A day of firsts for the DPS

Depot report 17/4/25

D9015 Tulyar spent the morning undergoing test runs up and down the branch at Barrow Hill in spectacular spring sunshine.

The locomotive performed extremely well and this marks the first steps in the next stages of testing. There’s still a lot to do before it leaves BH for a concentrated period of shakedown testing though but step by step the team are working through the tasks.

The investigation into the rough running of PU 417 continues. New fuel filters and sealing washers have been fitted which have helped.

The unit was started again today and fuel pump B2 was identified as detective.This was exchanged for an overhauled fuel pump from DPS stock. Further investigation required but we are heading in the right direction with it.

Prior to 15’s runs, the locomotive shunted 55009 out into the yard at Barrow Hill, the first time 15 has been under any load since it was shut down at the Midland Railway Centre in April 1997, almost 28 years to the day.

55009.

After Tulyar's workout, Alycidon took over with a session of testing along the branch.

This was completed without any issues.

At the end of the day Alycidon and Tulyar were coupled and the two Deltics ran back round to the DPS depot.

9 was positioned over the inspection pit and 15 left outside in preparation for the next working party in a couple of days.

Meanwhile, 55019 was working at the GCR, and it is thought that this is the first time all three of the DPS Deltics have run on the same day since the 'Silver Jubilee' railtour on 5th July 1986, albeit in different locations.

Another landmark occasion.

Throughout the day we were accompanied by our friends from Hellfire TV who spent the day filming still and video, both with GoPro and drone as well as recording the locos inside and out.

Watch out for some amazing footage coming soon!

If that wasn’t enough media exposure, Tom Ingall came along and filmed a piece for BBC Look North.