55019 maintenance report.

55019 returned to Barrow Hill at the end of October 2025 as planned with the engineering team. This was to allow us the longest possible time to get the locomotive ready for 2027.

Once the locomotive was on shed the team began a series of exams to ascertain the current condition of the locomotive and its various systems.

Work has been progressing with the cab overhaul program.The team has now stripped most of the paint from the no1 end cab back to bare metal. This will allow us the best view of the condition of the steel work and identify and areas of corrosion. Most corrosion identified has been on the second mans side window area and this will be replaced in due course. The floors were checked to understand their condition and a surprise for the team when the original flooring was found still in place just covered by the work done in its heavy repair in BR days.

The no2 end has seen little cosmetic work as most of the teams focus is on the other cab, however the electricians have been working to replace and overhaul the locomotives relays. To allow them access during their work we have now stripped out the nose end of its equipment.This will allow the team to replace damaged wiring and conduits that have been found. While the motor blower and compressors are out they will be overhauled before refitting to the locomotive.

Within the engine room the team has been busy. All surplus boiler equipment that was left over has now been removed to allow space for mainline bracketry and the engine room is being rubbed down and repainted into its correct executive grey after areas of corrosion have been adressed.

Along with this work the electricians have conducted a series of insulation resistance tests on a large number of items including the main and auxiliary generators on the power units. Unfortunately the results have identified that PU 407 main generators is under the acceptable readings for use. This ultimately means that power unit 407 will require removing from the locomotive and its generator to be washed out and a spare unit fitting in its place.

However moving forward the team are now progressing with the overhaul in the warmer months the loco shall receive fresh paint where needed.