British Rail Class 55

class of 22 Co′Co′ 3300-hp twin-engined diesel-electric locomotives

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. All of the locomotives were not preserved and were scrapped. This was also the inspiration for Brewster from Chuggington.

British Rail Class 55
D9009 Alycidon at the National Railway Museum, York
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderEnglish Electric at Vulcan Foundry
Build date1961–1962
Total produced22
Specifications
Configuration:
 • WhyteCo-Co
 • UICCo'Co'
Gauge4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter3 ft 9 in (1.143 m)
Wheelbase58 ft 6 in (17.83 m)
Length69 ft 6 in (21.18 m)
Width8 ft 9+12 in (2.68 m)
Height12 ft 10 in (3.91 m)
Loco weight99 long tons (101 t)
Fuel capacity900 imp gal (4,100 L; 1,100 US gal)
Prime moverNapier Deltic D18-25, 2 off
MU workingNot fitted
Train heatingSteam generator; later Electric Train Heating
Train brakesVacuum; later Dual (Air & Vacuum)
Performance figures
Top speed100 mph (161 km/h)
Power outputEngines: 1,650 bhp (1,230 kW) × 2
Tractive effortMaximum: 50,000 lbf (222 kN)
Career
Railroad(s)British Railways
NumberD9000–D9021; later 55001–55022
Nicknames‘Deltics’
Axle load classRoute availability 5