Hosking adds Deltics to his fleet

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By Cedric Johns

Jeremy Hosking has bought two Deltic diesels to add to his growing steam and diesel fleet based at Crewe.

Purchased under the name of Diesel Locomotives Limited, a division of Locomotive Services Limited, the Class 55s are D9016 Gordon Highlander and No. 55022 Royal Scots Grey, both previously owned by Beaver Sports businessman Martin Walker of Huddersfield.

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Both 55s are expected to be moved shortly, D9016 from Washwood Heath in Birmingham and No. 55022 from the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

LMS ‘Black Five’ 4-6-0 No. 45231 returned to the main line on November 15 after repairs at Carnforth. On a test run round the Hellifield-Blackburn circuit, The Sherwood Forester is seen near Eldroth. New owner Locomotive Services Ltd has no main line bookings for the engine as yet and it has been hired to the Mid Hants Railway. BRIAN DOBBS

Martin said that Gordon Highlander would travel by road, Royal Scots Grey by rail, once a minor repair job on one of the Napier engines had been completed.

Explaining his decision to sell, he said: “The past few years have not been easy for myself and the small team maintaining No. 55022 and restoring D9016. Since leaving the East Lancashire Railway I’ve not been in a position to make the most of many offers of assistance. It got to the point where I was prepared to listen to anyone with the resources and passion who was interested in taking over.

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“Discussions have taken place over the last few weeks – with Locomotive Services – and what I believe is a fantastic opportunity in the interest of both parties has arisen involving Crewe, myself and my small band of highly experienced support crew who will work alongside the people at Crewe in restoring D9016 and maintaining No. 55022 to main line running standards.

Read more in Issue 236 of HR – on sale now!


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