The Deltics – Worthy Successors to the A4s?

A nostalgic trip into past for our members at this evening’s meeting, with Michael Smyth’s presentation “The Deltics, Worthy Successors to the A4’s” these iconic locomotives coupled with our closeness to the ECML attracted our largest audience here for four years. We started the with an explanation about Napier the engine maker, this company had been making engines for aircraft and submarines with moderate success, then in 1946 they developed the “Deltic” engine, these were a high power, lightweight engine. The first “Deltic” locomotives started to appear in 1961 designed to haul high speed long distance express trains and started work in 1962 alongside the A4’s. The last A4 to be overhauled at Doncaster was 60009 Union of South Africa in 1964. In 1965 the “Deltics” reduced the timing from Kings Cross to Edinburgh to 5 hours 5 mins. In 1966 these engines were averaging 160,000 plus miles per year, with the first non-stop run between the capitals on 1st October 1968. A decision was taken in 1976 to start reducing the fleet as the first major overhaul took over a year and was very complex and very expensive. Following this the Class 55 sightings began to decrease this wasn’t helped by the introduction of the HST 125 sets. After the break we looked at the A4’s and “Deltics” in preservation and on charter train haulage. Michael finished the evening with the classic photographs of six A4’s at Shildon and six “Deltics” at Barrow Hill. A thoroughly entertaining evening.

Dave Elsdon
Branch Secretary