Words and pictures courtesy of our on the spot reporter John Davies
The initial assessment provided a substantial 'shopping list' of items that would require attention and these are outlined below. Inevitably, as work proceeds, it is likely that further items requiring attention will be identified.
The work is being carried out on a formally-contracted basis by DPS Commercial Services Ltd. This means that it will be done using professional, not volunteer labour. 55022 will benefit from the many years of expertise now held by the DPSCS team gained during their time voluntarily maintaining the DPS' Deltics to extremely high standards.
Bodywork
55022 is of course now almost 45 years old and the majority of its metalwork has not received significant attention since its BR days. Above all else, the effects of time mean that the outer body skin is significantly corroded. The inner body skin is also affected and in common with the other surviving production Deltics (which have all now received such attention), fairly major restoration work is now required.
DPS volunteers are in the final stages of completing similar work on 55019. The work planned for 55022 is as follows:
· Repair body framing as necessary.
· Re-skin cab sides and repair noses as necessary
· Repair all doors, windows, grilles and hatches as required
· Remove all roof sections, repair as required and refit.
The locomotive will then receive a full repaint in BR Blue livery and resume its identity of 55022.
Power Units and Associated Equipment
55022's power units are known to be in good overall condition. One of the early tasks undertaken at Barrow Hill has been to start both engines and take oil samples for spectrographic analysis to confirm their general health.
The main generators are known to require some attention, with No.1 unit having some flashover damage to be repaired. The No.2 main generator will be further inspected and cleaned, as will both auxiliary generators. Undertaking this work will require both power units to be removed from the locomotive, and may require them to be separated from their main generators.
Both power units will receive attention to their exhaust silencers and collector drums to remove any residual oil or accumulated dirt. They will be repaired and re-insulated as required before being refitted.
Similarly, the radiators and cooler groups will be disassembled, inspected, cleaned and refitted.
New batteries (and probably fuel injectors) will be installed. Service items such as fuel, oil and air filters will also be replaced.
Bogies and Running Gear
55022's bogies will receive the attention required to make them fit for further mainline running. The full extent of work is not yet known but will become clear after more detailed inspection work. It is not yet known whether it will be necessary to lift the locomotive from its bogies in order to undertake any part of the work.
It is anticipated that the traction motors will be thoroughly cleaned in-situ, with the bogies themselves and locomotive underframe receiving similar attention. Items such as brake cylinders will be inspected, tested and overhauled as required.
Other Items
The locomotive's air systems will receive attention. This will require air tanks, system compressor, governor and safety valve to be tested, calibrated and certified where necessary.
Brake valves and distributor will be inspected, tested and repaired as required and all air and vacuum hoses will be renewed.
Speedometer equipment will also be tested and calibrated.
55022 will receive updated safety equipment where required including the now-mandatory TPWS equipment and CO2 fire-suppression bottles.
Finally, the locomotive will receive a full 'D' exam to pick up any items that have not been covered elsewhere.
Next steps
It is the intention to provide regular reports on 55022 as work progresses, via the website. This will include an update as inspection and assessment work continues during the next few weeks.
