The Thirsk locomotive

The locomotive hauling the express at Thirsk was English Electric’s ‘Diesel Prototype 2’, better known as DP2. Built in a bid to fulfil a need for a new breed of 2,500hp machines, it had entered trials on the main line in May 1962.

Alas, the locomotive was doomed to fail with inspiration for what became the Class 47, Brush of Loughborough, ultimately winning that contest.

Following a stint on the London Midland Region, however, DP2 was employed working ‘Deltic’ diagrams out of King’s Cross, where its performance greatly impressed the Operating Department.

Unfortunately, the damage it sustained at Thirsk was so great that it was withdrawn in September 1967 and dismantled for spares. English Electric would use it as the basis for a new Type 4 - the Class 50.