NYMR Type 3 is in much demand

CLASS 37 No. 37264 was out working nearly every day at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) during August– September except Sundays. Its diagrams covered 72 miles per day and it was the only diesel loco available for the Whitby services following the failure of Class 25 No. D7628 Sybilla with wheel flats.

The Class 37 was joined for the NYMR’s September 11-12 diesel weekend by a pair of Michael Owen’s Class 20s, Nos. 20142 Sir John Betjeman and 20189. However, both needed attention. No. 20142 entered traffic on September 9 but failed at Whitby with low oil pressure. This meant the engine would not start while No. 20189 had to be dragged due to traction motor problems.

It had been hoped Class 47 No. 47077 North Star would be available to assist with diesel turns (RM May p91), but in mid-September it was still stuck at Bishops Lydeard, West Somerset Railway while transport arrangements were finalised. There have been several set-backs with road transport due to route restrictions. More-expensive rail transport is now being considered as the NYMR is keen to have the loco as soon as possible.

ANDREW JEFFERY NYMR-based Class 37 No. 37264, now with black headcode panels, heads the 09.55 Pickering–Grosmont on August 10. It is seen passing Grosmont shed, between NELPG’s Deviation shed and Armstrong Oilers, where most of the world’s underkeep pads are made.