News, nostalgia, preservation and modelling

NRM’s ‘Deltic’ returns to action – now set for main line service

THE National Railway Museum is set to return its newly restored ‘Deltic’ 55002 The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry to the main line, hopefully in 2012. The loco, which has undergone an extensive restoration over the past two years by the NRM’s ‘KOYLI Group’ volunteers, successfully returned to service at the NYMR diesel gala on September 17-19, and visited the Wensleydale Railway a week later. Only a couple of minor problems were encountered, unsurprising given that the loco had not operated for around 14 years. These were a field divert problem on one power unit and a small fuel leak.

Returning 55002 to the main line is likely to cost £25,000, and an appeal has been launched via www.55002koyli.com to raise funds to help pay for OTMR, TPWS and other costs associated with main line registration. It is possible that the loco could be Network Rail certified in time for it to be used on shuttles between York and Shildon in connection with the ‘Railfest’ event being held over the bank holiday week from June 2-10. Later on that month, June 18 marks the 50th anniversary of ‘Deltics’ taking over the Flying Scotsman service, which could also offer scope for some form of commemorative working.

David Russell