3 5-3-78

3158 - Photo: Nigel Petre Collection.

On Sunday 5th March 1978 55003 (D9003) "MELD" is seen at Reading with the 1Z15 08:15 Paddington - Paignton "Deltic Ranger" RPPR railtour - and that awful headboard!.
The weather was quite a contrast to that of 19th February 1978 when this railtour was first attempted, on that day 55018 (D9018) "BALLYMOSS" managed to reach Bristol before being sent back due to heavy snow falls. For photos of the original tour click here.

3157 - Photo: Nigel Petre Collection.

55003 (D9003) "MELD" on the outskirts of Bristol with the 1Z15 08:15 Paddington - Paignton "Deltic Ranger" RPPR railtour on Sunday 5th March 1978.

3430 - Photo: Nigel Petre Collection.

55003 (D9003) "MELD" and the sea front at Dawlish, as it passes with the 1Z15 08:15 Paddington - Paignton "Deltic Ranger" RPPR railtour on Sunday 5th March 1978.

0825 - Photo: Nigel Petre Collection.

On Sunday 5th March 1978 55003 (D9003) "MELD" is seen shortly after arrival at Paignton with the 1Z15 08:15 Paddington - Paignton "Deltic Ranger" RPPR railtour.

Whilst the railtour went to Par, in the hands of 46003, 55003 found itself in the unusual surroundings of Newton Abbot TMD for servicing.

On Sunday 5th March 1978 55003 (D9003) "MELD" is seen at Newton Abbot with the returning 1Z15 17:25 Newton Abbott - Paddington "Deltic Ranger" RPPR railtour.

	05/03/78 - 1Z15 08:15 Paddington - Paignton, "Deltic Ranger" RPPR railtour Deltics at Work: Page 119.
	05/03/78 - 1Z15 08:15 Paddington - Paignton, "Deltic Ranger" RPPR railtour *Deltic Deadline No.37: Page 14.*
	05/03/78 - 1Z15 08:15 Paddington - Paignton, "Deltic Ranger" RPPR railtour The Deltic Years: Page 110.
	05/03/78 - 1Z15 08:15 Paddington - Paignton, "Deltic Ranger" RPPR railtour In Memory of the Deltics: 55003 section.
	05/03/78 - 1Z15 12:35 Paignton - Newton Abbot. *Deltic Deadline No.69: Page 10.*
	05/03/78 - 1Z15 12:35 Paignton - Newton Abbot. Locomotives Illustrated No.17: Page 37.
	05/03/78 - 1Z15 17:25 Newton Abbot - Paddington. *Deltic Deadline No.40: Page 18.*
	05/03/78 - 1Z15 17:25 Newton Abbot - Paddington. **Deltic Deadline No.104: Page** 7.