GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY TO HOST D9015 TULYAR FOR HISTORIC RETURN TO PASSENGER SERVICE IN 2026

Image by Nigel Julian

The Great Central Railway is thrilled to confirm that Class 55 Deltic D9015 Tulyar will be based at the railway during 2026 — marking a major milestone for diesel preservation as the locomotive prepares to haul its first passenger train in 35 years.

Owned by the Deltic Preservation Society (DPS), D9015 is one of the most historically important surviving Deltics, and its arrival continues the long-standing partnership between the Great Central Railway and the Society. For many enthusiasts, the chance to see Tulyar in action will be a once-in-a-generation opportunity, as the locomotive returns to the kind of work for which it was built.

The History of D9015

D9015 entered British Railways service on 13 October 1961, built at a cost of £156,000, and was delivered in BR two-tone green without yellow warning panels — already carrying the name Tulyar, after the Aga Khan’s famous racehorse.

During its BR career, D9015 amassed approximately 2.25 million miles, appeared at the May 1980 Rainhill Trials representing the class, and remained in frontline service until January 1982, when it worked the northbound leg of the famous Deltic Scotsman farewell railtour from King’s Cross to Edinburgh.

Preserved since the mid-1980s, the locomotive saw extensive use on the heritage railway circuit before being withdrawn in 1997 for major bodywork and mechanical attention. Since then, the Deltic Preservation Society’s long-term restoration programme has seen around £450,000 invested in known expenditure, alongside many tens of thousands of volunteer hours.

A significant milestone was reached on 31 July 2025, when D9015 was successfully started for the first time since 1997 — a landmark moment in its return to operation and an important step towards its historic return to passenger duties.

A Landmark Moment: First Passenger Train In 35 Years

During its stay at the Great Central Railway in 2026, D9015 will be available for a limited number of operating days, including Deltic Driving Experiences, with dates to be announced in due course. It is hoped that the locomotive will also be able to feature at the Great Central Railway’s Spring Diesel Gala (24-26 April), subject to operational requirements and ongoing preparation.

The Great Central Railway can also confirm that the first passenger train hauled by D9015 in 35 years will be a Deltic Preservation Society members’ train at the railway — a fitting and symbolic moment, giving DPS members the honour of being the first passengers behind Tulyar in passenger service for more than three decades.

Malcolm Holmes, General Manager of the Great Central Railway, said:

“To see D9015 return to passenger service after 35 years is genuinely historic, and we’re delighted that the Great Central Railway will play a part in that story. There’s something uniquely special about a Deltic in full voice on a main line heritage railway, and Tulyar is a locomotive with enormous significance. We know this will be a major moment for diesel enthusiasts — and for everyone who has supported the Society’s remarkable restoration effort over the years.”

Limited Deltic Driving Experiences – And Gift Vouchers On Sale Now

GCR is also pleased to confirm that D9015 will be made available for a limited number of Drive a Train Experience (DATEX) opportunities during 2026. These will represent the first opportunity in a generation for enthusiasts to take the controls of this iconic Class 55 Deltic in a heritage railway setting.

A limited number of Deltic Driving Experience gift vouchers are available to purchase now at gcrailway.co.uk/shop, with demand expected to be exceptionally high. Gift voucher holders will receive first refusal on driving dates, with driving experience slots allocated to voucher holders before remaining dates are offered more widely.

Further details, including confirmed operating dates and information about the release of DATEX driving dates, will be announced in due course at www.gcrailway.co.uk