The LNER Encyclopedia

The Harry Needle Railroad Co. owners of 55016 Royal Scots Grey are reported to be considering scrapping it. They claim that it was originally bought as a source of spares for 55022 and that spares are now needed.
There is some suspicion that this may be a ploy to push up the price that any potential buyer is prepared to pay, but it is a serious situation nevertheless.
I am sure that many devotees of East Coast power regard the Deltics as worthy successors to the LNER pacifics and will be as horrified as I am to hear this.

The press release.

HNRC has revealed further information regarding the future of recently purchased 55016.

Its two Napier Deltic power units are set to be sold to an international engine dealer which, after refurbishment, are likely to be sold on for marine use. The Indian Navy and New York Fire Brigade (boat division) are being suggested as possible destinations. HNRC also advise that they have received numerous personal enquiries regarding the possible purchase of 55016's component parts including the retention of the body shell in which to house a model railway. The two cabs, if severed, are a popular choice it seems.

55016 has been purchased from preservation purely as a business venture. Currently any and all options are open for consideration however HNRC discounts the idea that 55016 could become a company flagship, or pet locomotive.

The rest of the Deltic Preservation movement will benefit immensely from the dismantling of 55016 as some parts are now at a premium. HNRC wish to remind enthusiasts that back in the early 1980s 55016 was initially purchased as a source of spares for 55022 but was later repaired and returned to working order. Whilst in Porterbrook ownership this included a spell of mainline running.

A farewell event at Peak Rail for 55016 was an option, and still could be, but for the moment this is not possible.

I have no doubt that it makes good business sense, but it would be a tragedy if it happened. Someone on the Scotrail forum said it would be like shooting a giant panda, quite a good analogy I thought.

In terms of the engine supply problem (ie. where should the NYFD and Indian Navies get replacement engines from), what does the Royal Navy do? According to Wikipedia / RN websites, the Deltic engine is still in service with the Hunt Class minesweeper - which were built 1980-9. Going by all the electronics upgrades the Hunts have received, I doubt they're up for imminent withdrawal!


Richard

The Deltic Preservation Society have quite a few ex marine engines in store at Barrow Hill, when I was there last summer there were at least 10 and possibly more stacked on pallets. At least one Deltic is running with an ex navy engine. I cannot see any reason why a navy, with all their requirements for reliability, would consider using second hand power units; especially when marine spec units are obviously available.
There does seem to be a feeling amongst some railway groups that this is a wind up, but it is a dangerous game to play and one morning we might wake up to find that 55016 has gone forever

Having worked on all the Deltics from 1966 to 1973 it would be a shame to lose one of the survivors now. Would it not be possible to rebuild it into a replica of DP 2 as the bodyshell is the same physical dimensions, the engines could still be sold as they would not be needed for the project ??

You would have known the Page brothers then? ha ha

I agree, a DP2 would look wonderful!

Lawrence Stanley Page was my Boss thats why i left to go to the LMS (ell of a mess ) region.
But never fear my alleigance is to the LNER.

As an update - 55016 has been put up for sale - details and an appeal are here:

http://www.gordonhighlander.co.uk

I realise that a Deltic isn't exactly LNER, however I feel Sir Nigel would have approved - if someone had insisted he build diesels I suspect he would have come up with something similar. Fast, bags of reserve power, and elegant (both in design and appearance, at least for a diesel!). Oh, and expensive to maintain

Regards

Pete

I realise that a Deltic isn't exactly LNER, however I feel Sir Nigel would have approved - if someone had insisted he build diesels I suspect he would have come up with something similar. Fast, bags of reserve power, and elegant (both in design and appearance, at least for a diesel!). Oh, and expensive to maintain

and prone to mechanical problems - HNG would have been proud!

It is being reported on the Scot-rail website tonight that 55016 has been bought by DRS. I don't know what their plans for it are, operation of their "Stobart Pullman" train has been discontinued because of poor loadings, but I suppose use of the Deltic might increase interest in it.

Good news, DRS have confirmed the purchase of 55016:

Copy of a press release sent out by DRS:

8th October 2008

Fleet News Update

Acquisition of HNRC 55016 (D9016)


Direct Rail Services can confirm that it has recently acquired 55016 (D9016) named
‘Gordon Highlander’ from Harry Needle Railroad Company (HNRC). The future of
this locomotive is secure and the company is working with HNRC to return the
locomotive to operational condition. Although this locomotive has not been planned
for an immediate return to service, DRS is confident that the locomotive will be
returned to mainline service in the future.

DRS is intending to retain the name ‘Gordon Highlander’.

DRS can confirm that as part of a wider commercial agreement that will see further
locomotives being refurbished by HNRC.


Many thanks to scot-rail for the info

DRS buying 55016 is wonderful news. Whether they use it for railtours or pulling flasks,it is just great that it has been saved. No diesel built has come close to the Deltics in my eyes.By the way-dont know if i'm allowed to say this-but fictitiousliveries.fotopic.net have a superb mock up of 55016 in DRS colours.Check it out-a great site!