Deltic: Step inside the diesel BEAST | Curator with a Camera

Join Anthony Coulls for a full tour of King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI), a superb example of the Deltic diesel locomotive that was the first worthy successor to the steam locomotives of the previous era.
The Class 55 used two Napier Deltic power units for a peak power output of 3,300hp, which made for a much sprightlier locomotive than earlier diesels-ideal for deployment on high-speed services.
Anthony takes you through the history of this legendary engine and shows you all of its design details inside and out, including a very useful feature behind a door inside the cab...
Check out our range of incredibly detailed models at www.locomotionmodels.com/
A new model of KOYLI has launched (mentioned by Anthony at the end of the video), but this loco is so popular the model has already sold out! There are many more intricate models on our models website, though, if you fancy a look.
To find out more about the National Railway Museum, visit our website: www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/
00:00-01:17 The loco others call 'Sir'
01:17-02:11 Deltic origins
02:12-02:55 The Deltic power unit
02:56-03:26 The Flying Scotsman service
03:27-08:25 Exterior details
08:26-14:17 Inside the cab
14:17-15:28 The Deltic legacy
#railway #trains #museum #diesel

[@John900C]

I think this loco has such mystique because it was the pinnacle of independent British engineering. A symbol of lost industrial dominance.

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

It wasn't really a massive success though in engineering terms. It was plagued with reliability problems and by 1980 most of the fleet had to be cannabalised to keep the few remaining examples running. Reliability and standardisation is a more important aspect of modern fleet operations, rather than just raw power. In this respect I believe HST was more a pinnacle than the Deltics.

[@markbeale7390]

​@@PreservationEnthusiastGo and melt down some fanta cans.

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

@@markbeale7390 The Deltics have long ago been sliced apart with cutting torches at Doncaster works in the mid 1980s and all the scrap extracted and sent for melting, apart from a few preserved examples. Of the HST class 43, 24 have been scrapped, 40 in storage awaiting scrapping, and the remainder preserved or in service.

[@Chucklesrailarchive]

Started my driving career at Kings Cross back in 1970. Must have driven most if not all at sometime. One slight correction to this film reverse selector off does not shut the engines down. Trying to use the toilet at 100 mph was some experience with air rushing up the drain you had to pass water at 101 mph to avoid having a shower at the same time.😆 Great days though and many characters on the footplate with many stories to tell.

[@alanhat5252]

question: how do you hold the dead-man down whilst using the urinal?

[@arthurrytis6010]

@.Allan Hat . They were all double manned as far as I know . I left K X in 74 so don't know after that

[@Chucklesrailarchive]

@@arthurrytis6010 Yes we were double manned.

[@Oddly1970]

Yes double manned for safety.

[@roygardiner2229]

I thought that, too, when watching the video. I think some kind of funnel would help matters 🙂.

[@ronniescott5179]

This is a good video which brings back memories. I worked for Napier in the 1960's on the Deltic engine and the BR engine overhaul and repair was part of the job. The BR engines were running for 4000 hours between overhauls with failure repairs as they occurred The main reason for failure was due to Pistons which caused damage to the con rods crank cases etc. Failures were almost cured when BR took over the overhaul programme and the running time was extended to 7000 hours. The Royal Navy used the Deltic up to 2015 in their mine hunter ships a service period of about 65 years. .

[@NatRailwayMuseum]

Thanks for this, really interesting. What were they like to work on?

[@ronniescott5179]

@@NatRailwayMuseum The Deltic was designed and produced following aircraft engine standards.. I worked with Jimmy Galna who was in charge of the machine shop. The engines used in the locos were de rated with only a scavange blower. producing about 1500 HP. The most powerful had a turbo blower with intercoolers which produced about 4000 hp These were used in naval craft in India and elsewhere. In total over 600 engines were produced over about 20 years

[@markbeale7390]

? Thought pistons would damage the cylinders,so did BR use stronger con rods?

[@ronniescott5179]

The Pistons used in the Royal Navy engines were Al alloy which worked fine. However on up rated engines the Alloy pistons suffered damage at the exhaust ports. The pistons were then re designed with Dural crowns screwed 500 lb ft torque to the alloy skirt, In the BR engines the heavy copper allow crown would part from the skirt . The engine may well keep running as there is gas pressure above the crown at all times. In some cases the crowns would clash and break the con rods which then causes a engine failure. The con rods and liners were strong and not re designed. Close forged con rods were tested to reduce costs but rejected. The failed crowns were used as ash trays in some cases

[@lundimardi1975]

Curator with a Cam is a great concept - I'm really enjoying watching! A lot of other museums would do well to copy!

[@hoskinb1]

As a youngster in the early 1970s, I would often venture up to Kings Cross to spot the various locos there. The Deltics were incredible machines and I well remember the roar of one of them being started up at the buffer stops under the roof. The whole station used to reverberate to the roar and a mushroom cloud plume of exhaust smoke used to fill the air. You could hear a Deltic starting up wherever you were in the station!

[@iftheseoldbeastscouldtalk7796]

As an American, I'm sad I've never seen any of these machines up close. I discussed the bathroom facility features in a deltic while in my Ann Arbor Line uniform on a 1888 caboose (with significantly worse lavatory accommodations) I was giving tours of and demonstrating life for a worker inside. From the videos I have watched of them, deltics are marvelous machines. Style, and the power to match. From one railroad historian to others, Great video and keep up the great work at the museum! You are awesome people and the reason railways and their historical significance are not forgotten!

[@robertbruce1887]

Really like your comments about the British & the respect you show towards British railway heritage.

[@iftheseoldbeastscouldtalk7796]

@@robertbruce1887 British or American, history is history and needs to be well documented and preserved. That is one of the things I always hold to in my teaching about it.

[@PeterThomas-oe3cl]

///

[@peterfrazer1943]

Whilst serving in the Royal Marines in the sixties, I often went ( Up the line) as the expression was, from Plymouth, to My home on the North East coast. The journey was via Bristol to York, then meet the Train coming from London on to Newcastle. Who could forget the sight and sound of the mighty Deltic pulling into York, it was the highlight of my journey. I loved those locos and still do.

[@theflyingfool]

Can we have a Part 2, engine bay tour please? That was really good!

[@badhamian]

As the Queen of the skies was the 747 - the King of the rails was the Deltic post steam. Remember as a young boy waiting for ages at a local park to see one of them pass through on its farewell tour. Thank god some have been preserved.

[@JenniferBeulah-jw7fd]

I love how clean the trains are when you put them in the museum mallard looks so shiny and good there it looks brand new

[@paulanderson7796]

36 cylinders - 72 pistons. Two stroke. Light. Fuel heavy but very efficient in terms of size and packaging.

[@truckatadders]

In 78, i went on a school trip to Butlins Barry Island, one of our trips out was to the engine graveyard at Barry, we had free reign & think we clambered over everything in that yard, i remember going into & through the engine compartment of a Deltic 😊

[@speedbirdconcordeBOAB]

No you didn’t. There were no Deltics in Barry.

[@jackmellor5536]

The East Coast Mainline has always had the most iconic locos and trains. A3 and A4 steam locomotives, Class 55 Deltics and HSTs. The National Railway Museum has those iconic trains all the National Rail Museum needs now is a class 91 225. Hope you purchase a class 91 and 225 DVT.

[@PeterJohnsonWales]

I've got a fond memory of "cabbing" a Deltic at Doncaster station back in the late sixties. That driver made a young boy very happy!

[@kipsome45]

Enjoyable video, however I was disappointed that you never entered the engine room…the true heart of the beast.

[@robertp.wainman4094]

What a great production - I've learnt a lot, your enthusiasm for the subject shines through! Would be nice if all museum curator's made video's of their exhibits. As a student at Newcastle in the 1970's, I'd always try to catch a Deltic hauled express when heading home - often the 'Aberdonian' service pulling the beautifully designed and supremely comfortable air conditioned Mk2 carriages, complete with white jacketed stewards serving drinks at the table from silver tea and coffee pots - with real panache........what a difference to nowadays! Sipping tea, in a seat with fully supported head and side rests and with a rake that enabled sleep, whilst listening to those glorious Napier's......travel didn't get any better! I first encountered one as a young boy at Doncaster Station and still remember thinking how even at rest, it was unlike any other loco ticking over - rather a beast straining at the leash to be set free as the platform literally shook with it's power. The Deltic design perfectly encapsulated it's supreme, yet friendly, might - a power you knew would get you there!

[@robertbruce1887]

Love your story about traveling on these trains, cheers!

[@michaelperkins5746]

HE'S NOT CORRECT

[@stephenfrost2272]

Thanks for the tour, Anthony. A pity we couldn't hear the unmistakable sound of a Deltic as the revs rise when the loco departs a station stop. Thrilling every time!

[@mariogambrelli]

Thanks! I remember seeing one at the Science Museum in the 80's and being impressed as a child.

[@PhilSmith71]

At around 11:10 you say the DSD is connected to the AWS. The DSD is connected with the vigilance alarm which sounds after a given amount of time to ensure the driver is still vigilant. If the DSD is not raised and then depressed to acknowledge the vigilance alarm, the brakes apply. The AWS is linked to the signalling which, if a green aspect is shown, a bell sounds which requires no acknowledgement. Any other aspect causes a horn to sound which has to be acknowledged by pressing the silver button to the left of the AWS sunflower. If no acknowledgement occurs, the brakes apply. AWS is also used to warn of certain speed restrictions. From the Rule Book: “Where a reduction in permissible speed is provided with a warning indicator (i.e. the permissible speed on the approach is 60 mph or more and the reduction in the permissible speed is at least one third) an AWS permanent magnet is provided 180 metres (approximately 200 yards) on the approach to the warning indicator. These are sometimes referred to as ‘Morpeth magnets’. AWS magnets are also used to alert the driver to the following. Level crossing warning boards or indicators. Temporary speed restriction warning boards. Emergency speed restriction warning boards and emergency indicators.”

[@RadioJonophone]

When I lived in Manchester during the 1950s I recall seeing the blue prototype run through the station at Withington & West Didsbury (no longer extant). It was going around 35mph with a rake of, I should say, 7 coaches from the city towards Heaton Mersey. I had no idea it was going to be there, it was just coincidence that my friend David Storey and I went to the bridge near the station to see what we could discover. It was the summer holidays of 1957. I have never forgotten that rumble and turbo whine.

[@allantavener7378]

I have fond memories as a young boy of sitting in a little cut out at Hornsey Station and seeing these absolute beasts roar away and towards me, they were the best and firmly ingrained in me my love of all things railway..

[@anthonyryan9706]

I took a driving lesson in this very locomotive at York about 10 years ago

[@tomm856]

My mate was a firemen on steam trains in the mid 70's and decided to move out the town and worked has a second man on Deltic's, eventually becoming a Deltic driver. He gave me the full manual that drivers got back then, which unfortunately has been lost in time.

[@tomm856]

BTW, I worked for British Rail as a S&T (Signal and Telecoms) technician, and still love the railway even after retiring 27 years ago.

[@ShaunieDale]

The engines were massively de-rated for reliability, I believe they were rated at 2,500 hp each for marine applications.

[@brianwillson9567]

Absolutely. I believe that naval ‘services’ included replacement of just about every moving part.

[@ViperZero523]

So pretty much as powerful as a GP38-2

[@ShaunieDale]

@@ViperZero523 how about a size comparison?

[@ViperZero523]

@@ShaunieDale in what way? Horsepower for the GP38-2 is around 2000, and the SD40-2 is around 3000

[@ShaunieDale]

@@ViperZero523 the EMD645 16 cylinder at 36,000 lbs and the Deltic at 10,700…

[@ykdickybill]

Napier & Son built one of the most powerful piston engines of WW2, the Saber engine , which reached 3500hp in later variants and was used in the Hawker Typhoon and Tempest also in the Heston racing aeroplane.

[@alanhat5252]

Sabre

[@andrewjohnfox]

I have been passionate about railways for as long as I can remember, including many years of volunteering, but still learn so much from these studies. Lovely presentation style too. A very enjoyable video.

[@krismangila1594]

One fantastic engine, and a fine memorial to one of the British Army's most distinguished regiments.

[@eddherring4972]

I’ve always wanted to know why these and others like 37’s had noses now I know! Thank you so much for the insight.

[@cedarcam]

In USA early on there was a theory that drivers may become hypnotised by the view of the rails and sleepers passing below the cab so they built their locos with a nose to prevent it happening. Our early locomotives EE Type 4 Deltic and EE type 3 were all built in a similar style. To distribute weight throughout the locomotive the equipment mentioned was fitted into the nose ends, it was also a clean area away from the engine. Later on it was found these nose ends were not required and our later locomotives were built without nose ends.

[@michaelhewitt2463]

Bed tested many of these amazing engines during my 19 years at Paxmans Colchester. Whilst many of them were used in traction units. Some were used in marine applications. Including high speed patrol boats. The sound from idling to max revs is awesome and will stay with me forever. Thanks.

[@jreg2007]

fond childhood memories. both of my grandfather's drove trains. one of whome took me to this museum as a kid. absolutely nothing sounds like a deltic. luckily im just old enough to remember that sweet sound. thanks for the memories

[@jasonga]

Now I think of it I can remember 3 locos pulling 14 coaches!! Used to see them from Tregininny farm!!

[@GuyChapman]

It's like Ferrari made a diesel. The best sound in railway history - and I say that as one whose earliest memory is watching the Scotsman steaming over Digswell Viaduct on Pegler's run, and later knew Tony Marchington.

[@scopex2749]

My late father was a wireman wuth English Electric and did a lot of the wiring installation of 'DELTIC' (the first blue one) then later on the production Deltics. He used to tell me his favourites were 'Tulyar' and 'Pinza'. The 'Tinsbury Park Racehorses' (identified by white cab window surrounds these markings sadly later nicked by 'the others') The Mighty Deltics - were the GODS of the ECM! They can never be equalled❤❤👏👏👏👏

[@The.nitro.keeper]

I always wondered what was behind that little door ! So thank you.

[@johnmay2786]

Having seen the prototype Deltic numerous times thundering through Hatfield in Hertfordshire, I remember what an exotic beast it was.The blue paintwork with the yellow 'lightning' chevrons on the ends, let alone the amazing sound, it was such a departure from what I was used to I never failed to be excited when I saw it.

[@noonehere1793]

Very well done sir! Napier had a history of unusual engine designs, my favorite was the Sabere engine of WW II a delightfully complex piece of gear for sure.

[@alanhat5252]

Sabre H-24 layout with sleeve valves

[@eugeneoreilly9356]

The opposed piston engine concept was Junkers.Napier had a history of license building the Junkers Jumo 204 in the 30,s for naval use which they called the Culvern.The opposed piston engine has been used in tanks (Chieftain L60) and trucks (Commer TS3).

[@RaysRailVideos]

Yet again another excellent video thank you NRM, but please please get KOYLI back on the main line were she belongs, iam sure it would be just as popular if not more so than Flying Scotsman

[@mpersad]

Another great video, of a truly epic engine. Always loved the Deltics.

[@jimmyeatshoe]

Fantastic!!! I’m so glad you guys are producing more of these videos. What a beast of a loco! Thanks NRM 👍🚂

[@NatRailwayMuseum]

You are very welcome. We love making them! Plenty more on the way...

[@VulcanBomberxm655]

@@NatRailwayMuseum evening star next....

[@markbeale7390]

​@NatRailwayMuseum Deltics had dynamic didn't they ?

[@CS80undermybed]

Very nice - I love Deltics and I LOVE the National Railway Museum York (and York itself). I didn't know about the urinal in the front of the Deltic - sod trying to use this bog at 100 mph while trying to stand up and aim - good luck with that!

[@loubyloustar]

The Deltics are BEASTS. a Brilliant Engine That is at a Brilliant Museum.

[@cgh1060]

Loved the Deltic so much, especially on start ups.

[@Uftonwood2]

My mate took me to Kings Cross just to hear the deafening roar of a Deltic starting, I can hear that ‘shed-shaking thunder still.

[@cgh1060]

@@Uftonwood2 Not to mention the smoke too!

[@dwaynejohnson4892]

I’ve like and subscribed ages ago! I have a model of this and am a passionate railway modeler. Please keep these videos coming! I live in New Zealand so I don’t have the luxury of seeing such fine engines on a regular basis.

[@keithdean5597]

I also was a second man at Kx in 70s driven them all .Inc the one in video. Favourite trick put controller in engine only .then hide behind bulkhead when going through station. Lol

[@the_grand_tourer]

I have no interest as an adult in trains - although I did have a very small Hornby kit with a Mallard as a boy - but have to say I was curious to know about this type of locomotive and what a lovely made film, the curator with camera is a nice device. Glad I stopped by.

[@garethgrundy8087]

You forgot what made it special... The Engine!!!!

[@NatRailwayMuseum]

With an engine this good, you need a separate video all about it. Coming soon...

[@exarkun42]

Fascinating as always!

[@BipolarBeckettTalks]

Brilliant video! What an icononic loco.

[@Trains_At_York]

Amazing video for an amazing loco, great job

[@basfinnis]

One of my favourite trains. Thanks 😉

[@Robslondon]

A gorgeous machine- and a great video as always.

[@Arkay315]

Wow, that is a mighty fine unit

[@sbatty65227]

Loved the Deltic. A classic.

[@paulgammidge-jefferson9536]

This is a brilliant and fascinating channel. Thank you for taking the time to give us insights into the collection.

[@robertbruce1887]

Thank you for another great video where the viewer feels like they are right there with you!, Cheers

[@987jasy]

I just discovered your channel, love this video a lot. It's very interesting to get a glimpse into the yesteryear of railroading

[@armouredarchives8867]

i love these vids and always take time to share them on my discord as an example of how to be a good curator and make great little vids, keep up the good work

[@paddlefaster]

Thank you for the tour. Absolutely beautiful piece of engineering.

[@user-oo8xp2rf1k]

We used to should " Dellie " and if one produced a lot of smoke as it accelerated away " beast" . We frequented York and Doncaster in the early eightees and would occasionally get let in to the cabs by the drivers . I think I've " cabbed " 002 at some point. I remember sometimes being shown around depots by friendly shed staff. On one occasion in the shed at York, where this video was filmed we encountered 55013 The Black Watch perfectly repainted and gleaming with white buffers and everything shining. It was ready to take part in the anniversary of the Rainhill trials. But for some reason it never attended but it did drive around for a month looking fantastic

[@lespivnic]

Thanks Anthony for including (at 1.47 into your video) a South African Railways class 3E electric locomotive hauling the world-renowned 'Blue Train' at speed. The 28 class 3E Co-Co locos were supplied by Metro-Vickers to the SAR for main line services - from fast passenger to goods working in 1948.

[@alanhat5252]

if you replace the stop with a colon in the timestamp it links into the video at that point, as in 1:47

[@ShortCycle.]

Really enjoying the CWaC series. Keep up the content NRM. 👌

[@philpots48]

Well done, love to see the trains of the UK.

[@michaelmiller641]

wonderful informative video, I remember the family travelling from kings cross to Welwyn garden city, house hunting, behind a deltic!

[@triumphrider572]

Thanks Ant, that was good. Especially liked the bit about being taken short at Potter's Bar!

[@Peppercorn60163Tornado]

Looks amazing, was there on Tuesday and came across her in the North shed along with Sir Kenneth Grange, both looks stunning

[@davidcoleman6032]

Thank you so much for this video and the details, always wondered how engine drivers were supposed to hold their bladders for 6+ hours,I didn't know about the toilet in the nose. Such an iconic loco and at the cutting edge at the time,so sad more weren't saved in 82.The only other thing that I would love to know is what the maintenance crews thought about them, were they more difficult to maintain than other popular classes for example?But great video!🙂👍

[@marmion150]

The maintenance was covered by the purchase contract to start with, because they were so unlike any other diesel. English Electric had an operations hut at Finsbury Park. The overhauls were done at Vulcan foundry, where they had been built. As experience built up, gradually B.R. took on more responsibility for them, and by the 70s overhauls were being conducted at Doncaster.

[@davidcoleman6032]

@@marmion150 Thankyou for the insight. 👍

[@kevinmoor26]

As always, interesting and informative

[@peterw1609]

Nice documentary! Thanks

[@daystatesniper01]

Another excellent presentation ,no techno babble just plain speaking .

[@TheCoronationProductions]

Diesel locomotives are quite very underrated, change my mind.

[@Bahamas-rd8le]

Most aren’t, look at most English electric locos such as 20s, 37s, 55s. Most are incredibly overrated such as the HST.

[@Trainman10715]

@@Bahamas-rd8le except none of those are overrated at all of course, especially the HST. they are all in fact quite fairly rated

[@joebond5012]

Excellent video, thank you.

[@davehooper5115]

Fantastic video really enjoyed that

[@FloppydriveMaestro]

I love this series.

[@georgeliquor2931]

Great video, so relaxing

[@frankiechristians7813]

13:00 We have the same GSM-R radio in Denmark.

[@monumentstosuffering2995]

Engineered Art of the finest, most useful kind. Magnificent British genius.

[@mrcogginsgarage7062]

Thankyou Anthony most welcome addition to the series Could I put in a request for the same on the class 52 Western please.

[@machosker]

Wow, this it really interesting. Never knew they had a toilet hidden away in there. I managed to get a Cab visit to a Deltic at Haymarket in the late 1980's as part of the open day

[@Senna-xi1gr]

This is a fantastic museum in York & it is free to enter. If you have not been please go & enjoy. 👍🇬🇧🏆

[@jtveg]

Thanks for sharing. 😉👌🏻

[@ollysee3656]

I have gone to your museum in York like so many times

[@19TheChaosWarrior79]

Amazing vid

[@esseel7896]

great camera bud. really clear even on a big screen cheers.

[@stephenhugill2228]

Beautiful presentation. Extremely well done and interesting. Have subscribed to the channel and look forward to more. By the way super presenter.

[@neilburton6121]

Great video's....magic.

[@DubloAirfix65]

Class 20? What a fabulous review of the Deltic! Thank you! Truly a reflection of your brilliant museum... the greatest railway museum in the world.. is that too much?... I don't think so, I have visited a few. Last time I visited, many years ago, I was enthralled from opening time to closing time. Looking forward to another visit (I'm Tasmanian, but since my last visit to York I moved to France so not so far next time once the refurbishment is complete). Any chance you will review the Class 20?... the little brother of the Deltic but equally remarkable, more so because it is still in commercial service and descendant of the very similar to the train I grew up with in Tasmania, the English Electric X class the first main line diesel locomotive in Australia. Anyway, these curator with a camera pieces are brilliant!

[@santiagocamacho2309]

Wonderful loco!!!. Indeed a piece of british history!!!. Got a picture taken besides a Deltic at the Science Museum in London. It was painted blue with white cream.

[@GhostHunter95]

Love it!! The Deltic is a firm favourite for sure! It would be an absolute pleasure if possible for 'Flying Scotsman' to feature in this series at some point! Absolutely wonderful stuff!!! Keep the videos coming, great work team! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 👍🙂❤️🚂

[@NatRailwayMuseum]

It would be rude not to do an episode about famous Flying Scotsman, especially with its 100th birthday fast approaching.

[@GhostHunter95]

@@NatRailwayMuseum eek! I'm officially excited! Haha brilliant 🚂❤️🙂👍

[@EdgyNumber1]

Certainly my all-tjme favourite train class.

[@jamieknight326]

Fab train and a really informative video. :)

[@paulhorn2665]

I love, those Deltics these are nice locomotives.

[@marshallman7608]

The "off" position on the reverser doesn't shut the engine down. Once the reverser is moved to off and the master key removed the reverser and throttle are locked and cannot be moved. Basically in a two cab loco the desk in the trailing (non driving) cab is always locked.

[@grayman999]

Very interesting a train very familiar to my travelling experience during my time in the RAF

[@nathanhinchliffe]

I love these videos

[@sh010272]

Brilliant and really informative and thats from a none rail,enthusiast.

[@NatRailwayMuseum]

Really chuffed you enjoyed it, thanks

[@southyorkshireman]

The white cab surrounds were a feature of FInsbury Park locos in the blue era, but the video makes it unclear that all the fleet had them when they were in 2 tone green, Koyli certainly wasn't a Finsbury Park loco and is displayed in green with cab surround!

[@Senna-xi1gr]

Fantastic thanks 👍🏆🇬🇧

[@macflod]

Awesome. I always wondered what was through that door. Now im curious about the engine room

[@ianhardman9263]

Very interesting commentary on a beast

[@Happymali10]

11:30 I read in a report on an old rail accident that some train drivers put, for example, their bag on the pedal to hold it down for them.

[@stephensmith4480]

That`s why The Vigilance device was introduced, so you could not peg the DSD because it had to be released with your foot and then depressed again when the warning sounded in the Cab.