A Brief History of 50 044 "Exeter"
Built with Works No.3814/D1185, D444 was released to DO5 (Stoke Division) in November
1968. May 1973 saw responsibility for the locomotive pass to Crewe (CD). 444 became 50 044
in February 1974.
 May 1974 saw its transfer to Bristol (BR).
On 26th April 1978 50 044 was named Exeter at Exeter St. David's
Station, and twinning plates were unveiled above the name plate on 20th August 1981, again at Exeter
St. David's. In the mean time November 1980 saw Exeter transferred west to
Plymouth Laira (LA).
On the 19th November 1981 the locomotive entered Doncaster works for refurbishment
working The Cornishman from Penzance to Leeds on the previous day. Refurbishment commenced
on the 25th and was completed on 29th April 1982. The loco returning to the Western Region
on the 06.02 Sheffield - Cardiff. Exeter was the 31st class 50 to be refurbished.
Unfortunately Exeter was back at Doncaster following a collision at Malago Vale
carriage sidings (Bristol), whilst running round the stock of the Paddington Westbury.
After the damage to the cab had been repaired, the locomotives first duty on return to
traffic was the 10.05hrs Frodingham (Scunthorpe) to Wath M.G.R. train.
Exeter was back at Doncaster between August and December 1986 for an Intermediate
Overhaul. 50 044 emerged in the Network SouthEast Livery.
After sectorisation in May 1987 the locomotive entered to NXXA pool and in July was
repainted in the revised Network SouthEast livery. Exeter was moved to the NSSA pool in
September 1988 then to the NWXA pool (20/5/90).
50 044 worked its last passenger revenue earning train on 11th December 1990 (1L29
Waterloo - Salisbury throughout) and was withdrawn at 12.00hrs on 11th January the
following year.
After withdrawal Exeter was sent to Stratford depot in East London for component
recovery. She was subsequently put on the tender list as suitable only for scrap. At the
time The Fifty Fund was looking to buy a locomotive as a source of spares, however during
inspection it was found that very little had been removed and she was successfully
purchased for preservation.
Unusual Workings
| 3/11/83 |
16.55 Castle Cary - Bridgwater AdEx and return for the Bridgwater Carnival. |
| 2/4/87 |
15.38 Leeds - Plymouth Parcels from Sheffield. |
| 9/10/88 |
13.45 Paddington - Hereford via Birmingham New Street and 18.15 return. |
|
