Class 55

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55022 in the guise of 55003 MELD passes Forteviot with the 5Z55 Inverness - Polmadie sleeper stock move on 27/03/15 Photo by RabbyB

History

Twenty-two Class 55 "Deltics" were built by English Electric in 1961-62 to operate express passenger services on the East Coast Main Line from London King's Cross to Edinburgh.

These 100mph locomotives were powered by two 1650hp Napier 'deltic' engines, and at 3300hp were the most powerful diesel locomotives in the British Rail fleet.

Eight of the Deltics were based at Haymarket depot (64B), the others shared between Finsbury Park (34G), London and Gateshead (52A), on Tyneside.

All were named; the Gateshead and Haymarket locos were named after regiments of the British Army, while the Finsbury Park locos were named after winning racehorses, following an LNER tradition.

Discussion on unusual workings.

Decline

From May 1979, the new timetable introduced HSTs on to all daytime King's Cross - Scotland services and Deltics found themselves reduced to semi-fast services between London and York and Hull, whilst continuing on the overnight sleeper services.

At this time the Haymarket and Gateshead based Deltics were transferred to York.

However, this period did see regular use north of Edinburgh to Aberdeen for the first time.

January 1980 saw the first Deltics condemned, although most of the class lasted until December 1981.

The most remarkable workings of the last full year saw 55021 used twice on Edinburgh to Oban 'Merrymaker' excursions formed of E&G push-pull stock. This operated on Sundays 2nd and 23rd of August, 1981.

The last use of a Deltic on a BR timetabled train was on 31 December 1981, when 55019 worked the 16:30 Aberdeen - York south from Edinburgh.

The final British Rail workings were for the Deltic Scotsman Farewell tour on 2nd January 1982.

55015 worked the 08:30 King's Cross - Edinburgh, and 55022 hauled the return leg, 14:30 Edinburgh - King's Cross. 55015 had gone to Haymarket depot to refuel, and later worked south light engine to York, following behind the 17:18 Edinburgh - Newcastle.


British Rail Fleet

Number Depot 1973 No. Depot Name Withdrawn
D9000 64B 55 022 HA ROYAL SCOTS GREY 02-Jan-82 (Preserved)
D9001 34G 55 001 FP ST. PADDY 05-Jan-80
D9002 52A 55 002 GD THE KING'S OWN YORKSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY 02-Jan-82 (Preserved)
D9003 34G 55 003 FP MELD 31-Dec-80
D9004 64B 55 004 HA QUEEN'S OWN HIGHLANDER 28-Oct-80
D9005 52A 55 005 GD THE PRINCE OF WALES' OWN REGIMENT OF YORKSHIRE 08-Feb-81
D9006 64B 55 006 HA THE FIFE & FORFAR YEOMANRY 08-Feb-81
D9007 34G 55 007 FP PINZA 31-Dec-81
D9008 52A 55 008 GD THE GREEN HOWARDS 31-Dec-81
D9009 34G 55 009 FP ALYCIDON 02-Jan-82 (Preserved)
D9010 64B 55 010 HA THE KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERER 24-Dec-81
D9011 52A 55 011 GD THE ROYAL NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS 08-Nov-81
D9012 34G 55 012 FP CREPELLO 18-May-81
D9013 64B 55 013 HA THE BLACK WATCH 20-Dec-81
D9014 52A 55 014 GD THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON'S REGIMENT 22-Nov-81
D9015 34G 55 015 FP TULYAR 02-Jan-82 (Preserved)
D9016 64B 55 016 HA GORDON HIGHLANDER 30-Dec-81 (Preserved)
D9017 52A 55 017 GD THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY 31-Dec-81
D9018 34G 55 018 FP BALLYMOSS 12-Oct-81
D9019 64B 55 019 HA ROYAL HIGHLAND FUSILIER 31-Dec-81 (Preserved)
D9020 34G 55 020 FP NIMBUS 05-Jan-80
D9021 64B 55 021 HA ARGYLL & SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDER 31-Dec-81



Back on the Main Line

D9000 was brought from Old Oak Common Depot to Glasgow Works on 08 August 1996, to prepare it for a return to main line use.

From 2011, 55022 'Royal Scots Grey' ran in its final BR blue style with silver roof grilles, fuel tank and a red buffer beam.

For almost three years from April 2013, 55022 'ROYAL SCOTS GREY' was based at Glasgow Works (Springburn) on hire to GBRf, primarily for hauling ScotRail EMUs (classes 314, 318, 320 & 334) between depots and Works for heavy maintenance.
As the loco and EMUs had incompatible couplings, translator vans were used in the formation of these movements.
1st working on 3rd May saw it hauling 318260 from Shields Depot to Glasgow Works.
The following day it hauled 334025 from Yoker Depot to Kilmarnock Bonnyton Depot, and returned with 334009. The workings with Class 334 units included 2-axle tank wagons for extra brake force due to the non-standard brake systems on those Alstom built EMUs.

In February 2015, 55022 was repainted, renumbered and renamed as 55003 'Meld' in BR blue with white cab window surrounds.
During April and May 2015, it worked the Royal Scotsman between Inverness & Kyle of Lochalsh, and also between Fort William & Mallaig.

55022 changed identities again during the Bo'ness & Kinneil diesel gala in July 2015. On Saturday 25th it had run as 55003 'Meld', but by Sunday 26th it had become 55007 'Pinza'.

It's hire to GBRf ended in March 2016 and it moved from Glasgow Works to Bo'ness on 23/03/16, and left Scotland on 06/05/16 going to Grosmont NYMR.

Movements of Deltics in Scotland Since 1996

Date      Loco Train Timings  Route Remarks Photo
09 Nov 1996  D9000 (1st Test run) Springburn - Tweedmouth (and return) D9000 with 47757 + 7 parcels vans Flickr
16 Nov 1996 D9000 (2nd Test run) Springburn - Tweedmouth (and return) D9000 with 47575 + 7 parcels vans Flickr
30 Nov 1996 D9000 The Deltic Deliverence (HRT) SBJ Link Edinburgh - Berwick (London Kings Cross) D9000 failed at Berwick Photo, Flickr
(D9000) (Loco movement) Newcastle - Springburn 37702 + D9000
22 Dec 1996 D9000 (Test run/ECS move) Springburn - London King's Cross D9000 with 47758 + 12 coaches Flickr
 
27 Aug 1997 D9000 VSOE ECS Stewarts Lane - Millerhill
28 Aug 1997 D9000 VSOE (Private charter) SBJ Link Edinburgh - East Grinstead (via ECML) Photo, Flickr
06 Sep 1997 D9000 The Deltic Scotsman SBJ Link London King's Cross - Edinburgh Flickr
D9000 The Deltic Scotsman Edinburgh - Fife Circle - Edinburgh Flickr
D9000 (Loco movement) Edinburgh - Motherwell TMD
21 Sep 1997 D9000 (Loco movement) Motherwell TMD - Longsight Depot (Manchester)
14 Nov 1997 D9000 1S46 Virgin Cross Country 06:55 Birmingham New St - Glasgow Central (1st 100mph run) Flickr
15 Nov 1997 D9000 1V96 Virgin Cross Country 09:10 Edinburgh - Birmingham New St (WCML) Flickr Flickr
 
24 Oct 1998 D9000 The Flying Scotsman (Steamy Affairs) SBJ Link King's Cross - Edinburgh (and return) Flickr
 
12 Jun 1999 D9009 VSOE (British Pullman) Newcastle - Dunbar (and return)
17 Jul 1999 55019 DPS tour SBJ Link Crewe - Newcastle - Stirling (and return) 55019 Newcastle / Stirling leg Flickr
14 Aug 1999 55019 Edinburgh Military Tattoo (Regency Rail) Bristol - Edinburgh - Glasgow Flickr
15 Aug 1999 55019 Edinburgh Military Tattoo (Regency Rail) Glasgow Central - Bristol (via Dumfries?) Flickr
17 Oct 1999 55019 (Loco movement) Crewe - Craigentinny
18 Oct 1999 55019 Regency Rail Cruise Edinburgh - Aberdeen (and return)
19 Oct 1999 55019 Regency Rail Cruise Edinburgh - Perth (via Stirling)
55019 Regency Rail Cruise Perth - London Euston
27 Nov 1999 D9009 Edinburgh Christmas Experience (Regency Rail) SBJ Link Stafford - Shrewsbury - Edinburgh (via WCML) & return
04 Dec 1999 D9009 Edinburgh Christmas Experience (Regency Rail) Wolverhampton - Edinburgh (and return)
 
04 Mar 2000 (55019) Monarch of the Glen (Regency Rail) Cardiff - Motherwell, Braidhurst Loop 47488 with 55019 DIT
55019 Monarch of the Glen (Regency Rail) Motherwell, Braidhurst Loop - Fort William 55019 solo
05 Mar 2000 55019 Monarch of the Glen (Regency Rail) Fort William - Motherwell, Braidhurst Loop 55019 solo
(55019) Monarch of the Glen (Regency Rail) Motherwell, Braidhurst Loop - Cardiff 47488 with 55019 DIT
05 Aug 2000 55019 Northern Belle London Vic - Edinburgh (via WCML) Flickr
06 Aug 2000 55019 (ECS) Edinburgh - Crewe
12 Aug 2000 55019 Northern Belle Manchester Victoria - Edinburgh
13 Aug 2000 55019 Northern Belle (Lunch) Edinburgh - (Forth Bridge) - Dundee (& return) Flickr
14 Aug 2000 55019 Northern Belle Edinburgh - Manchester Victoria
01 Sep 2000 55019 Northern Belle (Lunch) Newcastle - Edinburgh - Newcastle
 
27 Jul 2001 (D9000) ECS Carnforth - Glasgow Central (behind 31459 - D9000 on rear of train
D9000 Tunnocks Express Glasgow Central - Cardiff (31459 DOR) Scottish team for Special Olympics Fotopic
04 Aug 2001 D9000 (& D9009) Tunnocks Express Cardiff - Glasgow Central D9009 attached to rear at Carlisle) Flickr
D9009 (& D9000) ECS Glasgow Central - Carnforth (D9000 DOR)
 
13 Apr 2002 55019 The Silver Jubilee (DPS) SBJ Link King's Cross - Edinburgh, via ECML Flickr
55019 The Silver Jubilee (DPS) Edinburgh - Kings Cross (Suburban Line, Carlisle, Tyne Valley, ECML) 55019 to Peterborough.
15 Jun 2002 D9000 Anniversary Scotsman (Past-Time Rail) SBJ Link London King's Cross - Edinburgh, via ECML (and return) D9000 (Green)
02 Nov 2002 9016 The Scotsman (Steamy Affairs) Cleethorpes - Edinburgh (and return) 9016 Porterbrook Purple
 
22 Jun 2003 D9009 & 55019 Freedom of Scotland (DPS) SBJ Link Preston - Georgemas Jn (via Edinburgh, Kirkcaldy, Aberdeen, Inverness) D9009 (Green) & 55019 (Blue) top & tail
23 Jun 2003 D9009 & 55019 Freedom of Scotland (DPS) Georgemas Junction to Aviemore (Via Thurso, Wick, Kyle)
24 Jun 2003 D9009 & 55019 Freedom of Scotland (DPS) Aviemore to Helensburgh Upper (via Stirling, Paisley, Stranraer) Photo
25 Jun 2003 D9009 & 55019 Freedom of Scotland (DPS) Helensburgh Upper to Fort William (via Mallaig, Oban, Crianlarich)
26 Jun 2003 D9009 & 55019 Freedom of Scotland (DPS) Fort William to Preston (via Springburn, Mossend, WCML)
 
23 Apr 2005 55019 Thales Flyer (DPS) SBJ Link King's Cross - Edinburgh (via ECML)
(55019) Thales Flyer (DPS) Edinburgh - King's Cross (via ECML) Hauled by 67013, 55019 dead on rear
 
22 Sep 2006 55022 (Loco movement) Bury - Bo'ness with 26024 and 40145
23 Sep 2006 55022 The Moray Mint (SRPS) SBJ Link Linlithgow - Edinburgh - Inverness - Aberdeen - Edinburgh - Linlithgow
30 Sep 2006 55022 SRPS Diesel Gala Bo'ness - Birkhill (4 return trips) Photo
01 Oct 2006 55022 SRPS Diesel Gala Bo'ness - Birkhill (3 return trips)
05 Oct 2006 55022 (Loco movement) Bo'ness - Old Oak Common (via WCML)
06 Oct 2006 55022 The Autumn Highlander (Railway Touring Co.) SBJ Link London KX - Edinburgh With 47245 on rear. 55022 with 1 engine failed
09 Oct 2006 55022 The Autumn Highlander (Railway Touring Co.) Perth - London Kings Cross 40145 with 55022 (47245 DOR)
 
21 Sep 2007 55022 (Loco movement) Timings Bury - Carnforth - Bo'ness 55022 +D5310 +37175 +D8020 +40145 Photo
29 Sep 2007 55022 SRPS Diesel Gala Bo'ness - Birkhill (2 return trips)
30 Sep 2007 55022 SRPS Diesel Gala Bo'ness - Birkhill (2 return trips)
03 Oct 2007 55022 (Loco movement) Bo'ness - Tyseley
05 Oct 2007 55022 The Autumn Highlander (Railway Touring Co.) Timings London Kings Cross - Perth 55022 & 50049 (T&T)
06 Oct 2007 55022 Oban SRPS tour Timings Dundee - Oban (and return) 55022 & 37248 (T&T) Photo
08 Oct 2007 55022 The Autumn Highlander Timings Perth - London Kings Cross 55022+50049 & (40145 DOR)
05 Dec 2007 55022 (Loco movement) Timings Bury - Carnforth - Bo'ness 55022+26024
07 Dec 2007 55022 The Lindum Celtic Deltic (SRPS) Timings Linlithgow - Lincoln (and return) Photo
13 Dec 2007 55022 (Loco movement) Bo'ness - Bury (ELR)
 
23 Feb 2008 55022 The Deltic Pioneer (Spitfire Railtours) Timings Liverpool - Newcastle - Edinburgh (and return) with 47787 on rear Photo
14 May 2008 55022 (Loco movement) Timings Barrow Hill - Bo'ness
15 May 2008 55022 Reopening Special Timings Alloa - Stirling (and return x4) with steam 61994 at Stirling end of train Photo
18 May 2008 55022 (ECS move) Timings Bo'ness - Edinburgh (and return) with steam 61994 on rear for SRPS tour
24 May 2008 55022 The Highland Fling (SRPS) Timings North Berwick - Mallaig (and return) Top and Tail with 37248
26 May 2008 55022 (Loco movement) Bo'ness - Heywood, ELR (via ECML)
15 Aug 2008 55022 (Loco movement) Timings Carnforth - Bo'ness 55022 + 40145 + 26010 + 37712 Photo
16 Aug 2008 55022 The North Yorkshireman (SRPS) Timings Dundee - York - Scarborough (and return) Top and Tail with 37712 Photo
24 Aug 2008 55022 Routes and Branches (SRPS) SBJ Link Tour of Strathclyde lines (from/to Bo'ness) Top and Tail with 40145 Photo
27 Aug 2008 55022 (Loco movement) Bo'ness - Carnforth with 40145
30 Aug 2008 55022 Deltic Retro Scot Timings Huddersfield - Edinburgh (out WCML, return ECML) Photo
 
31 May 2010 55022 Deltic Retro Scot 2 Timings Sheffield - Edinburgh (North via Carlisle, South via ECML) 57316 (O.R.) Blue & grey stock Photo
06 Nov 2010 55022 The West Lothian Pioneer (Pathfinder Tours) Timings Crewe - Edinburgh (Out via Annbank, Paisley GS, Bathgate. Return via Carstairs) Photo
04 Dec 2010 55022 The Edinburgh Explorer (Spitfire Railtours) Timings Preston - York - Edinburgh (and return) With 47500 on rear Photo
55022 Royal Scots Tay (Spitfire Railtours) Timings Edinburgh - Dundee (out via Dunfermline, return via Kirkcaldy) With 47500, on rear, and leading Thornton S. Jn - Dundee. Photo
 
05 Mar 2011 55022 The Royal Scots Grey (Spitfire Railtours) Timings, Timings London King's Cross - Edinburgh (and return) With 57601 on rear Photo
18 May 2011 55022 (Loco movement) Timings North Blyth - Bo'ness (via Carlisle) Light engine. =
28 May 2011 55022 The Kyle Crusader (SRPS Railtours) Timings North Berwick – Kyle of Lochalsh (and return) With 47804 on rear Photo
29 May 2011 55022 (ECS move) Timings North Berwick – Bo'ness 47804 leading, 55022 on rear. =
55022 (Loco movement) Timings Bo'ness - Craigentinny - Fort William (Alcan) light engine =
30 May 2011 55022 6E45 Freight train Timings Forth William (Alcan) - North Blyth (to Mossend) Empty Wagons Photo YouTube
55022 (Loco movement) Mossend - Bo'ness light engine =
17 Jun 2011 55022 The Far North Challenger (SRPS Railtours) Timings Linlithgow - Georgemas Junction With 37676 on rear. Photo
18 Jun 2011 55022 The Far North Challenger (SRPS Railtours) Timings Georgemas Jn - Thuro - Wick Top and Tail With 37676. =
55022 The Far North Challenger (SRPS Railtours) Timings Wick - Linlithgow (via Edinburgh) With 37676 on rear. =
19 Jun 2011 55022 B&KR service train Bo'ness - Manuel Jn Piloting steam loco WPR No.17 Photo
55022 (Loco movement) Timings Bo'ness Jn - Carnforth Hauling 37676. =
14 Sep 2011 55022 The Lochs & Glens Napier (Spitfire Railtours) Timings Crewe - Oban (and return) With 47826 on rear (not Crianlarich - Oban) Photo
29 Nov 2011 55022 The Scotsman (Spitfire Railtours) Timings Worcester Shrub Hill – Perth (and return) With 57601 Photo
01 Dec 2011 55022 (ECS movement) Timings Carnforth - Bo'ness Hauled by 47854, 55022 on rear. Photo
02 Dec 2011 55022 The Santa Express (SRPS Railtours) Timings Linlithgow - Lincoln (and return) With 47854 on rear. =
04 Dec 2011 55022 (ECS movement) Timings Bo'ness - Carnforth Hauled by 47854, 55022 on rear. =
 
25 Jul 2012 D9009 The Elizabethan (A1 Steam tours) Timings London Kings Cross - Edinburgh Return leg hauled by Steam 60163 =
D9009 (loco movement) Timings Millerhill Yard - Warrington Arpley (via Beattock) =
06 Dec 2012 55022 (ECS movement) Timings Carnforth - Bo'ness (via Beattock) Hauled by 47851, 55022 on DIT.
07 Dec 2012 55022 SRPS Railtour Timings Linlithgow - Lincoln (and return) With 47851 on rear. =
09 Dec 2012 55022 (ECS movement) Timings Bo'ness - Carnforth (via ECML) With 47851 DIT. Photo
 
06 Apr 2013 D9009 The Eidyn Burgh Scot (Pathfinder Tours) Timings Crewe - Edinburgh (north ECML, return Cumbernauld & Beattock) (BR Green) Photo
24 Apr 2013 55022 (loco movement) Timings Bury (ELR) - Glasgow works (via Beattock) To new base =
03 May 2013 55022 1st EMU works move ~ Shields ETD - Glasgow Works hauling EMU 318260 =
04 May 2013 55022 EMU works move ~ Yoker - Kilmarnock Bonnyton (and return) hauling Class 334 EMU =
2013
55022 Later EMU works moves in 2013 & 2014 not listed.
10 Jun 2013 D9009 (loco movement) ~ Barrowhill - Millerhill Yard light =
11 Jun 2013 D9009 The Elizabethan (A1 Steam tours) Timings Edinburgh - London Kings Cross Outward leg hauled by Steam 60163 =
13 Sep 2013 55022 (ECS movement) Timings Bo'ness - Aberdeen (via Kirkcaldy) 37516 & 55022 (T&T)
14 Sep 2013 55022 SRPS Railtour Timings Inverurie - Oban (via Dalmeny. Return to Aberdeen) 55022 & 37516 (T&T) =
15 Sep 2013 55022 (ECS movement) Timings Aberdeen - Bo'ness (via Kirkcaldy & Greenhill Upper) 37516 & 55022 (T&T) =
01 Nov 2013 55022 Empty Wagon Moves 6Z55, 6Z56 Carlisle - Kilmarnock - Mossend JNA 'Falcon' wagons. Photo
28 Dec 2013 55022 SRPS Winter Diesel Gala ~ Bo'ness - Manuel (2 return trips) 55022 & 47643 (T&T) =
29 Dec 2013 55022 SRPS Winter Diesel Gala ~ Bo'ness - Manuel (2 return trips) 55022 & 37401 (T&T) =
 
11 Jan 2014 55022 (loco move) ~ Bo'ness - Yoker Depot =
30 Jan 2014 55022 Empty Wagon Move 6Z56 Kilmarnock - Mossend JNA 'Falcon' wagons. =
10 Mar 2014 55002 (Royal Scotsman ECS) Timings Carnforth - Bo'ness (via Beattock) KOYLI in BR Blue Photo, Flickr
55002 (loco movement) Timings Bo'ness - York NRM (via Edinburgh) =
12 Apr 2014 55002 The Deltic Aberdonian (52A Tours) Timings York - Aberdeen (Out via Dunfermline, & return Kirkcaldy) 1st tour since 1981 Photo
28 May 2013 55022 (Van Movement) ~ Yoker Depot - Bo'ness 55022 and Translator vans Flickr
31 May 2014 55022 Mixed Traffic Gala ~ Bo'ness - Manuel 55022 & 47643 (T&T) Flickr
55022 Mixed Traffic Gala ~ Bo'ness - Manuel 55022 & Steam 62712 (T&T) =
01 Jun 2014 55022 Mixed Traffic Gala ~ Bo'ness - Manuel 55022 & 20020 (T&T) =
04 Jun 2014 55022 (Van Movement) Timings Bo'ness - Glasgow Works (via Dalmeny UPL) 55022 and Translator vans =
01 Dec 2014 55022 Last Class 334 EMU move ~ Yoker - Kilmarnock Bonnyton (and return) return hauling Class 334 EMU =
02 Dec 2014 55022 (Wagon & Van move) ~ Yoker - Hamilton (return to Glasgow Works) TTA wagons left at Hamilton =
19 Dec 2014 55022 (Loco movement) ~ Glasgow Works - Craigentinny =
27 Dec 2014 55022 SRPS Winter Diesel Gala ~ Bo'ness - Manuel (1 return trip) 55022 & 47643 (T&T) =
28 Dec 2014 55022 SRPS Winter Diesel Gala ~ Bo'ness - Manuel (2 return trips) 55022 & 47643 (T&T) =
29 Dec 2014 55022 (Loco movement) ~ Bo'ness - Craigentinny =
 
08 Jan 2015 55022 (Loco movement) ~ Craigentinny - Glasgow Works =
16 Jan 2015 55022 (EMU works move) ~ Glasgow Works - Shields ETD (& return) With EMU 320307 =
06 Feb 2015 55003* (EMU works move) ~ Glasgow Works - Shields ETD (& return) (55022) Return with EMU 320311 =
26 Mar 2015 55003* (loco move) ~ Glasgow Works - Inverness =
27 Mar 2015 55003* (ECS move) ~ Inverness - Polmadie Caledonian Sleeper carriages =
 
Items for 2015 to 2022 to be added
 
21 Apr 2023 D9000 Royal Scots Grey Special (Intercity tours) Timings London Kings Cross - Edinburgh With Electric 90001 on rear =
D9000 (ECS movement) Timings Edinburgh - Burton Wetmore (via Newcastle & Carlisle) Hauled by 90001 with D9000 on rear =


55022 runs through the gorse filled cutting at Penmanshiel on 31.05.10, while working the 1Z88 Edinburgh - Sheffield Photo by Steve_B


55022 passing through Springburn on 03/05/2013 with the 5N11 1257 Shields Road to Railcare Springburn the first unit move by GBRf Photo by class47man


55022 hauling a Class 334 unit, on Longford Viaduct near Kilwinning with 6Z54 Kilmarnock to Yoker, 5th May 2013 Photo by clarkc



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