40 Years of Preserving the Deltics

Presenter: Murray Brown

Hybrid Meeting both Physically at Shenfield Parish Hall and via Zoom

The ‘Deltics’ changed the image of East Coast Main Line in the 1960’s and became perhaps the most iconic of the BR Modernisation diesel locomotives. Fortunately, a number of these imposing giants survived into preservation, largely due to the efforts of the Deltic Preservation Group.  Our speaker, Murray Brown, has been chairman of the DPS for 30 years, during which time the society has been on the main line twice, built its own depot at Barrow Hill and in recent weeks has started up its third Deltic (D9015 Tulyar) after 27 years! The society has recently topped 1,000 members which makes it one of the most successful locomotive preservation groups.

Murray gave us a very interesting and entertaining talk, full of amusing anecdotes which was enjoyed by a large attendance both physically and via Zoom. Murray worked for BR for 18 years, 14 years of which were in the office which ran the Deltics. He was around for the final swan-song years and shared some unique photos of their final runs with platforms heaving with spectators. Whilst regarded as one of the finest diesel locos, they did have their problems including a propensity for catching fire. Such fires had to be blown-out by revving the engine at full throttle and one photo showed such an event.

Thanks to the group, it is still possible to enjoy seeing (and hearing) these magnificent locos both on heritage railways but also on the mainline where they are regularly used on railtours and specials.