January 2022 sees the fortieth anniversary of the last of the ‘English Electric’ built ‘Deltic’ locomotives being withdrawn.
Constructed in the early 1960s, these diesel electric machines, powered by twin Napier Deltic engines were the backbone of British Rail’s services on the East Coast Main Line.
The engines produced a sound that was a cross between a howl and a roar which will never be forgotten by those fortunate enough to have heard it.
They were truly icons of their time.
With the introduction of the TOPS numbering scheme in the 1970’s they became Class 55.
So, if you were around at the time, sit back and reminisce.
If you were not around at the time, see what you missed.
The descriptions and images pictured are all the work of friend Peter Rose and are reproduced here with his permission and my thanks.
DP1 DELTIC.
‘English Electric’ built diesel electric locomotive prototype
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
Construction of this loco dates back to the mid 1950s.
At one time it was kept in the Great Hall at the NRM at York but is now resident at Shildon Locomotion Museum where this image was captured on 15/06/2017.
D9018 British Rail, ‘Ballymoss’.
‘English Electric’ built diesel electric locomotive.
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
Pictured in 1967 on Finsbury Park shed in the company of D9007 ‘Pinza’ and D9006 ‘The Fife & Forfar Yeomanry’.
All 3 loco’s are wearing the original two tone green livery used in an attempt to make them look less bulky.
55005 British Rail, ‘The Prince of Wales Own Regiment of Yorkshire’.
‘English Electric’ built diesel electric locomotive.
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
Pictured at Kings Cross on 23/01/1975 wearing the rail blue livery which does nothing at all to make it look less bulky.
55013 British Rail, ‘The Black Watch’.
‘English Electric’ built diesel electric locomotive.
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
Pictured at Haymarket on 25/08/1975.
55021 British Rail, ’Argyll & Sutherland Highlander’.
‘English Electric’ built diesel electric locomotive.
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
Pictured at Haymarket on 25/08/1975.
55009 British Rail, ’Alycidon’.
‘English Electric’ built diesel electric locomotive.
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
Pictured at York with the distinctive station roof in the background.
Working 1S12 the 0745 Kings Cross to Edinburgh.
Dated 15/6/77.
The loco is carrying a distinctive ‘Silver Jubilee’ headboard which must relate to the silver jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll which occurred in February of that year.
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