D444 as it was originally known was introduced into service in 1968 and allocated to the Stoke Division, being renumbered 50044 under the TOPS classification system in 1973. In 1974 50044 was relocated to the Bristol Bath Road Shed where it would remain for the remainder of its life. In a nice mathematic and literary coincidence, exactly 50 of the Class 50 locomotives were built and all of them named, Exeter receiving its name in 1978.