DP1 Deltic Prototype Profile and Models
DP1 at the Ribble Steam Railway in October 2015. ©Geof Sheppard
English Electric DP1, commonly known as 'Deltic', is a prototype locomotive employing two Napier Deltic engines. The high power of the locomotive at an acceptably low axleload resulted in 22 similar locomotives being ordered by British Railways for use on East Coast Main Line express passenger services, becoming the British Rail Class 55. The locomotive first saw service on the London Midland Region in 1955, generally operating fast London to Liverpool freight trains; it was withdrawn and after modifications re-entered service in 1956. Tests were carried out on the Settle to Carlisle line in August/September 1956, after which it operated passenger trains, The Shamrock and The Merseyside Express, between London and Liverpool, followed by London-Carlisle trains, and in 1957, returning to London-Liverpool trains. To British eyes, the locomotive's bulldog nose styling was reminiscent of American locomotives (partly because English Electric initially planned to offer the type for export). DP1 was in service until 24 November 1960 when a severe oil leak in one of the engines was discovered. However no repairs were sanctioned and the locomotive was withdrawn from service in March 1961. DP1 has been preserved. |
|
Type of Locomotive |
Diesel-Electric |
Builder |
English Electric at Dick, Kerr & Co |
Build Dates |
1955 |
Total Built |
1 |
Tractive Effort |
52,500 to 60,000 lbf |
Power Output |
3,300 hp |
Top Speed |
90 to 106 mph |
Wheel Configuration |
Co-Co |
Operated By |
British Railways |
Main Duties |
Mixed traffic |
In Service Until |
1961 |
Surviving Examples |
1 |
Products awaiting categorisation
Scale | Brand | Image | Construction Type | DCC Capability | Product Code | Product Title | Livery |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Dapol | Requires assembly | Unpowered |
C009 View |
DP1 Deltic Diesel loco plastic kit | Unpainted | |
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Dapol | RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Not set |
KB235 View |
Deltic Prototype DP1 in Powder Blue livery - Dapol body kit on Lima chassis | Unpainted | |
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Kitmaster | Requires assembly | Not set |
KM10 View |
DP1 Deltic Prototype Plastic Kit | Awaiting Categorisation | |
O Gauge (1:43 Scale) | DJH Model Railway Kits | Requires assembly | Not set |
K316 View |
BR Class 55 Diesel GÇÿDELTICGÇÖ | Awaiting Categorisation |