The Class 55 ‘Deltics’ were built between 1961 and 1962 by English Electric. They were designed for the high-speed express passenger services on the East Coast Main Line between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh. 22 locomotives were built to replace 55 Pacific steam locomotives and they dominated express passenger services on the East Coast Main Line. ‘Gordon Highlander’ was purchased by the Deltic 9000 Fund, with the intention that it would be restored to running condition, whilst acting as a mobile source of spares. For a short period between the late 1990s and the early 2000s, the locomotive went on hire to Porterbrook Leasing, who painted it in their corporate purple colours. It lasted in this livery until 2002, when it was re-painted in its original two-tone green livery. The locomotive was the first of five ‘Deltics’ to be given heavy general repairs in an attempt to prolong the career of the class, however, the cost of such overhauls was deemed too high and instead the projected life-span of the class was shortened and withdrawals began in late 1979. The ‘Gordon Highlander’ is currently based at Crewe.

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