British Rail Class 37 – “Tractors”
British Rail Class 37 diesel electric Locomotives, also known as English Electric Type 3′s was ordered as part of the British Railways Modernisation Plan. They were built between 1960 and 1965 and a Total 309 of these locomotives were made at English Electrics Vulcan Foundry and the Robert Stephenson And Hawthrons Factory in Darlington. The Nickname “tractor” was given due to the locomotive engine similarity to the noise of a classic tractor. The locomotive were designed for both passenger and heavy freight work in mind. A number of subclasses of the 37′s were re-development and reworked with many given heavy overhauls during the 1980′s.
| British Rail Class 37 English Electric Type 3 | |
|---|---|
 Class 37 37264 thrashing up the 1:49 bank |
|
| Power type | Diesel-electric |
| Builder | English Electric at Vulcan Foundry and Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns |
| Build date | 1960–1965 |
| Total produced | 309 |
| Configuration | Co-Co |
| UIC classification | Co’Co’ |
| Wheel diameter | 3 ft 9 in (1.143 m) |
| Minimum curve | 4 chains (80 m) |
| Wheelbase | 50 ft 8 in (15.44 m) |
| Length | 61 ft 6 in (18.75 m) |
| Width | 8 ft 10 1⁄2 in (2.71 m) |
| Height | 12 ft 9 in (3.89 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 100 long tons (102 t) to 105 long tons (107 t) except 37/7 and 37/9 class – ballasted to 120 tonnes |
| 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 |
| Prime mover | Built: English Electric 12CSVT 37/9: Mirrlees Blackstone MB275Tt or Ruston RK270Tt |
| Generator | Original: Main: English Electric EE822, Aux EE911/5C Rebuilt locos: Main: Brush BA1005A alternator, Aux: Brush BA606A |
| Traction motors | English Electric |
| Transmission | electrical (DC traction motors) |
| Multiple working | ★ Blue Star |
| Top speed | 90 mph (140 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 1,750 bhp (1,305 kW) |
| Tractive effort | Maximum: 55,500 lbf (247 kN) Continuous: 35,000 lbf (156 kN) @13.6 mph (22 km/h) |
| Train heating | 37/0: Steam 37/4: Electric Train Heat Remainder: None |
| Locomotive brakeforce |
50 LTf (498 kN) |
| Train brakes | Vacuum, Dual, or Air |
| Number | D6700–D6999, D6600–D6608; later 37001–37308 |
| Nicknames | Tractor, also Syphon, Growler or Slugs |
| Axle load class | Route availability 5 |
- @NigelGresleyA4
Congrats on getting 7 back in steam! Be good to see her back where she belongs, streaking up the ECML...2012/02/18 13:46 by web - On the search for new members and volounteers to help preserve our heritage. Take a look at what we do at
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hi guys, hope your all well and thanks for the welcome :) who's the main person to talk to, in regards to news/suggestions?2012/02/02 13:04 by Twitter for Android - @edwardsmedia
@btp_uk @LMS10000 @RAIL @rlyherald #ff2012/01/27 11:06 by web - Follow Friday @RailwaysToday @Thumper205205 @thumper_1111 @NigelGresleyA4 @ActionRailUK2012/01/27 10:48 by Twitter for Android
Our aim is to help preserve British Diesel Traction Locomotives and help the younger generation learn about these marvelous engines!!