‘Deltic’ mainline return another step closer

THE return to the main line of ‘Deltic’ No. 55022 Royal Scots Grey has taken another step forward after its second overhauled power unit was craned in at the Locomotive Services Limited depot at Crewe in mid-May.

Work will continue on refitting the remaining engine room equipment ahead of a mainline test run in the summer.

The loco has three railtours booked for this year, all under the LSL’s InterCity brand: The ‘Deltic Delight’ on August 26 from Wolverhampton, Crewe and Warrington Bank Quay to Newcastle via Carlisle; the ‘Severn Valley Deltic’ on October 12, starting at Newcastle and running via the cross-country route to Chesterfield, then the Erewash Valley and Sutton Park lines to Kidderminster, before arriving at Bridgnorth and the final trip this year is on October 29 when the loco will work over its old haunts from Finsbury Park to Newcastle via the GN/GE Joint Line.

While ‘Deltic Delight’ has sold out, InterCity says seats (first class) are available on the other two tours at £129. Book online at inter-city.co.uk

BR Standard Pacific No. 70000 Britannia passes Radway Green Crossing on the Crewe-Kidsgrove line on April 27 with Saphos Trains ‘Severn Valley Enterprise’ charter from Llandudno Junction to Bridgnorth, which the loco had taken over at Crewe. BARRY MARTIN