The first running day for 50027 Lion, in generally good autumn weather, apart from one shower just when Lion was about to make its departure from Ropley.
My gallery with a full set of pictures can be found here.
50027 was built at English Electic Vulcan Foundry, and entered traffic as 427 to D05 (Stoke Division) on the LMR from 15th June 1968, later CD (Crewe Diesel). Reallocation to the WR followed in March 1974, with allocations to BR (Bristol Bath Road), LA (Laira), OC (Old Oak Common) and LA again.
The locomotive was named on 17th April 1978. It went to Doncaster Works for refurbishment on 7th February 1983, work commenced on 2nd March, and the locomotive returned to traffic ~27th July.
Network South East Livery was first applied following an F-exam at Laira, completed in December 1987. The locomotive was withdrawn in July 1991, and entered preservation in January 1992.
Leaving Ropley in the rain, with the second working to Alton.
Arriving at Alresford to take up duty in the morning chill. No ETH stock!
Running around at Alton onto the stock for the 10:20 train to Alresford.
Leaving Ropley with the first train, smoking 50 style.
Departing from Alresford at 14:20 with the third train.
