A HISTORIC diesel locomotive that was a regular sight on the East Coast Main Line during the 1960s and 70s is returning to the region next month.
Alycidon, one of only six survivors of the famous Deltic class of engines that operated on the London to Edinburgh route, is hauling an excursion train from Crewe to Edinburgh, via Darlington, on Saturday, April 6.
It is due to pass through Darlington at high speed at 9.42am northbound and 7.59pm on the return journey.
It is back on the rails after expensive overhaul work from the Deltic Preservation Society, a charity with members from around the UK.
Society secretary Peter Kennan said: “It has taken a long time and a lot of money, but the locomotive is back where it needs to be, travelling at 100mph on the main lines of the UK.
“The challenges have been immense but everyone who has seen or heard a Deltic will know that ever hour put in by our volunteers is worth it when the locomotive is in full cry.”
Deltic replaced steam locomotives on the East Coast Mainline, before being replaced themselves by high-speed electrified trains.
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