A Brief History of 50 031 "Hood"

Built with Works No.3801/D1172, D431 was released to DO5 (Stoke Division) in July 1968.

D431 was derailed less than a year later at Lancaster, whilst in charge of a parcels train.

May 1973 saw responsibility for the locomotive pass to Crewe (CD). 431 became 50031 in February 1974. May 1976 saw its transfer to Laira (LA).

On 28th June 1978 50031 was named Hood, and two years later '31 was transferred to Old Oak Common (OC) (in May 1980).

On the 4th June 1981 the locomotive became the 24th to arrive at Doncaster works for refurbishment, this commenced on the 11th and was completed on 13th November.

Twinning plates were unveiled above the name plate on 22nd April 1983, at Old Oak Common. These plates were presented by the Class 50 Society.

Hood was back at Doncaster in October 1985 for an Intermediate Overhaul. Returning to the South West on the 15.38 Leeds Plymouth Parcels.

Following sectorisation 31 was initially in the NXXA pool. 30/9/88 saw it moved to the NWRA pool before entering departmental service (DCWA) 27/5/90. Hood returned to Network South East books (NWXC) 25/1/91 where it remained until withdrawal (became NWXA 3/2/91).

50031 worked its last passenger revenue earning train on 15th July 1991 (2V07 Basingstoke - Exeter throughout) and was withdrawn at 11.45hrs on 5th August that year. Hood was the 38th class 50 to be withdrawn.

Hood was laid up in Laira until secured for preservation by The Fifty Fund. The largely intact loco was moved from Laira to St. Leonards Engineering Ltd on the 10th March 1992 by 47361. On arrival Hood was inspected and started that evening.

Unusual Workings