![[108181] Barrow Hill : Roundhouse - Tulyar](https://www.customketodieofficial.datawarehousecenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/52032416173_b5c2a143c1.jpg)
The Roundhouse, Barrow Hill, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
For the Midland Railway, 1869-70.
Grade ll listed.
The former steam roundhouse is a unique example of 19th century railway architecture. It is the last surviving operational roundhouse engine shed in Great Britain.
BR Class 55 (Deltic) D9015 (55015) ‘Tulyar’ in the Deltic Preservation Society’s workshop at Barrow Hill.
Each Deltic was named after either a famous regiment or a racehorse. Tulyar was the winner of both the Derby and the St Leger in 1952.
The Production Deltics.
In 1957 the railways were under increased pressure with competition coming from road and air causing a decline in passenger numbers. At the time the only diesels that were available had a maximum of 2000hp but to keep up only locomotives with 3000hp or more would do. Plans were drawn up for electrification of the main line out of Kings Cross in a bid to run high speed trains.
In the meantime the Hoyle Steam Timetable was introduced in 1958 to push the most out of the ageing steam fleet but it wasn’t enough. There were rumours of a plan to try out a Goliath of a locomotive which was set to have 3300hp, this being the prototype Deltic. Despite some drawbacks with the locomotive a start was made to prepare a financial case for a fleet of 23 Deltics. The cost of each Deltic was over £200,000.
The Deltics were going to be a holding operation planned for 10 years to arrest the decline in passengers until electrification could take place. In the spring of 1958 British Rail placed the order for 22 production Deltics, to replace 55 steam locomotives. The production Deltics had several design changes from the prototype including internal and external changes as well as a brand new livery.
A series of delays were featured in the construction of the Deltics which led to the first batch not being delivered until March 1961. All but two were delivered by the year end with the remaining two bringing the fleet up to full strength in April 1962.
