Factfile: DRS ‘Refurbished’ Class 37/4 37423
The English Electric Type 3/Class 37 was built in large numbers from 1960-65, providing
British Railways with a hugely versatile mixed-traffic diesel electric locomotive fleet. Over 300 examples were commissioned and, with numerous examples still to be seen on the main line today, the ‘37s’ are undoubtedly one of the most successful locomotive designs in UK history.
The Class 37/4 sub-class was created during the mid-1980s, with 31 examples treated to a complete rebuild, which included the installation of electric train heat (ETH) equipment and upgraded bogies, geared for a top speed of 80mph. Intended for use on passenger services in Scotland and Wales, pending the introduction of new ‘Sprinter’ units, the ‘37/4s’ proved even more useful to BR as they were still equally at home on freight traffic.
Post-privatisation, all the ‘37/4s’ passed to English, Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) and withdrawals began soon after. Indeed, 37423 was one of the first to be stopped, although it and several other ‘37/4s’ were eventually taken on by Direct Rail Services (DRS).
37423 was the first of the sub-class to be refurbished by DRS, emerging from Brush, Loughborough in 2007. Improvement works included the addition of new headlight clusters, reinforced windscreens and nose-mounted multiple working sockets.
DRS’ fleet of ‘37/4s’ were ideal for operating regular passenger services on behalf of the Northern and Greater Anglia franchises, as well as DRS’ core business of working nuclear materials around the national network. They have also operated railhead treatment and test trains for Network Rail, as well as intermodal services, passenger charters and stock moves.
Only in the past few years has DRS been looking to dispose of its remaining ‘37/4s’, with examples being sold to other operators or placed into store, as is the case with 37423 which has been stored since last year, awaiting a decision on its future.