DRS calls time on its Class 37 fleet
widely expected, Direct Rail Services announced its intention to withdraw and dispose of its final six Class 37 locomotives at the end of January - as the company seeks to modernise its fleet, use more environmentally-friendly traction, and adapt to evolving operational needs. DRS had a large fleet of Class 37s on its books at one time but has gradually reduced its reliance on the versatile Type 3 locomotives, its final six examples being 37407 Blackpool Tower, 37419 Driver Tony Kay 1974-2019, 37422 Victorious, 37424 Avro Vulcan XH558 (cosmetically numbered as 37558), 37425 Sir Robert Mcalpine/concrete Bob and 37716. DRS is part of Nuclear Transport Solutions, a subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, which is committed to environmental improvements and meeting net zero targets. The company said the decision to retire the Class 37s was driven by the need to modernise its fleet, embrace newer technologies, and meet future environmental and operational challenges. The eradication of the locomotives, which have been in service for more than 60 years, aligns with DRS’S commitment to providing efficient and sustainable rail services. While they have been used on a wide variety of workings for DRS, in recent times the Class 37s have been employed on the intensive autumn railhead treatment train programme, especially on the circuits around York, due to the design’s wide route availability. They were also previously used alongside DRS Class 57s on RHTT workings out of Stowmarket in and around East Anglia, before the contract passed to GB Railfreight. DRS has disposed of a large number of its older locomotives over the last two years, with the company’s remaining Class 20s, Class 57/0s, and now, Class 37s all removed from its services. It has also disposed of a number of Class 57/3 locomotives; just four have been retained by the operator for ‘Thunderbird’ duties on the West Coast Main Line.
The majority of the locomotives were stood down early in the New Year, although 37407 has been used on various workings throughout January and early February, and 37407 and 37422 were utilised on standby duties for snowplough workings in early February. The redundant locomotives have all been moved to Crewe Gresty Bridge depot, pending their disposal.
NTS managing director for rail, Gottfried Eymer, said: “It is the end of an era for the Class 37s at DRS. They have been a firm favourite with staff and enthusiasts alike, but the time is right to focus on more modern and efficient engines such as our excellent Class 68 and 88s.”
A deadline of February 15 was set by the company for bids for the six locomotives, which were being sold by a competitive tender process, although it is expected to be a few weeks before the successful purchasers will be made known.