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On the 29th October 1981 31405 hauls failed 55004 (D9004) "QUEENS OWN HIGHLANDER" through Parkside, near Newton-le-Willows. 55004 had failed at Liverpool the previous day on arrival with the 1M76 15:50 York - Liverpool service due to excessive water temperatures. First intentions were for No.4 to return dead in tow behind 55011 (D9011) "THE ROYAL NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS" in the consist of the 1E89 20:40 Liverpool - York, however, the driver of this train refused to tow 55004, because of its high levels of fuel, and so it was 31405 returned it to York the next day. Already restricted to one power unit the decision to withdraw was unfortunately an easy one and 55004 was officially withdrawn on the 1st November 1981.
