55019 update

Progress report.

July 2026.

Work on 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier is now well underway for its 2026 overhaul.

As explained previously the scale of the task has increased and mainline kit installation has been delayed due to the condition of the electrical equipment on the loco.

The main focus of work has been electrical. Some significant issues have been found as the overhaul has progressed but these have been rectified as they have been identified.

A considerable amount of work has been done renewing the conduit in the no2 nose end due to a large amount of damage being found. This has in turn damaged some of the cables within which will now need replacement.

The compressors have been removed and sent away for overhaul.

The general overhaul of all the contacts and relays has been progressing steadily.

The fire alarms have been sent away for re winding while we have the opportunity to do so. Elsewhere the redundant wiring has been removed from the old boiler connections, along with the hotplate wires and the surplus radio cabling. This is to allow space for the OTMR and GSMR kit.

Cosmetically the engine room overhaul is progressing well with internal corrosion being dealt with by the team, and it is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

No 1 end cab has been painted now with a protective undercoat while we await the corrosion being corrected. The exterior paint work has received some patch painting to cover some damage.

A good plan has been formulated for the appearance of the loco for the next few years. The loco will be turned out for the societies 50th anniversary season in 2027 replicating the livery the locomotive wore as delivered to the DPS in 1982. After this some minor cosmetic changes will be applied.