British Rail DP1

DP1, or Prototype Deltic is a demonstrator locomotive built by English Electric in 1955. This locomotive resulted in 22 similar locomotives being ordered by British Rail, which became their Class 55.

English Electric DELTIC prototype
The nose end of DP1 at Locomotion
Power type Diesel-electric
Builder English Electric at Dick, Kerr Works, Preston
Serial number EE: 2003
Build date 1955
UIC classification Co'Co'
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Wheel diameter 3 ft 7 in (1.09 m)
Length 66 ft
Locomotive weight 106 long tons (108 t)
Prime mover Napier Deltic D18-25 (2 off)
Traction motors EE 526/A, 6 off
Cylinders 18 × 2
Transmission Diesel Electric
Top speed 90 mph (140 km/h)
106 mph (171 km/h) from 1956
Power output 3,300 hp (2,500 kW)
Tractive effort 90 mph gearing: 60,000 lbf (266.89 kN)
106 mph gearing: 52,500 lbf (233.53 kN)
Train heating Stone-Vapor/Clarkson steam generator
Career British Railways
Power class Type 5
Number DP1
Official name DELTIC
Retired March 1961
Disposition to Science Museum, London, April 1963


British Rail DP1 Media