The Deltic`s-worthy successor`s to the A4s.

Michael Smyth from Waterbeach Cambridgeshire gave a comprehensive presentation “DELTICS as Worthy Successors to the A4s” comparing the 22 powerful Deltic class of Diesel Locos to their A3/ A4 steam predecessors as the East Coast main line transitioned from steam under BR. Michael living first in Leeds, and later in the Midlands having to visit family in York. This allowed him to see and photograph these fast diesels clocking up millions of relative trouble free miles in service - after some initial glitches - from 1962 until their last run in service in 1982, when heavy overhauls were deemed too expensive. The engine resulted from British development and adaption of an original pre-war German design, used during WW2 for naval power boats and then after adapted for rail, inspired by a pre-war application in the Flying Hamburger train. The LNER had been interested but found their A3s and A4s could perform as well with heavier loads. The Deltic`s enabled faster East Coast services,a precursor to the HST. Being “lighter" the locomotives good power weight ratio, with an “RA5” near universal route availability meant they could work trains on other routes. Six locomotives apart from the prototype survive in preservation, with a base at Barrow Hill and some work specials on both the main line and preservation

network.