As part of the large scale dieselisation brought about by the British Rail modernisation plan, a need was identified for a number of type 3 locomotives of power output 1,500 hp (1,100 kW) to 1,999 hp (1,491 kW).
English Electric had already been successful with orders for type 1 and type 4 diesels, and had produced locomotives of similar power to that which was required for railways in East Africa. A design based on the exported locomotives was put forward and accepted.
Our 37 had its last passenger working in May 1994 and was condemned for disposal in July 1999. However, it was bought back into service and transfereed to Chinnor in January 2018.
The Class 37s are known to some railway enthusiasts as 'tractors', a name given due to the similarities between the sound of the Class 37 engine and that of a tractor.
- Brake type
- Dual (air & vac)
- Builder
- Vulcan Foundry
- Class/type
- English Electric Type 3
- Built year
- 1964
- Status
- Operational
- Wheels
- Co-Co