Project.).
Train 3: 1V45 0703 Manchester Piccadilly to Newquay.  Voyager.

On the common stretch of these three trains, train 1 is ahead of train 2 by 30 mins (approx), and train 2 is ahead of train 3 by 15 mins.

I could omit train 2 completely, and change from train 1 to train 3 at any of the stops between Birmingham New Street and Newton Abbot inclusive.  But as I've never yet sampled an IEP, and time spent on a Voyager is time endured not enjoyed, I can use train 2 to "bridge the gap" - and change from 2 to 3 at Bodmin Parkway (as train 2 does not call at Par).  Another factor in the mix is whether there's long enough at any of the change locations for me to buy food for the two littl'uns (ages 4 and 5) who will be with me, and to keep them interested in what is quite a long journey.

"On the day", if there's any doubt about train 2's performance, we stay on train 1 till Newton Abbot and change there to train 3.  But I'm tempted to change from 1 to 2 at Exeter St Davids, visit the Exeter Uni shop nearby, sample GWR's on-board fare from there to Bodmin Parkway, and revert to X-country (the Voyager) as late as possible.

What does anyone suggest?

_{(*) However, 1V44 this morning left Leeds 48 mins late, and rolled in to Plymouth exactly an hour down.  If that's the same unit as will run that service on Saturday, then let's hope the clever techs at Laira or Neville Hill can work their magic on it pronto.}

[Geoff DC]

There is a Cafe on the platform at Bodmin Parkway

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@50.4458047,-4.6628088,3a,37.5y,17.91h,87.1t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sk760j-gEQXjrOW5-XAyK_Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

[The Tall Controller]

From personal experience, I would definitely change at Bodmin Parkway. Lovely station, surroundings, staff and cafe.

On an IET, the 2nd and 3rd coaches from the front will stop right outside the Signalbox Cafe. They've always got a range of sandwiches, snacks and other bits ready to go. Hot food is also served but 15 mins probably isn't enough.

[Pb_devon]

There is a Cafe on the platform at Bodmin Parkway

....and as it is run by the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, you will be supporting their cause.