Got back on saturday and have to say I am well impressed.
Travelled mainly by metronom and db 614/628 type dmus, also on Hannover S bahn. Out of 24 journeys made the only one that was even slightly late was the sleeper home which arrived ten mins down at Brussels from Hamburg.
I travelled alone and if anyone has not been abroad then try it, the trains are roomy, clean, reliable and cheap and almost everybody understands english.
As an example, bought a first class single on the train from Leer to Fallingbostel-the price?- a mere 33 Euros! Imagine buying a 1st single from the guard for a 200 mile journey in the UK without taking out a mortgage!
PS any DEMU fans out there try a ride on Arriva's Stadler GTW artics between Groningen and Germany-700BHP-in a lightweight articulated unit-they can almost throw you out of your seat!