| Milestones in the History of 55022 Rob Stanley |
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December 1960
- Loco runs under test for the first time at the Vulcan Foundry in Newton-le-Willows. February 1961 - D9000 delivered to British Rail at Doncaster works. As the first of the production Deltic locomotives D9000 is the most powerful production diesel locomotive in the world. March 1961 - Experimental flashing headlamp fitted for evaluation. August 1961 - Hauls prestigious 'Flying Scotsman' from Edinburgh for the first time. June 1962 - Named 'Royal Scots Grey' at ceremony at Edinburgh Waverley December 1965 - Original fabricated bogies replaced in favour of cast type. September 1967 - Repainted into BR blue with full yellow ends - a livery that she would keep 'til the end of her BR days. At the same time RSG also fitted out with dual brake equipment. April 1971 - Loco fitted with ETH (electric train heat) equipment. April 1974 - Royal Scots Grey emerges from Doncaster works renumbered to 55022. June 1977 - To commemorate the Queens Silver Jubilee a special service is named 'the Silver Jubilee' The service is run until December 1977 and RSG Hauls the first up service from Edinburgh. October 1981 - Repainted with Silver grilles and fuel tanks (plus other details) in preparation for the farewell rail tours. January 1982 - Hauls 'Deltic Scotsman Farewell' Rail tour from Edinburgh, becoming the last Deltic to work under BR. A huge turnout at Kings Cross fill the station to bid farewell to the much loved Class. Withdrawn along with remaining class members following the tour. February 1982 - Displayed along will all remaining class members at a special 'Deltic farewell' open day at Doncaster works. September 1983 - Secured for preservation by the Deltic 9000 fund. (later to become DNLL) Loco moved to Nene Valley railway nr Peterbough. November 1996 - RSG Hauls her first tour on the mainline, the first 'heritage' Deltic to do so. This landmark return to service was something many believed would never happen. October 2002 - Royal Scots Grey is taken out of service by DNLL while awaiting a generator repair. The loco is stabled at Hornsey TMD in London. June 2004 - DNLL cease trading after months of speculation. A sad end to the company that pioneered the return to the mainline of the Class 55. July 2004 - Beaver Sports led by Martin Walker purchase RSG. Everyone breaths a sigh of relief now her future is secure. December 2004 - Preparations are made to move 55022 from Hornsey to Barrow Hill where the major work will be undertaken by DPSCS. January 2005 - 40145 collects 55022 from Hornsey and moves her to Barrow Hill where work commences without delay. July 2005 - The first sections of outer skin are welded into place on the body side of 55022. July 2006 - Bodywork restoration completed and power units reinstalled and both engines started successfully. August 2006 - Royal Scots Grey now carries the number 55 022. Engineering acceptance, TPWS and OTMR all certified and successful mainline test run completed. 55 022 works its first passenger train for four years at the DPS Doncaster tribute weekend at Barrow Hill and also moves to her new East Lancashire Railway home. September 2006 - Royal Scots Grey works her first trains at the East Lancashire Railway. |
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