A CLASS 55 diesel locomotive has given rail enthusiasts the chance of travelling over 100 miles behind the iconic engine on a charter train along the Severn Valley Railway, writes Neil Gordon.
Locomotive number 55009, named Alycidon, worked three round-trips between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth on Sunday on the special organised by owners the Deltic Preservation Society and the Severn Valley Railway.
The locomotive arrived at Kidderminster for last month’s spring diesel gala and driver experience opportunities.
The Deltic Preservation Society headboard on 55009. Picture by Neil Gordon Media.
Alycidon hauled the charter on three round-trips along the 18-mile long preserved line between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, a distance of 108 miles for any passenger travelling on all three trips.
The end of the line as Alycidon arrives back at Kidderminster at 7.30pm on Sunday. Picture by Neil Gordon Media.
A total of 22 Deltics were built at Vulcan Foundry, Newton-le-Willows, in the early 1960s to replace steam-hauled passenger services on the London Kings Cross to Scotland route, before the fleet was withdrawn by 1982 after being replaced themselves by InterCity 125s.
However, the Deltic Preservation Society successfully saved 55009 and class-mate 55019 from being scrapped, with both locomotives since going on to enjoy twice as long in preservation as they spent working for British Rail.
Visit the Deltic Preservation Society’s new YouTube channel to watch more footage of the class 55 Deltics.
