There is little to no information on the pay with the new OAO East Coast Trains Ltd.
However i would expect the pay to be in line with other operators towards the lower end - competitive some what. I would say as a fully qualified driver, pay would be around mid 50s. Starting wage more than likely lower 20s whilst in training. After 1st year mid to higher 30s, Year 2 mid 40s then after 3 years and fully qualified mid 50s.
However this could be completely incorrect but i know of some TOCs that work like this. I dont suppose you could go far wrong with this.
Each company operates differently but i expect the wages to be competitive.
Again i may be far of the mark and completely wrong, but i do know some drivers who have applied and they have adopted this approach.
On the matter of asking, personally i would not bother asking. Make that decision when you have passed everything and offered the job, the pay undoubtedly will become apparent through this process or when you recieved your contract, then you can make that decision if its not too late. Yes you want to know and have a family, bils ect to pay for but knowing the research on other TOCs and how good the money is on the railway, you will know in a limited short space of time you will be earning more than previous job(s)
The money will be good, just concentrate on the hurdles you need to jump 1st.
Hope this helps and good luck