Faced by the necessity of replacing its classic Pacific type steam locomotives on the East Coast main line, British Railways constructed the 22-strong 'Deltic' class. Developed from the prototype DP1 and now preserved as part of the National Collection, the class derived its nickname from the use of the Napier Deltic diesel engine.

Initially allocated to three depots; Haymarket, Gateshead and Finsbury Park, the locomotives proved to be highly successful on the East Coast express services for which they were designed. However, as a small class, the cost in maintenance was such that, when the replacement InterCity 125s were introduced, the decision was taken to withdraw the class.

In later years, the class was also to see operation away from their traditional haunt, being used on services between Liverpool and Newcastle. The entire class was taken out of service between January 1980 and January 1982 with six of the class eventually being preserved.

In the 30 years since the type's withdrawal, the surviving members of the class have been seen on a number of preserved lines and on the main line. The continuing interest in the class was evinced in early 2007 when it was announced that there was a possibility that one of the preserved examples, No 55016 Gordon Highlander, might be cannibalised for spares and the remains scrapped. This led to a considerable outcry amongst interested parties and the creation of a new preservation group dedicated to the locomotive's preservation. Although the group was unsuccessful in its bid, the locomotive was secured and is now likely to be restored for main-line use.

This brand new all-colour album celebrates 50 years of the Deltic type. The book includes 85 colour illustrations which concentrate almost exclusively on the type's service on BR and also a number of post-preservation images. These images, of which the vast majority will be previously unpublished, will also be accompanied by highly detailed and informative captions.