‘Deltic’ farewell anniversary excursion postponed

A RAILTOUR which was to have marked the 40th anniversary of the final Deltic-hauled tour on January 2, 1982 has been postponed due to overhaul work on No. D9009 Alycidon taking longer than expected, mainly as a result of the effects of Covid-19. The tour was to have run on April 30, and although the Deltic Preservation Society (DPS) says it is now on the home straight for completion of the overhaul, Graham Clarke, the DPS head of engineering, felt it was unwise to commit to the tour. The DPS had been expected to confirm availability in January, but with static testing, mileage accumulation and both heritage line and main line high-speed runs to be undertaken, it was felt prudent to delay its return to main line action. The society is now looking at a 40+1 tribute for January 2023. Mike Hallam-Rudd, DPS loco hire manager, says subject to no hidden gremlins No. D9009 should be available for three tour dates planned for late July, mid-September, and a date to be confirmed in December for a ‘Deltic Trans Pennine Express Lament’. There is also another possible tour in the pipeline with another operator for June.