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Contents Listing - Articles & Features in this issue
The 'English Electric' Type 3
The Class 37 fleet
Early days in traffic
Class 37 maintenance...
... and works repairs
Class 37s — current operations
Class 37s on the ER
Class 37s on the WR
I Class 37s on the LMR
I Class 37s on the ScR
Class 37 performance
Class 37 on the SR
Special events
Cover: Class 37 Co-Co No 37.274 at Dawlish Warren with a Speedlink train bound for Plymouth Friary on 16 June 1981.
Article Snippets
The 309-strong fleet of 'English Electric' designed and built Type 3s, as Class 37, form the largest class ofBR standard medium power mixed traffic diesel locomotive. Although not themselves a direct result of the 1955 Modernisation Plan 'pilot scheme' for diesel locomotives, the Class 37s closely follow the body appearance of the Type 4 designed by 'English Electric' and now classified as Class 40, as well as incorporating many 'EE' features common to other types produced by this manufacturer. The first order for these Type 3s was for only 42 machines, and delivery commenced at the end of 1960. Several subsequent orders were placed and, when the production run was completed in 1965, 309 machines had been built. The initial allocation went to the Great Eastern lines of the Eastern Region to oust steam from East Anglia. Subsequent batches were allocated to the North Eastern and Western Regions and, in more recent years, the Scottish Region has received an allocation of the class for freight and passenger operation.
Although these locomotives are now between 19-24 years old, their future seems to be assured for some time as they are still being fitted with train air braking and a programme was recently agreed for 31 members of the class to be equipped to provide electric train heating.
With the demise of steam and the gradual increase of interest in modem BR traction, the Class 37s have acquired quite a following, often being requested as power for rail tours. Modern Railways Pictorial Profile No 7 will feature the LMR ac electric locomotives of Classes 81-85 and will be on general sale from 12 October 1984. Order your copy now, or, better still, take out a subscription — details on this page.
Although these locomotives are now between 19-24 years old, their future seems to be assured for some time as they are still being fitted with train air braking and a programme was recently agreed for 31 members of the class to be equipped to provide electric train heating.
With the demise of steam and the gradual increase of interest in modem BR traction, the Class 37s have acquired quite a following, often being requested as power for rail tours. Modern Railways Pictorial Profile No 7 will feature the LMR ac electric locomotives of Classes 81-85 and will be on general sale from 12 October 1984. Order your copy now, or, better still, take out a subscription — details on this page.
