DRS Class 37/4 returns to main line passenger duty
DIRECT Rail Services 37407 hauled its first passenger train on the main line in more than 18 years on February 19, when it led the 0836 Norwich-Great Yarmouth.
The ‘37/4’, built in 1965, has undergone an overhaul lasting more than two years at LORAM UK’s Derby workshops.
DRS bought the Type 3 from preservation in April 2015, along with 37424. The locomotives had been acquired from EWS in December 2007, having been withdrawn by the freight company on March 21 2000. The last passenger train hauled by 37407 was the 1915 RhymneyCardiff on February 5 2000.
Between June 14 2008 and April 2 2015, the locomotive was stored at the Churnet Valley Railway, and has undergone one of the most extensive rebuilds in recent times.
While 37424 Avro Vulcan XH558 returned to traffic at the end of 2016, the overhaul of 37407 took much longer, partly due to issues with power units. Its first test run was on February 8 when it ran from Derby to Crewe and return with 37422. It then ran light to Norwich on February 17.
The locomotive has been repainted in BR large logo (the last DRS ‘37’ likely to be treated in this way). It is also fitted with throughwiring and Driver’s Reminder Appliance (DRA), which is a GA safety system requirement.
It joins an active pool of ten Class 37/4s owned by DRS, although this could be reduced in the near future as 37405/419/425 approach the need for major overhauls. The company has previously told RAIL that this will only take place if there is a business case.
DRS ‘37/4s’ are hired to Greater Anglia and Northern for passenger contracts. Both deals are due to end next year - the Northern contract in January and the GA deal in May.
On February 19, GA had 37407 and 37425 Sir Robert McAlpine/Concrete Bob in traffic, while Northern had 37401/424 in traffic. DRS also has 37402/403/405/419/422/ 423 available, while 37409 Lord Hinton is at LORAM for an overhaul and is due to return to traffic. Of those available, 37403 is on hire from the Scottish Railway Preservation Society.