Bachmann Branchline 32-528 Class 55 Deltic 55013 'The Black Watch' in BR Blue

The Bachmann Deltic models do not have any lights fitted. British Railways Board's mid-1950's modernisation plan called for a change to alternative forms of traction. With experience gained from prototype diesels that ran on the LMR and SR manufacturers were encouraged develop new locomotives. The English Electric Company decided to build a demonstrator locomotive, which entered trials in 1955 on the LMR. The design incorporated two diesel engines that generated 3,300 BHP based on 1947 designs for the Admiralty intended for use in Royal Navy ships. It was given the name 'Deltic' because of the type of diesel engines fitted and ran in a very distinctive blue striped livery The prototype was very successful and the ER Board decided to order twenty-two production diesels that would replace fifty-five top link Pacific steam locomotives. The LMR never ordered any because of the decision to move to electric traction. Another prototype, designated DP1, worked on the LMR region with London-Liverpool trains, before moving onto the Settle & Carlisle line and finally the ER working out of King's Cross, London. The production Deltics entered service in 1962. Weighing 100 tons, capable of 105mph and with a tractive effort of 50,000 lbs they were based in London, Gateshead and Edinburgh. The first livery was BR two tone green initially without names but within twelve months all carried regimental or famous race horse names. The livery then changed to BR corporate blue livery. The locomotives had their own very distinctive sound combined with a noticeable light blue exhaust plume when moving off with a full load. The twenty-two Deltics worked the ECML route until 1978 when they were replaced by modern HST sets. They were relegated to secondary routes until eventually, in 1982, they were withdrawn from service. At this point each locomotive had clocked an average of 2.5 million miles each after twenty years in service under BR.