The return to traffic of Deltic D9015 Tulyar for the first time in more than 25 years edges closer, with the locomotive reunited with its original numbers on its two-tone green paintwork.
Owner the Deltic Preservation Society, which is carrying out the full overhaul of the locomotive at its Barrow Hill depot, says D9015 is now mechanically complete.
Everything is connected up, and it has fuel, coolant and oil with no leaks at present. Only a few minor jobs remain, with none of these critical to running.
In late June, the BIS (battery isolating switch) was closed for the first time. A few faults were identified, and the electrical team is working through them.
The next target will be starting the two Napier engines, after which everything that runs from the auxiliary generators will be thoroughly checked. The final stage will be getting the Class 55 to take power.
The DPS is keen to stress it is not working to a deadline, and that “everything is being done methodically and one step at a time”.
The plan is for initial testing to take place at Barrow Hill, which has a mile-long track. If no major faults are found, the locomotive will then be moved by road to the Great Central Railway for extensive running-in.
DPS’ intends to host celebratory events when the time comes.
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