After initial inspection, it was found that several areas of bodywork behind the cab doors were corroded, and so the first task was to cut out and replate these sections. The old paintwork was smoothed down using orbital sanders with dust extraction, and then flattened with filler.
The cabs and bodysides were then masked out for the new livery and painted in undercoat and gloss using spray equipment designed for low overspray to minimise any air mist. Each stage of the work was planned to allow sufficient drying time between coats, such that the loco was finally ready to be unveiled at the railway’s diesel gala the very next day.
