Four Deltics in exclusive Bluebell Railway gala

by

ONCE a defiantly steam-only line, the Bluebell Railway is to stage as major gathering of Class 55 Deltics this autumn.

All seven surviving Deltics including the prototype were united at the Locomotion museum in Shildon from October 7-9, 2011, in an event organised by the Deltic Preservation Society to mark the 50th anniversary of the production Class 55s. The unique line-up was followed by a gala at the East Lancashire Railway the following weekend. ROBIN JONES

The railway hosted two Deltics during its 2015 diesel gala – but will now stage a gala featuring all four operational class members.

The three-day event beginning on Friday, October 6 will also celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Deltic Preservation Society.

Article continues below…
Advert

Enjoy more Heritage Railway reading in the four-weekly magazine.
Click here to subscribe & save.

The showpiece event will feature D9002 The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, No. 55009 Alycidon, No. 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier and No. 55022 Royal Scots Grey – plus what the society described as a “surprise visitor” which is still subject to negotiations. The event will be exclusive to Deltics, with only class members running on the line.

All are currently operational barring No. 55019, which is undergoing an overhaul and is set to be ready in time for the gala.

The society hopes to run at least one dining train on the line during the gala, plus an associated special on the national network organised by Avocet Travel Management.

Article continues below…
Advert

Read more in Issue 225 of Heritage Railway – out now!


Advert
Subscribe to Heritage Railway Magazine Enjoy more Heritage Railway reading in the four-weekly magazine. Click here to subscribe.

Article Tags:

About the Author