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A Brief History of 50 035 "Ark Royal

Built with Works No.3805/D1176, D435 was released to DO5 (Stoke Division) in August 1968. May 1973 saw responsibility for the locomotive pass to Crewe (CD). 435 became 50 035 in March 1974.

January 1976 saw its transfer to Bristol (BR), and then in December of the same year to Laira (LA).

In July 1977 the locomotive had its headcode box plated in and sealed marker lights fitted. The first of the class to be modified this way.

On 17 January 1978 50 035 was named Ark Royal at Plymouth, nine days later the ships crest was mounted above the nameplate.

June 1980 saw the locomotive allocated to Old Oak Common (OC).

On the 5 November 1980 the locomotive entered Doncaster works for refurbishment, this commenced on the 20th and was completed in time for Ark Royal to be returned to traffic on 27 March 1981. 35 was the 15th member of the class to be refurbished.

Ark Royal was returned to Doncaster on the 14.15 Plymouth Leeds Parcels on the 24th April 1986 for an Intermediate Overhaul. When the overhaul was finished the locomotive worked its trials in grey primer. "35" was returned to traffic on 15th July 1986, when worked the 09.43 Newcastle Penzance from Sheffield to Bristol, still in primer as Old Oak Common was to apply the new Network SouthEast Livery.

On 4th October 1987 Ark Royal worked the last loco hauled service train to and from Newquay with 50 034.

Ark Royal was always on Network South East's books during sectorisation, starting in the NXXA pool before moving to NWRA in September 1988, and finally to the NWXC pool on 12/7/90.

50 035 worked its last passenger revenue earning train on 14th July 1990 (1V10 Brighton - Plymouth from Salisbury to Exeter) and was withdrawn at 10.00hrs on 3rd August 1990.

Unusual Workings

4/7/80	1V93 09.50 Edinburgh Plymouth from York.
5/5/81	1V93 09.50 Edinburgh Plymouth from York.
7/8/82	Worked the 13.15 Paignton Sheffield relief throughout (and E.C.S. return to the West Country).
31/7/88	Worked the Guildford Permanent Way Society Charter from Guildford to Cranmore. Ran out via Reading and back via Fratton.

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