The Prototype DP1

1st May 1955

Images of the prototype machine.
The design for this locomotive began in September 1951 with a job name of 'Enterprise' and coded DP1 (Diesel Prototype 1).
The name 'Enterpise' had been originally earmarked for the completed locomotive but this was used elsewhere. Following completion and testing the new locomotive was used on the London Midland Region in 1955, making its passenger debut on 13 December 1955. It was displayed at a rolling stock exhibition at Battersea Wharf 21 June - 2 July 1957. It moved to the Eastern Region's Hornsey Depot in January 1959 before its working life with BR of more than 450,000 miles ended in March 1961. Following cosmetic restoration it was delivered to the Science Museum, South Kensington on 28 April 1963. It later took up its righful place in the National Railway Museum, York but was subsequently transferred to the Shildon site.

At Hitchin with an up stopping service for Kings Cross. An undated image, copyright David Camfield.	DP1 cab at Kings Cross in 1960 with Driver Arthur Kistruck and Secondman Alan Pike preparing to work a Down Scottish Express which the loco would work as far as Doncaster (DP1 was not permitted to work north of Doncaster at the time due to loading restrictions). Copyright Alan Pike	DP1 parked at Neasden on 25 April 1963 awaiting transfer to the Science Museum, South Kensington. Copyright M.T.Anderson.	DP1 at rest in the Great Hall of The National Railway Museum, York on 13 March 1997. Copyright Mark Hodgson
A further view of DP1 at Shildon on 11 April 2005, copyright Andy Hannah	DP1 at Shildon on 11 April 2005, copyrght Andy Hannah	DP1 at Shildon flanked by the APT on 11 April 2005. Copyright Andy Hannah