British Rail Class 37

The British Rail Class 37 is a diesel-electric locomotive. Also known as the English Electric Type 3, the class was ordered as part of the British Rail modernisation plan. They were numbered in two series, D6600–D6608 and D6700–D6999.

English Electric Type 3
British Rail Class 37
A Class 37/0 at Aviemore in August 1978
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderEnglish Electric at Vulcan Foundry and Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns
Build date1960–1965
Total produced309
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARC-C
 • UICCo′Co′
 • CommonwealthCo-Co
Gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter3 ft 9 in (1.143 m)
Minimum curve4 chains (80 m)
Wheelbase50 ft 8 in (15.44 m)
Length61 ft 6 in (18.75 m)
Width8 ft 10+1⁄2 in (2.71 m)
Height12 ft 9 in (3.89 m)
Loco weight100 long tons (102 t; 112 short tons) to 105 long tons (107 t; 118 short tons)
except 37/7 and 37/9 class – ballasted to 120 long tons (122 t; 134 short tons)
Fuel capacity890 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
Generator
  • Original:
    Main: English Electric EE822, Aux EE911/5C
  • Rebuilt locos:
    Main: Brush BA1005A alternator, Aux: Brush BA606A
Traction motorsEnglish Electric DC traction motors
TransmissionDiesel electric
MU working★ Blue Star
Train heating
Train brakesVacuum, Dual, or Air
Performance figures
Maximum speed90 mph (140 km/h) or 80 mph (130 km/h) with regeared CP7 bogies.
Power outputEngine: 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)
Brakeforce50 long tons-force (498 kN)
Career
Operators
NumbersD6700–D6999, D6600–D6608; later 37001–37308
NicknamesTractor, also Syphon, Growler or Slugs
Axle load classRoute availability 5
except subclass 37/7 RA 7
Withdrawn1967–present
Disposition35 preserved, 66 still in service, 1 rebuilt as Class 23, remainder scrapped

The Class 37 became a familiar sight on many parts of the British Rail network, in particular forming the main motive power for InterCity services in East Anglia and within Scotland. They also performed well on secondary and inter-regional services for many years. Many are still in use today on freight, maintenance, and empty stock movement duties. The Class 37s are known to some railway enthusiasts as "tractors", a nickname given due to the similarities between the sound of the Class 37's engine and that of a tractor.

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