British Rail Class 37 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 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

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  D6712 in BR green livery departing Ely in 1971

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  Cab interior of loco no. 37052

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  37 891 with Mainline Freight branding at Eastleigh

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  37 263 at Didcot

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  37371 at Eastleigh

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

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  37 667, Class 37/5 at Eastleigh

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  Two Eurostar 37/6 types at Clapham Junction

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  Loadhaul liveried 37/7 type

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  37906 at Cardiff Central in July 1991.

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

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  EWS maroon 37401 at Fort William

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  37670 in DB Schenker livery at Weymouth

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  West Coast Railways 37706 approaching Northam Junction

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  ROG 37 884 hauling class 313 units through Newport

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  37901 Mirrlees Pioneer