58001 was formally handed over to BR on 9th December 1982. It was very much a prototype, although the following members of the class were already under construction and, as such, incorporated some features that would later be changed. Possibly most notable was the roof silencer, this being of the narrow type. Other differences were less apparent, such as the different angles on the back of the cab side sheet and the lack of a moisture trap/filter on the air brake pipework. When built, access for traincrew was limited on the side doors and, as such, they did not have conventional door handles—just keyholes, as can be seen on the model.

58001 worked in its original Railfreight Red Stripe livery until 1988, when it gained the Triple Grey colours with Coal Sector branding. The Coal Sector decals eventually gave way to the Mainline Freight “wheels” logo during 1995. The locomotive remained in this condition until it was officially withdrawn from traffic on 8th October 1999. In 2003, 001 was cosmetically restored to its original Railfreight Red Stripe livery and went on to attend a number of open days before being returned to fully operational condition in 2009 ahead of a move to France as part of a contract to supply locomotives for construction trains. Unfortunately, 58001 was one of the locomotives disposed of at Alizay Depot during 2023.