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Sunset for 55001.
55001 (D9001) "ST. PADDY" first encountered power unit problems on the 20th November 1977 when it entered Doncaster Works for a unit swap, it's No.1 engine (422) was time expired and required a general overhaul. Power unit shortages saw the locomotive remain at Doncaster until March 1978 when it was finally released, with two newly fitted units, on the 21st of the month. Unbelievably only three days later, and having been employed on only three services, the locomotive suffered a power unit failure and was forced back to works. Ironically it was power unit No.2 (438) which had failed by throwing a piston through a crankcase cover - a unit which had not required original attention but had been swapped as unit 433 had been donated to 55011 in December 1977.
Above 55001 reposes in early April 1978 within Doncaster Works yard - power unit shortages continued in 1978 reaching epidemic proportions and 55001's repairs were never authorized. It was cut up at Doncaster in February 1980...
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...View of 55001's cab as of April 1978 - a coffee cup remains from it's last occupant. The locomotive's two year sojourn at Doncaster, pending decision, saw it robbed of many parts in favour of other members of the class and the cab's instrumentation and equipment would not remain intact for long.
