Of course, there's a team onsite with specialist deltic knowledge. But, LSL have taken out a commercial contract with HNRC in this case - there's nothing stopping HNRC subcontracting it if the DPS wanted the work (or some of it) but at the end of the day, the commercial contract is with HNRC and not the DPS. There may be other factors and reasons behind the decision too, HNRC may have been cheaper, the DPS might not wish to work with LSL either (it's not like their track record with other Pres Loco Owning groups seem to be going well of late, see the CFPS for example). LSL and HNRC has also worked together over the last few years - HNRC selling and providing LSL with the 2x20s for example.
My friend I understand that it’s going to a money orientated decision whatever work needs to be done to 55022.
I also understand why there might be reasons why the DPS might want to get involved (trying to finish off 55015 giving 100 tonnes of reasons to not get involved)
But as someone who’s been involved with certain classes of locomotive and knowing that the sharing of information involving certain things has been pretty useful (with both mainline and heritage groups)
I just find it rather strange that someone from LSL didn’t get on the blower to someone with experience of Class 55’s at the same site before it was realised 55022 wasn’t exactly 100% match fit.
In my own line of work if I’m not 100% happy about something I’m more than happy to ask for a second opinion.
These are just my own thoughts and musings.
I’ll now go back in my box and concentrate on my day job.