August 81
a)On the evening of 21/8/81 55016 stands in platform 1 at Retford with both engines shut down on 23.59 to Kx(1A40). The guard blows his whistle impatiently, seemingly oblivious to the locomotives lack of power. The steam heating boiler hisses and a couple of oily worried faces momentarily appear at one of the lit engine room windows. One engine cranks into life for a few seconds only to partially shutdown and re-fire up. After a few moments the second engine starts. Gordon Highlander sounds its horn before hauling its late running train into the night.
b) a few weeks earlier 16 races through Retford with an additional service on a baking hot August afternoon. c) On 2nd August 16 departs Retford with 10.05 Kx-Yk/ departs Doncaster. d) 55004 turns on the fireworks as it departs Retford on 4/8/81 with 10.05 Kx-Yk.
e) 55021 stands in platform 4 at Doncaster as 55008 draws into platform 1 on 16/8/81.
21 departs Doncaster. 8 departs Retford.