The LNER Encyclopedia

Can I ask a question regarding the dates when the Deltics were introduced onto the ECML and did they work north of Edinburgh during the days of steam? I know the A4's were removed from Kings X express services and they worked in Scotland in the Perth area during this period. Thank you.

As a post script, I know it was 1963 that the A4's used on the Glasgow to Aberdeen services were allocated to the area.

According to the BR Database, the first Deltic was delivered to Haymarket on 28 January 1961 and there were six in service by the the start of the 1961 summer timetale.

Aberdeen Ferryhill got its first A4 (60009) on 20 May 1962, followed by 60004 and 60011 on 11 June.

I believe the first A4 to leave Haymarket was 60031 Golden Plover shortly after a general repair at Doncaster . I'll try and find the date we saw it bearing a St Rollox shed plate .

I think it does the Scottish region a lot of credit that they recognised the potential of the A4s (and A2s) for the Glasgow - Aberdeen services. And on a Caledonian line as well! I wonder how the St Rollox men liked them.

I always wondered why Polmadie got shot of their Duchesses so quickly.

Thanks for the information, I now have a copy of the WTT for the period and it shows Deltics scheduled to haul trains from KingsX to Aberdeen, but none shown on the up service, I think they were taken off at Edinburgh and possibly steam hauled to Aberdeen and then the Deltics took the trains south from Edinburgh.

I have now found images on youtube of Deltics in Aberdeen, but they were blue engines outside of the steam period ,I will keep on looking though.

G Plover to St Rollox 3/2/62, Merlin 20/3/62.