Hornby R30049TTS

RailRoad Plus BR, Class 55, Deltic, Co-Co, 55013 – ‘The Black Watch’ – Era 7

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs

Prototype Era
Era 7 (1972 to 1982) British Rail Blue (TOPS)

Manufacturer description

Built in 1961 and 1962, the Class 55 Co-Co diesel locomotives were specifically designed for the high-speed express passenger services on the East Coast Main Line (ECML). The Class, built by English Electric, was powered by two 18-cylinder D18-25 series II type V Deltic engines, each rated at 1,650 hp continuous at 1500 rpm. This unique engine also powered the DP1 prototype that preceded the Class 55s, with the prototype being named 'Deltic' after its engines, hence the Class 55 also became known as 'Deltics'.


After the introduction of the HSTs, the Class 55s were deposed from many of their express duties, instead being placed on secondary services. It soon became clear that maintaining the Deltics for these secondary duties would not be economically viable meaning that the class were run with minimal maintenance until they failed, at which point they would be sent to Doncaster Works to be scrapped. Six locomotives were preserved, including 55 002 'The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry' which was selected by the National Railway Museum to join the National Collection.


fter privatisation of the British railway network, the preserved Deltics became ideal candidates for mainline running due to their strong performance characteristics relative to other preserved diesels. This has included running passenger charters as well as freight services. On 29 November 2017 it was announced via the official Royal Scots Grey website that 55 022 'Royal Scots Grey' and D9016 'Gordon Highlander', plus all spares, had been sold to Locomotive Services Limited, with D9016 recently moving to LSL's facility in Margate.


Built in 1961, locomotive No. D9013 was allocated to the Haymarket shed from new and spent most of its life there other than a brief allocation to Finsbury Park in early 1968 which lasted just four months. The locomotive served with BR until its withdrawal from service in December 1981.

Catalogue listing

Brand
Hornby
Range
Railroad
Product Code
R30049TTS
RRP
£120.99
Catalogue
2021 Range
Release date
April 2023

Model details

Colour
Blue
DCC status
TTS fitted
Finish
Pristine
Gauge
OO
Livery
Blue
Minimum radius curve
2nd Radius (438mm)
Motor
5 Pole Skew wound
Name
The Black Watch
Power pickup
Power bogie only
Running number
55013

Prototype information

Introduced
1961
Locomotive class*
Class 55
Operator
BR
Motive power
Diesel
Wheel arrangement
CO-CO
Max speed
100 mph
Designer
English Electric
Built
1961-1962
Built by
English Electric - Vulcan Foundry
Total produced
22

* Class names often change over the lifespan of a locomotive, so this is not necessarily the class name used by the operator in the period modelled.

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