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'DELTIC'

DP2

DHP 1

The Armstrong Whitworth 1-Co-1 diesel electric locomotive prototype order number DT8, carrying the number D9 of 1933, was the first main line diesel locomotive to run in the United Kingdom. Built at the Scotswood Works in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, it ran trails on the LNER. It was designed as a mixed traffic locomotive and gained the name of the 'Universal Locomotive'. Weighing 74 tons, it was fitted with an Armstrong-Sulzer 8LD28 engine producing 800hp. This drove a Laurence, Scott & Electromotors generator which in turn powered three Crompton Parkinson axle hung traction motors. An additional 80hp Armstrong-Saurer 6BXD auxiliary engine was housed in the 'bonnet' section at one end of the locomotive and was used for starting the prime mover. The locomotive was fitted with multiple unit control to enable two 'Universal' locomotives to work together if more power was needed. In the event, this was never used as D9 was the sole example.

Trials, on both passenger and freight, were run in various parts of the Newcastle area from July 1933 to June 1934. Unfortunately the locomotive suffered a crankcase explosion and was returned to Scotswood for repairs. These repairs were not forthcoming and the locomotive was dismantled in 1937.

I have always wanted to build the first mainline diesel locomotive, but had put it on the back burner whilst I got on with other projects. A casual peruse of an internet model rail forum revealed another person interested in D9 and was in the process of producing a 3D print of the body and frame. I contacted the designer and he was good enough to print off the body, frame and pony trucks for me. What a helpful, friendly bunch we railway modellers are!

The 'flat' end of D9 as delivered

The 'bonnet' end of D9 as delivered

The model is designed to run on the newer version motor bogie of a Hornby Railroad Class 31. Unfortunately, I was unable to obtain one of these at reasonable cost, but found a Hornby Railroad Class 66, which has the same wheelbase, for just £19.00 brand new! Some modification is needed to fit the Class 66 bogie, but it does go in. The wheels are 3'6" disc wheels, whereas the prototype had 4ft spoked wheels. Fortunately, the Railroad bogie has 2mm axles, so some Romford 16mm spoked wheels will be fitted, in addition to the 3' spoked pony truck wheels.

Additional detail has to be added to the 3D print as they would have been too delicate to print properly. These include lamp irons, handrails, steps, fan grille and guard irons.