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Locomotives - Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
The success of the Deltic prototype in the 1950s brought an order for a fleet of 22 Deltics to replace steam on the East Coast Main Line. Due to their much higher availability, the 22 production-series Deltics performed the duties previously allocated to 55 pacific-type steam locomotives. The first was introduced in 1961 to run Anglo-Scottish passenger services. However it soon became obvious that a revision would be needed to the previously non-stop London - Scotland service. Earlier, the crew change had been possible because of the locomotive-train access arrangement, but this was not provided for on the Deltics. Nevertheless, the Deltics were able to cover the 393 miles between London and Edinburgh in under six hours with intermediate stops, around one hour less than the non-stop steam hauled expresses.
After introduction the engines were named after racehorses on the Eastern Region and army regiments in the North East and Scottish Regions. The early days of these locomotives were marred by mechanical unreliability which was solved by rigorous retraining of the maintenance teams at BR's Doncaster works. These engines were able to travel at up to 100mph (160 km/h) and their excellent reputation was only tarnished by the high cost of power unit replacement. The Class 55's were progressively replaced by Intercity 125s between 1980 and 1982 when the last Deltic was withdrawn. However six examples of this popular locomotive survive in preservation and can still be seen operating around the country.
- Name: British Railway (English Electric) Co-Co Diesel-electric class 55 3,300 bhp "Deltic" No 55002 (type 5 No D9002) Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
- Class: Class 55
- Built: 1961
- Built by : English Electric
- Weight: 100 tonnes operational
- Wheel Arrangement: Co-Co
- Driving wheel Diameter: 3' 7"
- Power: 2 Napier Deltic Engines 3,300 hp
Locomotive inventory number 1987-7002
Photograph reference number NRM_CT_932385