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One of the happiest events in Deltic History occurred on the 2nd
December 1979 when 55004 (D9004) "QUEEN'S OWN HIGHLANDER"
was released from Doncaster Works having been there since
the 28th April 1978 awaiting power units - 55001 (D9001) "ST.
PADDY" and 55020 (D9020) "NIMBUS" also
waiting power units from early 1978 suffered far different fates
and became the first withdrawals in the very same month 55004 was
released.
Following release 55004 travelled light to York TMD for a 'B'
exam and was released to traffic on the 5th December when she
worked the 1A08 08:05 York - King's Cross service. Later that day
No.4 is seen at Peterborough with the 1L43 14:05 King's Cross -
York, however one unit was to fail at Newark with the loco
carrying on to York for further attention.
Note 55004's patchy bodywork - this was only 'touched up' as
opposed to a full repaint at Doncaster should the locomotive fail
and be withdrawn. A repaint followed during early 1980 when it
was decided 55004 was truly back in regular service.
