DPS on the main line
2017 outings
Hull & Leeds Executive
Revisiting some more past routes, D9009 stands at Hull with this Pathfinder trip on May 6.Hull & Leeds Executive
The Hull & Leeds Executive also took in some diversionary routes, seen here during a stop at Spalding.Welsh Central Liner
June 17 saw ALYCIDON work a tour over the scenic Central Wales line. Here it waits at Llandeilo for a unit to clear the single line.Bluebell move
The NRM's D9002 and D9009 at Colton on October 4, heading for Barrow Hill then the Bluebell Railway for the DPS 40th anniversary event.Swanage Belle
D9009 ran from Burton to Swanage and back on October 21, here it is on the apprach to Corfe Castle. (Nick Prior)Swanage Belle
The return of the Swanage Belle pauses at Cheltenham Spa on the return leg. (Henry Thomas)Knottingley
An Open Day took place at Knottingley on October 28, D9009 attended the event and is seen at South Milford on its way from York.DB Cargo Freight
After anappearance at Knottingley depot open day the previous day, D9009 was used to haul 14 wagons from Milford Sidings to Neville Hill on October 29. Here it is waiting to leave Milford. (Pete Stojanovic)Trans-Pennine Deltic Reprise
Re-living the York-Liverpool turns, D9009 stands at York on December 30.Show More
2016 outings
Light engine after repaint
After repainting by RVEL, D9009 ran from Derby to York on February 22. This was its first main line working in blue since January 2, 1982.Deltic Borderer
Pathfinder's 'Deltic Borderer' at Edinburgh folllowing its trip to Tweedbank. (Graham Clarke)Deltic Borderer
D9009 stands at York on April 9 following completion of its duties on this tour. (Graham Clarke)Show More
2015 outings
Bluebell move
D9009 and 55019 visiting the Bluebell Railway in April 2015, the pair seen here leaving Doncaster on April 14. (Pete Stojanovic)Golden Jubilee Pullman
Running light engine from Kidderminster to Southall and carrying the winged thistle, D9009 is seen at Standish Junction. (Duncan Jennings)Golden Jubilee Pullman
D9009 hauled the ‘Golden Jubilee Pullman’ on May 16, the first appearance of a ‘Deltic’ at the head of the British Pullman train for a number of years. This is it arriving at the Severn Valley Railway from London Victoria. (Graham Clarke)Golden Jubilee Pullman
As the sun sets, D9009 is captured at speed on the Great Western Main Line at Denchworth. (Mark Lambert)Show More
2012-2014 outings
Eidyn Burgh Scot
With the headcode blind having been damaged north of Durham after the loco hit a pheasant, D9009 roars through Chester-le-Street. (Bryan Sherrington)Eidyn Burgh Scot
'The Eidyn Bugh Scot' emerges from Melkridge Tunnel just east of Haltwhistle. (Keith Kirkland)MHR convoy move
Hauling 37901, 33109, 20087 and D1501 from the East Lancs Railway to the Mid Hants Railway on April 24 2013. (Ian Stafford)The Elizabethan
Ready to depart York with 'The Elizabethan' which it worked from Edinburgh to King's Cross on June 11 2013.Mazey Day Cornishman
With repairs to D1015 taking a little longer than expected, D9009 stepped in to work the Mazey Day Cornishman, seen at Penzance.Mazey Day Cornishman
Another view at Penzance, with the loco ready for departure back north to Tame Bridge.NYMR main line
NYMR main line on September 14 2013 - D9009 became the fourth Deltic to reach Whitby (the others being 55002, 55019 and 55022).NYMR main line
An abortive attempt to reach Battersby on September 14 2013. This was where the loco stopped owing to a bridge strike ahead of the train. (Stuart Page)NYMR convoy move
On September 17 2013, the convoy move from Grosmont to Kidderminster stands at Battersby, where D9009 ran round the two diesel hydraulics. (Stuart Page)NYMR convoy move
Passing Shipton, D9009 hauls D821 and D1062 from the NYMR to the SVR on September 17 2013.Winter Settler
D9009 arrives at Derby from Barrow Hill, prior to hauling Pathfinder's 'Winter Settler' tour to Carlisle on December 28 2013. (Alan Whincup)Winter Settler
Classic Deltic exhaust was produced as the train departed from Derby for Carlisle on Decemebr 28 2013. (Alan Whincup)Show More
2005 outings
Thales Flyer
Following bodywork attention over the previous year, 55019 stands at King's Cross with the 'Thales Flyer' bound for Edinburgh.Thales Flyer
55019 stands at Edinburgh after arrival from London. Unfortunately an engine governor fault meant a Class 67 had to haul the train back to London.Festival of the Sea
July 2 saw 55019 work a tour from Preston to Havant (for the Festival of the Sea at Portsmouth) and on to Salisbury. The tour is captured at Crewe next to what was then a new Pendolino.Fusilier Farewell
In snowy conditions, the train pauses at Sheffield en-route from Derby to York. (Glyn Brocklesby)Show More
DPS Freedom of Scotland - 2003
Edinburgh
At Edinburgh, DPS Railtours Officer Guy Middleton had arranged for a piper to be playing when the train departed. This shot was taken just before departure. (Tim Holden)Aberdeen
Upon arrival at Aberdeen, passengers enjoyed an evening's break before continuing north. This was No. 19's second visit to Aberdeen in preservation, the loco having operated a special there whilst operating with VSOE in 1999. (Martin Gallacher)Thurso
After an overnight journey over the Far North line, the tour reversed at Georgemas Junction and headed for Thurso. D9009 was at the north end, and thus became the Deltic to have travelled the furthest north.Wick
The tour then ran back to Georgemas Junction for a stop before continuing to Wick. 55019 is seen partially under the trainshed roof. (Michael Prince)Forsinard
The train then returned down the Far North line as far as Dingwall. At Forsinard, some complex manouvres had to be undertaken to allow two trains to pass the tour, which was too long for the station loop. In the above view, the train returns to the station.Dingwall
Back in BR days, nobody could have imagined a Deltic would be seen at locations such as Dingwall. D9009 poses next to the station sign. The train reversed here for the journey to Kyle. (Mark Lyons)Cardonald
The train traversed the 'City Union' line through Glasgow, rarely used by passenger trains, before joining the main line from Glasgow to Ayr and Stranraer. Shortly after joining the main line, D9009 passes through Cardonald station. (Grant Fleming)Stranraer
Stranraer was reached around 15 minutes early. From here, 55019 took charge of the train for the journey back to the Glasgow area and then on to Fort William.Mallaig
Arrival at Mallaig was at 06.45, and the train was greeted by a piper. There was much local interest in the train, and several shops had opened up early especially for the tour.Mallaig
At the opposite end of the train was 55019 which hauled the tour back to Fort William after a break. (David Russell)Glenfinnan Viaduct
Another view of the viaduct. Passengers on board enjoyed breakfast between these two points. (Paul Robertson)Horse Shoe Curve
Scottish scenery at its best! After reversing at Fort William, the train headed south to Crianlarich. This is the train heading into the Horse Shoe curve. (Mark Lyons)Dalmally
With D9009 at the rear of the stock, the train crosses Dalmally viaduct over Loch Awe. (Paul Robertson)Oban
Some of the more energetic tour participants strolled up the hill to McCaig's tower, and this gave a chance for an unusual photo. (Tim Holden)Oban
During the 1980s, many of the Class 37s which operated to Oban carried a West Highland Terrier emblem. One of these made a temporary guest appearance on the tour, and the 'Deltic Dog' is seen here on 55019 at Oban. (David Russell)Crianlarich
After reversing at Crianlarich, the train head back to Fort William for the night with 55019 in charge. (Angus Thomson)Fort William
No railtour of this magnitude would be complete without a 'seminar' shot. Prior to departure from Fort William, a large proportion of the tour's participants pose with D9009.Achladder
A view taken at Achallader on the last day as the train returns to Preston. (Paul Robertson)Close
Craigendoran
Coming off the West Highland Line, D9009 arrives at Craigendoran Junction. (Gary Lennon)Show More
2003 - other outings
Steamy Affairs
Having run light engine from Barrow Hill earlier in the day, D9009 stands at Old Oak Common on May 16 with the coaching stock for a Steamy Affairs trip from Ashford to Newcastle tour.Steamy Affairs
Arrival at Newcastle, and two generations of ECML power stand side by side. (Ian Dobson)19 to King's Cross
The DPS ran a tour from Newcastle to King's Cross on June 7, recreating the days of the 'semi-fast' workings which were hauled by Deltics in their final years, by using a set of 8 air-conditioned Mark 2 coaches provided by Fragonset Railways. This is the ECS heading north the previous day.19 to King's Cross
Passing a northbound GNER service, the train runs through Durham non-stop. (G Middleton)19 to King's Cross
Between Doncaster and Peterborough, the train took the diversionary route regularly used by the Deltics when they were in British Rail service. 55019 passes Gosberton (about 5 miles north of Spalding) on the outward leg. (Guy Erwood)19 to King's Cross
Less than three miles from the tour's destination, 55019 passes through Finsbury Park station. (Tim Holden)19 to King's Cross
An added bonus for participants was the appearance of 9016 at Kings Cross. The DPS tour provided the Porterbrook liveried Deltic with its first visit to Kings Cross since its return to main line operation, the loco being used for the ECS movements to Bounds Green and back. Although the appearance of 9016 on this working had been planned by Merlin Rail several weeks previously, most people were unaware of this until the morning of the tour.19 to King's Cross
55019 is captured inside GNER's depot at Bounds Green where the train was serviced during the break in London. (Nigel Hutchison)19 to King's Cross
On Sunday June 8th, 55019 and the coaching stock returned from Newcastle to Barrow Hill. This working is seen passing Church Fenton. (Richard Starkey)Earl Bathurst move
In preparation for its steam gala, D9009 was used to collect GWR Castle 5051 and its support coach from Didcot and move it to Barrow Hill on July 9. (Richard Senior)Doncaster Plant 150
On July 26th/27th, Wabtec at Doncaster opened its doors to the public, as part of the Doncaster Plant event. D9009 and 55019 were among the many exhibits on display. The Deltics worked from Barrow Hill to Doncaster (Wabtec) on Monday July 21st, hauling three electrics which are all owned by or in the custodianship of the AC Loco Group, one of the DPS's "neighbours" at Barrow Hill. The consist is seen at Greenfield Lane Bridge at Doncaster. (Bob Peach)Doncaster Plant 150
The return movement to Barrow Hill took place on July 30th. Here the convoy is captured at Ferryboat Lane, Mexborough. (Keith Beaumont)Prototype move YK-BH
September 12 2003 saw 55019 used to move the prototype 'DELTIC' and other locos from the NRM fleet from York to Barrow Hill. Here 55019 shunts D6700 and D200 ready for the transit move.Prototype move YK-BH
The convoy, comprising D8000, D6700, DELTIC and D200 plus two coaches for brake force, passes Meadowhall. (David Garnett)Show More
2002 outings
DPS Silver Jubilee
A tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of the DPS, taking 'RHF' from Kings Cross to Edinburgh with a full rake of blue/grey coaches. The headboard for the outward journey was a replica of the original Silver Jubilee headboard, constructed by DPS volunteer Nigel Paine. This close-up shot was taken prior to departure fromKings Cross. (Nigel Paine)DPS Silver Jubilee
ue to the early arrival at York, there was time for a photostop under the station roof. Wearing the Sliver Jubilee headboard which was carried by Deltics when they hauled the train of this name in 1977, the loco awaits departure. The loco had its headcode panels plated over and carried numbers at both ends, representing its condition in 1977. (Alistair Beadle)DPS Silver Jubilee
nother view at York, this time 'wide angle' showing the station roof. Who would have imagined in 1982 that 20 years later that they would see this sight? (Gary Thornton)DPS Silver Jubilee
On the return leg, the train is seen just south of Carstairs, about to cross Float viaduct. (Gary Lennon)DPS Silver Jubilee
he train stands at Peterborough. Unfortunately, the loco had developed an AWS fault just before Grantham, and although this was rectified by the on-board DPS engineer in about 2 minutes at Peterborough, the decision being taken by the railway authorities to place 56120 on front of the train and haul it to Kings Cross. Thanks to everyone for their understanding and support - from the feedback received, people still considered it a great day with over 750 miles of Deltic haulage. (Gareth GriffithsBattersby
At Battersby on September 6 en-route for the NRM, where a call was received requesting hire of 55019 for the next day. (Richard Senior)Shipley
In preparation for the DPS tour on September 6, D9009 ran to Carnforth. With the NRM's Western in tow (bound for the Severn Valley Railway), the loco passes through Shipley. It had been planned that 55019 would also be in the convoy, but a last minute request from Rail Charter Services for the loco to work another railtour saw the loco uncoupled at York and run light engine to London instead. (Ian Dobson)Bristol tour
Commencing at Preston, the tour picked up at Bolton and Manchester Victoria before running across the Hope Valley route. The final pick up in the north of the country was Sheffield, where there was enough time for a quick photo stop. (Tim Rogers)Passing Deltics
An historic event - D9009 and 55019 about to pass each other for the first time on the main line in preservation. Who would have suggested, in August 1982 when the DPS acquired the locos, that just over 20 years later, the locos would be passing on the ECML, both doing almost 100 mph! (Paul Furtek/DPS)The Elizabethan
55019 storms through Doncaster with the Past Time Rail charter for Edinburgh. 55019 worked the tour as far as York on the outward journey, where it was replaced by a loco from an earlier ECML generation - A4 No. 60009 Union of South Africa. Unfortunately, owing to problems, 55019 was called to assist the A4, and the tour only got as far north as Alnmouth. (David Cooper)Bristol tour
After covering the southern half of the East Coast Main Line, D9009 skirted round London to cover the Great Western line which runs out out of Paddington. Here the train is seen at Walton St Lawrence, near Twyford. (Tim Farmer)Bristol tour
Another view of the train heading towards Bristol, this time at Shrivenham. (Paul Eccles)Bristol tour
Passengers on board the DPS tour enjoyed a 90 minute break at Bristol while the loco was refuelled. This is the train at Bristol shortly after arrival. (David Russell)Show More
2001 outings
Glasgow Central
After power unit repairs, D9009 returned to service in August 2001. In advance of its riltour later that month, the loco undertook a loaded test run from Glasgow to Carnforth on August 2, which was the empty coaching stock movement of a private charter which had worked from Cardiff to Glasgow. The picture below shows D9009 at Glasgow Central prior to departure. Out of view at the rear was DNLL's D9000 Royal Scots Grey which had hauled the charter from Cardiff. (Simon Hartshorne)DPS S&C Tour
The S&C circular tour ran on August 11 and started at Preston. Here, it passes through Leyland on the West Coast Main Line. (Lawrence Clift)DPS S&C Tour
The train is seen travelling at speed as it passes Milford Sidings. This black and white shot of a green Deltic on maroon stock has a very 1960s feel to it - only the headlight is a giveaway! (Jason Cross)DPS S&C Tour
D9009 leaves Carlisle with the ECS, which was stabled at Carlisle Kingmoor whilst the loco was refuelled. (Gary Thornton)DPS S&C Tour
Just over an hour later, Alycidon returns from Kingmoor ready for the return journey. (Gary Thornton)DPS S&C Tour
The train arrives at Shipley, the first set down point. As the tour was running late, the train then ran direct to Manchester and not via York as planned. (Gill Dobson)Great Yarmouth tour
The society's second tour of 2001 took us to Great Yarmouth, and used both D9009 and 55019. With D9009 in charge, it arrives at Wakefield Kirkgate. (Chris Wittham)Great Yarmouth tour
55019, which had been visiting the Nene Valley Railway, was added to the train at Peterborough. It took over as power from Ely following a reversal, after the Ely reversal, and is seen passing Wymondham South Junction, the junction for the Mid Norfolk Railway. (Copyright Steve Allen)Great Yarmouth tour
In pouring rain, 55019+D9009 wait to depart Great Yarmouth - the first double headed Deltics on the main line in preservation. At least one member's camera suffered a failure due to an intake of water! (Nick Joyce)Show More
1999-2000 'The VSOE Years'
Test Run
55019's first test run took place on May 8 1999, with Black 5 45407. The train heads through the fast lines at Crewe, bound for Castleton. (Clive Elverstone)Test Run
Following a failure the previous week, D9009 made another test run on May 20th, operating without any problems and gaining full main line certification. Here it leaves Crewe, with 55019 tucked behind as a back-up. (Clive Elverstone)May 22nd
Described as 'Deltic Saturday', this event saw D9009 and 55019 both work from King's Cross to York and back on their first main line passenger runs since 1981. Here is D9009 back at King's Cross. (Clive Elverstone)Footex to Wembley
On May 30 1999, VSOE operated a train from Manchester to Wembley in connection with a football match, hauled by D9009 and 55019 in top/tail mode. The ECS is seen passing Sandbach en-route from Crewe to Manchester. (Clive Elverstone)British Pullman
On its first British Pullman working, No 9 heads North up the ECML at Castle Hills Junction on June 12 1999. (Richard Senior)Regency Rail Cruises
VSOE ran a monthly York-Carlisle 'Regency Rail Cruises' dining special on Wednesday's during 1999 and this was Deltic-hauled on most occasions. The September 15th train is seen here at Brighouse. (Richard Senior)Regency Rail Cruises
55019 passes 'Promised Land Lane' on the outskirts of Chester on June 11th with a Regency Rail 'Dalesman' special. (Clive Elverstone)DPS Stirling tour
July 17 saw DPS run a tour from Crewe to Stirthe gave members the opportunity to travel behind both our locomotives at a bargain fare of just £19.50. The train was hauled by D9009 from Crewe to Newcastle, 55019 Newcastle to Stirling and back, then D9009 to Crewe. Between Crewe and Newcastle, 55019 was included in the train formation (as dead load) as a means of positioning the loco to take up its leg of the tour. The photo above shows the train awaiting departure from Crewe. (Clive Elverstone)Regency Rail Cruises
55019 worked a Welsh Marches tour from Liverpool to Hereford and return on July 7th. Above, the train awaits departure from Lime Street station. (Tony Kirkham)Edinburgh Tattoo
Regency and Pathfinder ran a joint weekend tour to Edinburgh Tattoo from Bristol on August 14/15 1999. The train is seen at Crewe. (Ralph Barrett)Regency Rail Cruises
On September 15 1999, D9009 stands at Carlisle following arrival from York. with a "Settle & Carlisle Discoverer" excursion. (Richard Senior)Labour Party conference
On September 26th/28th 1999, VSOE/Riviera Trains operated special trains to the Labour Party Conference at Bournemouth. This view shows D9009 at the rear of the ECS for the first of these workings. D9009 hauled the outward journey and 50017 the return. (Clive Elverstone)British Pullman
On November 9th 1999, Alycidon hauled the VSOE British Pullman set on a special from Manchester to Harrogate. The loco departs Poppleton on the first of two trips round the Harrogate circle that day. (Richard Senior)Regency private charter
A private charter ran on November 13th 1999 using the Regency Rail dining set, captured at Shrewsbury with Alycidon at the head of the train. (Richard Senior)Regency Rail Cruises
On November 27th, D9009 worked a Regency train from Stafford via Shrewsbury and Chester to Edinburgh. This photo shows the charter at Frodsham - the first ever Deltic to pick up there! (Tim Rogers)Northern Belle
In May 2000, VSOE relaunched its operation in the north of England under the 'Northern Belle' name. This is a shakedown run from Manchester to Berwich on May 24. (David Russell)Show More