Deltic 9000 Fund

In order to ensure that the first production unit, D9000/55022 (Royal Scots Grey), was preserved, the Deltic 9000 Fund was established with the intention of purchasing the locomotive once it was withdrawn.

The successful purchase was completed in 1983, and Royal Scots Grey was handed over to the fund at Doncaster Works, from where she was taken to the Nene Valley Railway for preservation.

Royal Scots Grey was sent for a complete overhaul to allow the locomotive to be operated on the mainline, and in November 1996 was returned to service pulling her first railtour.

In 1998, DNLL also entered into a ten-year agreement with the National Railway Museum to undertake the operation of their Class 55, D9002/55002 (King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry), on charter trains.

In December 2004 preparation were made to move 55022 from Hornsey TMD to Barrow Hill Roundhouse where the major work was to be undertaken by the Deltic Preservation Society.

The next major leap for Royal Scots Grey was in August 2006 when TPWS and OTMR systems were certified and mainline tests were successfully completed.

Royal Scots Grey worked her first passenger train in four years at the Deltic Preservation Society Doncaster tribute weekend at Barrow Hill and also moved to her new East Lancashire Railway home.