55015 had been in traffic without a classified works visit since its Light repair during October 1975 - this to
evaluate the Deltic repair program and to ascertain whether periods between classified overhauls could be
lengthened. The cost for repair was too great and as a result the Deltic life expectancy was shortened. There
now follows a report on the condition of the body when it was shopped for repair: 1) Both sides of
locomotive batten strips beneath radiator shutter rivets loose and missing - battens coming adrift from
bodyside; 2) Radiator grills fractured across corners and centre supports. Also hinges loose on numerous
flaps and strained brackets; 3) Excessive lateral movement on all four cab sliding doors; 4) No.2 cab
driver's side sliding window cracked; 5) Both cabs either side quarter light windows rubber surrounds and
sliding windows cracked; 6) Centre roof section either side of exhaust stacks support members adrift at top;
7) General condition of front cab windscreen surrounds both ends very poor - breaking away with rust;
8) Engine room side windows badly holed and corroded away inside of framework; 9) Extensive corrosion
and rust around battery vents and engine air inlet grilles; 10) Rear of sliding cab windows rotting away;
11) Both nose end route indicator mounting surrounds badly holed and corroded away at base; 12) Both
nose end hatches to weld as required also calliper pins to renew - badly worn; 13)No.1 nose end exhauster
motor inspection hatch surround rusted away; 14) No.1 cab top right hand corner 10" weld fractured
through; 15) General condition of paintwork chipped and cracked with numerous dents; 16) No.1 nose end
left hand hatch rusting away; 17) No.1 end secondman's side bodywork fractured on weld at rear of sliding
window frame; 18) No.2 nose end R/H/S hatch rusting away.