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British Rail Class 37 facts for kids

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English Electric Type 3
British Rail Class 37
Class 37 in British Rail large logo livery at Muir of Ord railway station, 1988
Power type Diesel-electric
Builder English Electric at Vulcan Foundry and Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns
Build date 1960–1965
Total production 309
Configuration Co-Co
UIC classification Co'Co'
Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter 3 ft 9 in (1.143 m)
Minimum curve 4 chains (80 m)
Wheelbase 50 ft 8 in (15.44 m)
Length 61 ft 6 in (18.75 m)
Width 8 ft 10+1⁄2 in (2.71 m)
Height 12 ft 9 in (3.89 m)
Locomotive weight 100 long tons (102 t) to 105 long tons (107 t)
except 37/7 and 37/9 class - ballasted to 120 tonnes
Fuel capacity 890 imp gal (4,000 L; 1,070 US gal) increased to 1,690 imp gal (7,700 L; 2,030 US gal) on rebuild
Prime mover Built: English Electric 12CSVT
37/9: Mirrlees Blackstone MB275Tt or Ruston RK270Tt
Generator Original:
Main: English Electric EE822, Aux EE911/5C
Rebuilt locos:
Main: Brush BA1005A alternator, Aux: Brush BA606A
Traction motors English Electric
Transmission electrical (DC traction motors)
Multiple working ★ Blue Star
Top speed 90 mph (140 km/h)
Power output Engine: 1,750 bhp (1,305 kW)
Tractive effort Maximum: 55,500 lbf (247 kN)
Continuous: 35,000 lbf (156 kN) @13.6 mph (22 km/h)
Train heating 37/0: Steam generator
37/4: Electric Train Heat
Remainder: None
Locomotive brakeforce 50 long tons-force (498 kN)
Train brakes Vacuum, Dual, or Air
Career British Rail
DB Schenker
DRS
West Coast Railway Company
Number D6700–D6999, D6600–D6608; later 37001–37308
Nicknames Tractor, also Syphon, Growler or Slugs
Axle load class Route availability 5
except subclass 37/7 RA 7

The British Rail Class 37 is a diesel-electric locomotive. It is also known as the English Electric Type 3. The Class was ordered as part of the British Rail modernisation plan.

The Class 37 became a familiar sight on many parts of the British Rail network. They were on Inter-City services in East Anglia and within Scotland. They also performed well on secondary and inter-regional services for many years. The Class 37 is known by railway enthusiasts as a "Tractor". This nickname came from the similarity of the sound of the locomotive.


Images for kids

  • BR Class 37 D6712

    D6712 in BR green livery departing Ely in 1971

  • Class 37 cab

    Cab interior of loco no. 37052

  • 37891 British Rail class 37 diesel loco

    37 891 with Mainline Freight branding at Eastleigh

  • 37 263 at Didcot

    37 263 at Didcot

  • 37 371 at Eastleigh

    37371 at Eastleigh

  • BR Class 37 37 409

    BR Class 37/4 37409 Loch Awe at Fort William in 1989

  • 37 667 BR diesel locomotive

    37 667, Class 37/5 at Eastleigh

  • 37603 and 37604 At Clapham Junction

    Two Eurostar 37/6 types at Clapham Junction

  • 37710 stabled at Didcot Yard

    Loadhaul liveried 37/7 type

  • 37906 at Cardiff on 22-07-91 (7716517456) John Pease

    37906 at Cardiff Central in July 1991.

  • 37038 at Crewe Works

    Class 37/0 in Direct Rail Services livery at Crewe Works in June 2003)

  • 37401 fort william

    EWS maroon 37401 at Fort William

  • Weymouth 37670 37401

    37670 in DB Schenker livery at Weymouth

  • 37 706 British Rail class 37 diesel loco

    West Coast Railways 37706 approaching Northam Junction

  • On the final journey (geograph 6217754)

    ROG 37 884 hauling class 313 units through Newport

  • 37901 British Rail diesel loco

    37901 Mirrlees Pioneer

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