British Rail Class 55 Diesel Locomotive

Discover more about the legendary Deltic, which survived in regular high speed service until the introduction of HSTs along the east coast.

The 'Deltic'

The British Rail Class 55 Diesel Locomotive – fondly known as the 'Deltic' – was a truly iconic engine built in 1961 and 1962 by English Electric. Although only 22 were ever made, they survived in service until the introduction of High Speed Trains.

Co-Co Configuration

Designed and built in a Co-Co configuration for high speed running on the East Coast Main Line, they took their nickname from the prototype DP1 Deltic, after its Napier Deltic power units.

Preservation

With the arrival of HSTs on the East Coast Main Line in the early 1980s, the 'Deltics' were withdrawn from daily service. Today, six of the 'Deltics' are preserved for new generations of rail enthusiasts to enjoy.