55020 (D9020) "NIMBUS" hauls its final train over Durham viaduct on the 30th March 1978. Restricted to one engine only it was applied to the 6E05 Oxford - Newcastle parcels train at York. Following arrival at Newcastle 55020 ran light engine to Gateshead depot and due to an industrial dispute at Doncaster Works remained there until the 26th April. Spares shortages, and an un-ability to send locomotives to Doncaster because of the industrial dispute, led to the cannibalization of 55020 whilst at Gateshead in order to keep other members of the fleet running. By the time it reached Doncaster 55020 had been heavily stripped. Repairs were initially intended, however, heavy failure rates of the class during 1978 and an increasing shortage of spares saw No.20 repeatedly pushed to the back of the queue. 55020 was not alone in this predicament and class-mate 55001 (D9001) "ST. PADDY" also languished at Doncaster from March 1978. When parts and man hours finally became available to repair the locomotives it was decided that time and money was not viable for two locomotives with an ever decreasing life span, and in December 1979 a decision was made to withdraw both locomotives from stock. Officially withdrawn on the 5th January 1980 55020 was scrapped during the same month with 55001 following in February.