55017 (D9017) "THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY" undergoes a wash and brush up courtesy of a group of volunteers at Finsbury Park on New Years Eve 1981 prior to working its final train.

55017 was booked to work the 1L44 16:03 King's Cross - York service and would be the final Deltic to depart King's Cross in revenue earning service. Specially adorned with headboards "Deltic City Tribute & 20 Years Service" 55017 departed London, however, a broken rail at Grantham spoilt the party and the train was terminated. The headboards were rushed north to intercept 55019 working 1E26 16:30 Aberdeen - York so as they would finally arrive at their intended destination. Meanwhile 55017 was sent back south with the 18:58 Grantham - King's Cross, running in the path of 1A26 15:50 ex York, but worse was to come when the locomotive failed at Knebworth. 47426 was summonsed to haul 55017 and its train, now designated ECS back to London.

__________  Picture Reference  __________
	31/12/81 - 1L44 16:03 King's Cross - York, to Grantham (final Deltic service departure from KX). Last Days of the Deltics: Page 32.
	31/12/81 - 1L44 16:03 King's Cross - York, to Grantham (final Deltic service departure from KX). Deltic Deadline No.100: Page 28.
	31/12/81 - 1L44 16:03 King's Cross - York, to Grantham (final Deltic service departure from KX). The Deltic Years: Page 168.
	31/12/81 - 1L44 16:03 King's Cross - York, to Grantham (final Deltic service departure from KX). In Memory of the Deltics:  Last Months section.
	31/12/81 - 1L44 16:03 King's Cross - York, to Grantham (final Deltic service departure from KX). Swansong in Camera: Page 22.
	31/12/81 - 1G26 18:58 Grantham - King's Cross, to Knebworth (wheel Slip Relay No.5 sticking, train cancelled). Swansong in Camera: Page 23.

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