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 type of powerful diesel locomotive built in the early 1960s. These amazing trains were made by English Electric. They were designed to pull fast passenger trains. They mostly ran on the East Coast Main Line, connecting big cities like London and Edinburgh. People often called them "Deltics" because of their special engines, which were named Napier Deltic. Only 22 of these locomotives were built. They were the kings of the railway until they retired in 1981. Luckily, six of them were saved and can still be seen running today!

Meet the Deltic Trains!

The Class 55 locomotives were built between 1961 and 1962. They were a brand new type of train for British Rail. Their main job was to carry passengers quickly. They were especially important for the express services. These trains linked London King's Cross to Edinburgh.

The name "Deltic" came from a special engine. The first prototype train was called DP1 Deltic. This prototype train had powerful Napier Deltic engines. These engines gave the Class 55 its famous nickname.

What Made Them Special?

The Deltic locomotives were unique because of their engines. They were diesel-electric trains. This means they used diesel engines to power generators. These generators then made electricity. The electricity powered motors that turned the wheels. Each Deltic had two huge Napier Deltic engines. Each engine produced a lot of power.

These engines made the Deltics very fast. They could reach speeds of up to 100 mph (161 km/h). This speed was very impressive for their time. It helped them become the fastest diesel trains in Britain. Their design was also very distinctive. They had a sleek, powerful look.

Life on the Tracks

The Deltics quickly became famous. They were known for their speed and reliability. They dominated the East Coast Main Line. This was one of Britain's busiest railway lines. They pulled important trains like the Flying Scotsman. They also pulled the Elizabethan and the Talisman.

These trains were a common sight for many years. They carried thousands of passengers. They helped people travel quickly between England and Scotland. They were a symbol of modern railway travel. Many people loved to watch them speed by.

The End of an Era (and a New Beginning!)

By the late 1970s, newer trains were being developed. These new trains were more fuel-efficient. They were also cheaper to maintain. So, the Deltic locomotives began to be retired. Their last regular service was at the end of 1981. It was a sad day for many train fans.

Out of the 22 Deltics built, six were saved. These preserved trains are now looked after by special groups. They are often seen at heritage railways. They also sometimes run on the main railway lines. This lets new generations see these amazing machines. They are a reminder of a golden age of British railways.

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