British Rail Class 55 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 55 |
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D9009 Alycidon at the National Railway Museum, York | |
Power type | Diesel-electric |
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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 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. Six locomotives were preserved and are still running today.
Images for kids
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A line of seven withdrawn Deltics at Doncaster Works in August 1982
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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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All six preserved Deltics at Barrow Hill Engine Shed