DP1 Deltic Prototype Profile and Models

DP1 Deltic Prototype

DP1 at the Ribble Steam Railway in October 2015. ©Geof Sheppard

English Electric DP1, commonly known as 'Deltic', is a prototype locomotive employing two Napier Deltic engines. The high power of the locomotive at an acceptably low axleload resulted in 22 similar locomotives being ordered by British Railways for use on East Coast Main Line express passenger services, becoming the British Rail Class 55. The locomotive first saw service on the London Midland Region in 1955, generally operating fast London to Liverpool freight trains; it was withdrawn and after modifications re-entered service in 1956. Tests were carried out on the Settle to Carlisle line in August/September 1956, after which it operated passenger trains, The Shamrock and The Merseyside Express, between London and Liverpool, followed by London-Carlisle trains, and in 1957, returning to London-Liverpool trains. To British eyes, the locomotive's bulldog nose styling was reminiscent of American locomotives (partly because English Electric initially planned to offer the type for export). DP1 was in service until 24 November 1960 when a severe oil leak in one of the engines was discovered. However no repairs were sanctioned and the locomotive was withdrawn from service in March 1961. DP1 has been preserved.

(Information provided via Wikipedia)

Type of Locomotive

Diesel-Electric

Builder

English Electric at Dick, Kerr & Co

Build Dates

1955

Total Built

1

Tractive Effort

52,500 to 60,000 lbf

Power Output

3,300 hp

Top Speed

90 to 106 mph

Wheel Configuration

Co-Co

Operated By

British Railways

Main Duties

Mixed traffic

In Service Until

1961

Surviving Examples

1

 

Products awaiting categorisation

Scale Brand Image Construction Type DCC Capability Product Code Product Title Livery
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) Dapol C009 DP1 Deltic Diesel loco plastic kit Requires assembly Unpowered C009
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DP1 Deltic Diesel loco plastic kit Unpainted
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) Dapol KB235 Deltic Prototype DP1 in Powder Blue livery - Dapol body kit on Lima chassis RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled Not set KB235
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Deltic Prototype DP1 in Powder Blue livery - Dapol body kit on Lima chassis Unpainted
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) Kitmaster KM10 DP1 Deltic Prototype Plastic Kit Requires assembly Not set KM10
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DP1 Deltic Prototype Plastic Kit Awaiting Categorisation
O Gauge (1:43 Scale) DJH Model Railway Kits No image available Requires assembly Not set K316
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BR Class 55 Diesel GÇÿDELTICGÇÖ Awaiting Categorisation