Many thanks MCR! As the 0948 from King's Cross, arriving Northallerton 1206 and Sunderland 1321, is operated by HST-2, I should be safe! I shall travel down from Newcastle to Northallerton on the EC 1028, as this will make a change from TPE andXC, which I can ride in Manchester, and have done in the last 7 weeks anyway. I am encouraged that day returns from Newcastle to Northallerton are valid via Sunderland.