I figure this may interest some of you. One of our resident class fifties has been officially re-dedicated today. (The others being D435 'Ark Royal', D444 'Exeter' and D449 'Defiance')
https://www.facebook.com/svrofficial/po ... 9446000423
"To commemorate the 100th and 75th anniversaries of HMS Hood, we are rededicating diesel locomotive No. D431/50031 Hood today.
No. 50031 ‘Hood’ has just emerged from a three year restoration and is resplendent in its striking Inter City livery. It was 75 years ago on 24th May 1941 that the pride of the Royal Navy HMS Hood was sunk by the German battleship Bismarck with the loss of all but three of the 1418 souls on board. Additionally, 2016 sees 100 years since the ships keel was laid.
The HMS Hood Association have had an affiliated with the locomotive since British Railway days when a twinning ceremony took place in April 1981.
The Severn Valley Railway is well versed in preserving history in many forms and this event will bring together those with a vested interest in doing this. Whilst it is a celebration of the return to the service of the locomotive it will not be forgotten what the name represents".
~Mark.