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.[4]
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Quick Facts English Electric Type 3, Type and origin ...
English Electric Type 3 British Rail Class 37 |
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A Class 37/0 at Aviemore in August 1978 |
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Specifications |
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Configuration:
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• AAR | C-C |
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• UIC | Co′Co′ |
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• Commonwealth | Co-Co |
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Gauge | 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
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Wheel diameter | 3 ft 9 in (1.143 m) |
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Minimum curve | 4 chains (80 m) |
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Wheelbase | 50 ft 8 in (15.44 m) |
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Length | 61 ft 6 in (18.75 m) |
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Width | 8 ft 10+1⁄2 in (2.71 m) |
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Height | 12 ft 9 in (3.89 m) |
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Loco weight | 100 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)[1] |
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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[1] |
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Prime mover | |
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Generator | - Original:
Main: English Electric EE822, Aux EE911/5C - Rebuilt locos:
Main: Brush BA1005A alternator, Aux: Brush BA606A[1]
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Traction motors | English Electric DC traction motors[1] |
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Transmission | Diesel electric |
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MU working | ★ Blue Star |
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Train heating | |
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Train brakes | Vacuum, Dual, or Air |
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Performance figures |
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Maximum speed | 90 mph (140 km/h) or 80 mph (130 km/h) with regeared CP7 bogies. |
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Power output | Engine: 1,750 bhp (1,305 kW) |
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Tractive effort | - Maximum: 55,500 lbf (247 kN)
- Continuous: 35,000 lbf (156 kN) @13.6 mph (22 km/h)[2]
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Brakeforce | 50 long tons-force (498 kN) |
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Career |
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Operators | |
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Numbers | D6700–D6999, D6600–D6608; later 37001–37308 |
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Nicknames | Tractor, also Syphon, Growler or Slugs[3] |
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Axle load class | Route availability 5 except subclass 37/7 RA 7 |
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Withdrawn | 1967–present |
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Disposition | 35 preserved, 66 still in service, 1 rebuilt as Class 23, remainder scrapped |
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Close
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",[3] a nickname given due to the similarities between the sound of the Class 37's engine and that of a tractor.