Class 55

Introduced between 1961 and 1962, the 22 Class 55 'Deltics' were intended as a direct replacement of the Gresley A4 Pacific steam locomotives on the East Coast Main Line. At the time, they were the most powerful diesel locomotives on British Railways at 3,300hp, and derived their name from the unique English Electric Napier Deltic engine. Originally developed for high speed naval craft, two of these 18 cylinder, opposed piston engines graced each locomotive. The last of these machines was withdrawn in January 1982, with six examples surviving for preservation.

Engines: 2 Napier D18.25s giving 3,300hp.

Numbers: 55 001 - 55 022.

Previous number series: D9000 - D9021.
(before the class were built the numbers allocated were D1000 onwards, then changed to D1500 onwards; D9000 onwards was finally settled upon.)

The Class 55 Fleet - Click Here

Class Index

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55 016

55 021

55 012

D9013	55 008	55 004	55 019	55 004
55 014	9016	D9015	D9020	D9010
55 007	55 007	55 013	55 022	55 013

55 015	55 009	55 003	55 013	55 002
55 006	55 013	55 019	55 020	55022
55 009	55 019	55 012	55 021	55 021
55 004	55 013	55 017	55 009	55 015
55 013	55 018	55 008	55 008	55 003

The end...
In January 1982 the Deltics ended their careers with British Rail and the remaining members were unceremoniously dumped at Doncaster works awaiting their final call to the scrapman. Happily six examples survived for preservation.

55 xxx	55 xxx	55 017	55 013	55 022
55 008	55 021	55 019	55 004	55 007
55 016	55 005	55 011	55 015	55 014

On the 27th February, 1982, Doncaster Works held the 'Deltic Farewell' open day, displaying all the remaining members of the class before cutting up commenced. The popularity of these locomotives can be seen below, with crowds well in attendance. Then, only 55 002 The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry had been secured for preservation.

55 xxx	55 xxx	55 021	55 007	55 013
55 009	55 004	55 005	55 019	55 021
55 009	55 002	55 008	55 013	55 010

55 009

55 016

55 022