British Rail Class 55

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. 6 locomotives and DP1 were preserved. This was also the inspiration for Brewster from Chuggington.

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
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

British Rail Class 55 Media

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  DP1, the prototype Deltic displays at Preston Riverside in October 2015

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

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  D9017 The Durham Light Infantry starting its engines at King's Cross on an express to Leeds in July 1966

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  55008 The Green Howards passes Peterborough on King's Cross to Newcastle in July 1974

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  55 002 King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry at York in Summer 1981, painted in the original two-tone green livery

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  55 015 "Tulyar" at King's Cross after arrival from Peterborough in January 1978

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  The "Deltic Scotsman Farewell" railtour at King's Cross on 2 January 1982

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  A line of seven withdrawn Deltics at Doncaster Works in August 1982

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  English Electric Class 55 No 55022 (D9000) (8061967705)

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  D9002 at National Railway Museum, York (28184251402)