NRM’S pioneer D6700 moves to Loram UK

in the last issue of Railways Illustrated, the National Railway Museum’s preserved Class 37 pioneer locomotive, D6700, has moved to Loram UK in Derby as part of its reactivation for use on the Great Central Railway, with the locomotive placed on a five-year loan to the Heavy Tractor Group.

The locomotive was collected from York by 37510 Orion on February 24 and moved to Loram’s base at the former Railway Technical Centre, where some work will be carried out on the Class 37 before it moves to the GCR.

It is expected that D6700 will make its debut at the GCR spring diesel weekend, which takes place from April 29-May 2. The locomotive is then expected to join the GCR’S operational fleet and will be used alongside the railway’s extensive diesel locomotive collection, operated and maintained by the HTG, who also own 37714 Cardiff Canton on the railway. The GCR has also announced that following extensive repairs, D9009 Alycidon is expected to make its first operational trips on the railway at its diesel event, with a further visiting locomotive due to be announced nearer the time.

More information on the HTG, 37714 and D6700, can be found at www.heavytractorgroup.org

Steve Donald Rail Operations Group-operated 37510 Orion hauls D6700 past Chevin, working 0Z40, the 13.35 York NRM to Derby RTC on February 24. The locomotive will receive attention at Loram UK before moving to its new home on the Great Central Railway.