0182 - Photo: Paul Gildersleve.

Having arrived at King's Cross with the 1A15 10:20 service from Newcastle, on the 29th July 1978, Finsbury Park allocated 55015 (D9015) "TULYAR" rests at the buffer stops with a class 31 stable-mate. 55015 was repainted at Finsbury Park during the latter half of July 1978 due to poor external condition - a condition brought about due to an experiment to see how long members of the class could function without a classified repair. This experiment saw No.15 run from October 1975 until January 1979 without a classified repair (only visiting works for unit changes etc). In January 1979 the cost of its repair was such that the experiment was abandoned, regular intervals between repairs continued and the life expectancy of the class shortened. Note 55015's non-standard white dot headcode (slightly smaller than the norm - see image below) and the fresh paintwork on the class 31 - 'The Park' obviously having received a job lot of blue and yellow!!


0191 - Photo: Paul Gildersleve.

...Now serviced and departing King's Cross in fine style on the 29th July 1978 is 55015 (D9015) "TULYAR" with the 1L15 16:08 service to York. Compared with the above image the difference in headcode styles is clearly seen.

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