It was my brother who introduced me to railways and its because of him that I discovered Deltics. His birthday is Jan 2 and I thought it was an unfair birthday present for him to have the final Deltics withdrawn on that day. I'm sure you all remember that feeling of disbelief that it was all over and never again would we see these locos on the mainline. Little did we know that only 15 years later the sound of twin Napiers would bellow on mainline territory once more. How fitting it was then, that the last Deltic to work a train in BR service should be the first to make that bold step onto the mainline. 55022.

This set of pictures by Gary Thornton though not technically perfect, capture the mood, the ambiance and the mayhem of the occasion better than any I've seen. For those who weren't at the Cross or somewhere en route, just bear in mind this had been a long and bitterly cold day for all of us wanting to see this sight and hear that Napier music for the last time. Even TV news crews came out, something which hadn't happened before - and for a diesel engine! The fots show RSG arriving at Kings Cross for the last time after bringing the Deltic Scotsman Farewell from Waverley. None of the pictures Gary sent were worthy of being omitted from this set so here is all 21.

I don't think I can do justice by trying to caption the pictures - I'm sure you will agree the images speak for themselves. Enjoy - Rob Stanley (first webmaster)

Gary has kindly recounted the day for us in what I know you will all agree is an emotive account. Here are his words describing 2-1-82. Click Here