East Lancashire Railway Runs Five “Deltics” at Deltic Weekend

The East Lancashire Railway celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the “Deltic” (BR Class 55) of locomotive with an ever-popular Diesel Event dedicated to the type.

Deltic Weekend

2011 has already lent itself well to the Deltic class of locomotive, but one more event had to occur before the 50th anniversary of the “Class 55” expired.

Despite seven locomotives lining up at Shildon, and an exceptional main line convoy of five locos, the East Lancashire Railway had a brilliant final say in the calendar, with such enthusiast favourites as “Alycidon” and “Royal Scots Grey” smoking their way over the “Ski Jump” and through the Irwell Vale.

There was an intensive service in operation, with trains between every 50 and 60 minutes, a sizeable commitment for a preserved line.

Locomotives working were D9000 “Royal Scots Grey”, D9002 “The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry”, D9009 “Alycidon”, D9016 “Gordon Highlander” and D9019 “Royal Highland Fusilier”. Alongside these appeared D336, a class 40 locomotive on shuttle services. On Saturday evening, all five locomotives hauled a “Beer-Ex”, giving an exceptionally rare opportunity to have five Class 55 locomotives hauling one train.

D9000 is based at the railway, as is D9016. All others were visiting from other locations.

External Links

• East Lancashire Railway