British Rail Class 55 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 55
D9009 Alycidon at the National Railway Museum, York
Power type	Diesel-electric
Builder	English Electric at Vulcan Foundry
Build date	1961–1962
Total production	22
Configuration	Co-Co
UIC classification	Co'Co'
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter	3 ft 9 in (1.143 m)
Wheelbase	58 ft 6 in (17.83 m)
Length	69 ft 6 in (21.18 m)
Width	8 ft 9+1⁄2 in (2.68 m)
Height	12 ft 10 in (3.91 m)
Locomotive weight	99 long tons (101 t)
Fuel capacity	900 imp gal (4,100 L; 1,100 US gal)
Prime mover	Napier Deltic D18-25, 2 off
Multiple working	Not fitted
Top speed	100 mph (161 km/h)
Power output	Engines: 1,650 bhp (1,230 kW) × 2
Tractive effort	Maximum: 50,000 lbf (222 kN)
Train heating	Steam generator; later Electric Train Heating
Train brakes	Vacuum; later Dual (Air & Vacuum)
Career	British Railways
Number	D9000–D9021; later 55001–55022
Nicknames	‘Deltics’
Axle load class	Route availability 5

The British Rail Class 55 is a class of diesel locomotive built between 1961 and 1962 by English Electric. They were designed for the high-speed express passenger services on the East Coast Main Line between London King's Cross and Edinburgh. They gained the name "Deltic" from the prototype locomotive, DP1 Deltic, which in turn was named for its Napier Deltic power units. 22 locomotives were built, and they dominated services on the line until their withdrawal at the end of 1981. Six locomotives were preserved and are still running today.

Images for kids

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  DP1, the prototype Deltic

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  D9013 The Black Watch at Kings Cross in 1966 with the Flying Scotsman train, in BR green with small yellow warning panels

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  55008 The Green Howards at Peterborough in 1974

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  55 002 King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry at York painted in the original two-tone green livery

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  55 015 "Tulyar" at King's Cross in 1978.

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  A line of seven withdrawn Deltics at Doncaster Works in August 1982

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  D9008 (55 008) The Green Howards Simulator cab

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  55 022 Royal Scots Grey at the Barrow Hill Engine Shed

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  55 022 Royal Scots Grey at Linlithgow, after a railtour, on 7 December 2007

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  55 022 Royal Scots Grey at Castleton East Junction in 2007

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  On 18 September 2009, 55 022 Royal Scots Grey is seen in Grosmont station, shortly after arrival from Pickering, during the NYMR's annual Diesel Gala.

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  55 022 arrives at North Blyth on 26 September 2011 with a train of aluminium oxide wagons.

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  All six preserved Deltics at Barrow Hill Engine Shed

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  55022 Royal Scots Grey passes Carlton-on-Trent in 2010 with an Oxford-Preston charter

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  D9009 Alycidon (later 55 009) in BR green livery on display at Barrow Hill Roundhouse