D431 / 50.031 "Hood"

D431 entered service on 6 July 1968.  It was renumbered 50.031 under TOPS and named "Hood" on 28 June 1978.

50.031 "Hood" worked its last train in July 1991 and was withdrawn in August 1991 due to worn wheelsets, thereby becoming the 38th Class 50 locomotive to be withdrawn after over 23 years of active service.

After its withdrawal with only minor faults, 50.031 was secured for preservation in December 1991.

It is administered and operated by The Class 50 Alliance Ltd on behalf of two members who are also shareholders.

The locomotive was moved from Laira depot to the former British Rail depot at St Leonards in March 1992. On arrival, 50.031 was inspected and started the same evening.

During the early days of Class 50 preservation, 50.031 was the only operational example of the class and was much in demand for open days and diesel galas at preserved railways across the country.

In 1999 50.031 saw service with The Cardiff Railway Company hauling commuter trains between Rhymney and Cardiff and on special services associated with the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

More recently 50.031 has worked alongside 50.049 on numerous railtours on the national mainline as well as service trains in South Wales.