By far one of the most important and instantly recognisable locomotives ever to run on the British Railway network is the Class 37 or as it was originally known, the English Electric Type 3. When the first of these locomotives entered mainline service in December 1960, it spelt the end for many steam hauled workings on mixed traffic workings, mainly goods to begin with.
Today, the Class 37's have seen their usage drop substantially with the introduction of newer more efficient locomotives such as the Class 60 and 66, although they are still a popular and common sight on the network, with their duties now including Network Rail Measurement Trains, West Coast Railway Charters and DRS freight services. Here is a montage of the Class 37's carrying out work on the mainline in 2012, as well as peeks into the world of preservation:
1. On the 22nd July, Network Rail owned Class 97's, 97301 (ex-37100) and 97302 (ex-37170). are seen hauling a southbound test train from Old Oak Common in West London to Laira Depot in Plymouth
2. On the 1st October, The return working of the 4 Day Autumn Chieftain from Dumbarton to Salisbury is seen accelerating through Leyland, led by DRS liveried 37605 and 37608
3. During the ELR's Autumn Diesel Gala on the 13th October, Preserved Class 37's numbers 37901 'Mirlees Pioneer' and 37109 are seen accelerating out of Ramsbottom with a double headed working to Rawtenshall
4. Seen at Preston on the 04th February, West Coast Railways owned Class 37's, numbers 37676 'Loch Rannoch' and 37685 depart with the delayed West Highland Way overnight tour to Fort William
5. DRS owned Class 37, 37603, opens up through Leyland with a short measurement train from Carlisle to Derby RTC on the 1st October
6. At Teignmouth, the 'Dartmouth Flyer' railtour, led by Direct Rail Services owned 37612 and 37259, is seen thrashing south with a service from Tame Bridge Parkway to Kingswear on the 30th August
7. Back at the East Lancs Diesel Gala at the short gap between Brooksbottom Tunnel and Nuttall Tunnel, Railfreight Large Logo Grey liveried 37901 'Mirrlees Pioneer' is seen drifting between the two tunnels with a collection of loud hoots and toots, 37109 idling on the rear
8. At Preston, 37608 and 37601 'Spirit of the Lakes' open up their throttles on a southbound Empty Boat Train to Crewe LNWR, with Class 47, number 47810 in tow on the rear on the 7th May
9. Early on the morning of the 20th October, West Coast Railway's 37706 hauling the 'Weardale Railway' tour is seen departing south from Preston bound for York, Stanhope, Shildon, Boulby Mine, Saltburn, Redcar and Middlesbrough
10. After finished their turn of duty in Plymouth, Network Rail owned Class 97's, 97301 (ex-37100) and 97302 (ex-37170). are seen returning north through Teignmouth with a service to Old Oak Common
11. Seen at Teignmouth on the 23rd June, West Coast Railway owned 37516 and 37676 are seen running the 'Kernow Explorer' from Birmingham International to Penzance
12. Immaculate in it's British Rail Corporate Blue, Split Headcode Class 37, 37109, is seen accelerating loudly out of Summerseat with a train to Rawtenshall
13. Taking the crowds of steam fans by surprise, DRS owned 37194 and 37087 'Keighley and Worth valley railway' are seen rumbling through Carnforth with a southbound flask service to Crewe on the 10th March. This was one of 37087's last runs before she was stripped for spares a few months later
14. On the 25th April, West Coast Railway's owned 37706 and 516 are seen hauling LMS Black 5 45231 'Sherwood Forester' out of Preston on it's way to Carnforth from the ELR in order to have a restoration job.
15. Finally at Crewe on the 10th November, Network Rail Class 97's 97304 and 97302 are seen returning towards Chester with a wonderful bit of thrash and clag
Enjoy!!