This work began in earnest week commencing 13 February. By the end of that week, the roof sections (complete with cooler groups) had been removed, followed rapidly by the power units and boiler. The locomotive's batteries were extracted through a hole cut in the bodywork on 'B' side for ease of removal.

Also removed have been cabside and bodyside window frames, nameplates and crests.

The speed with which the dis-assembly has taken place demonstrates the relatively routine nature of this work as far as the DPSCS team of Steve Smedley and Roger Radcliffe are concerned.

The removal of most of the components in the engine room have revealed the extent to which remedial work is required. The locomotive's inner skin has been extensively patched with pop-rivetted plates at different times in its past - and in places even the patches are rusting through.

The engine room is very dirty and appears not to have received attention in places for many years. Many areas where the inner skin joins the engine room floor is rotten and where a mix of oil and water has been allowed to accumulate within the skin.

The next step is a thorough clean of the whole engine room area, along with the removal of the locomotive's inner and outer body skins. All of this work is being carried out by DPSCS Contractors.

The pictures (right) show 55022 on Friday 18 February, with roof sections and power units being removed and placed on flat wagons. In the main gallery the images from inside the shed at Barrow Hill include, for comparison purposes, pictures of the newly-replaced inner body skin on 55019 is shown, together with the extensively refurbished engine room of 55015.