Deltic D9000 engine repairs will delay main line return
THE PLANNED main line return of pioneer Class 55 Deltic D9000 Royal Scots Grey has been delayed due to ongoing repairs to the locomotives two power units.
The locomotive is owned by Locomotive Services Ltd subsidiary Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust (RSL>) following its purchase from former owner Martin Walker in late 2017.
It had been planned that D9000 would return to main line use on the ‘Deltic Delight’ charter on December 1, but RSL> announced in mid-october that ongoing repairs to the locomotive’s power units meant it would not be completed in time to haul the charter, which is to be moved to August next year.
The two power units are being overhauled following their removal from the locomotive, but the repairs required are more extensive than first envisaged, with one being completely stripped down and rebuilt to the original specification in an investment the owners say is costing “many hundreds of thousands of pounds”.
D9000 has received fully reconditioned bogies, its fuel tanks have been removed, overhauled and refitted, and body work repairs have been carried out.
A statement issued by the organisation said: “The decisions around engine works are difficult and must be made with the preservation of as many power units as possible in mind. “They are a diminishing commodity and we do not wish to rush a rebuild, only for the engine to fail in service.” The RSL> statement added: “Our primary goal must always be to protect the assets in our care, rather than hope for the best.
“The decisions we are making for D9000 are for its long-term future, so that it can be enjoyed by many for years to come. We ask that those following D9000 bear with us.”
It is now intended that the charter will be rescheduled to take place on August 26, 2022. Passengers who had been booked on the December 1 tour are being contacted to see if they wish for their booking to be moved to the new date.
RSL> bought both D9000 and D9016 Gordon Highlander from Mr Walker. D9016 has since undergone cosmetic restoration and has been moved to Margate for display in LSL’S planned The One:one Collection museum facility being established in the former Hornby factory.