British Rail Class 37

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English Electric Type 3 British Rail Class 37
A Class 37/0 at Aviemore in August 1978
Type and origin Power type Diesel–electric Builder English Electric at Vulcan Foundry and Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns Build date 1960–1965 Total produced 309
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR C-C  • UIC Co′Co′  • Commonwealth Co-Co Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge 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) Loco weight 100 long tons (102 t; 112 short tons) to 105 long tons (107 t; 118 short tons) except 37/7 and 37/9 class – ballasted to 120 long tons (122 t; 134 short tons)[1] 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[1] 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[1] Traction motors English Electric DC traction motors[1] Transmission Diesel electric MU working ★ Blue Star Train heating 37/0: Steam 37/4: Electric Train Heat Remainder: None Train brakes Vacuum, Dual, or Air
Performance figures Maximum speed 90 mph (140 km/h) or 80 mph (130 km/h) with regeared CP7 bogies. 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)[2] Brakeforce 50 long tons-force (498 kN)
Career Operators British Rail Colas Rail EWS Direct Rail Services West Coast Railways Europhoenix Rail Operations Group Locomotive Services Limited Numbers D6700–D6999, D6600–D6608; later 37001–37308 Nicknames Tractor, also Syphon, Growler or Slugs[3] Axle load class Route availability 5 except subclass 37/7 RA 7 Withdrawn 1967–present Disposition 35 preserved, 66 still in service, 1 rebuilt as Class 23, remainder scrapped

The British Rail Class 37 is a diesel–electric locomotive. Also known as the English Electric Type 3, the class was ordered as part of the British Rail modernisation plan. They were numbered in two series, D6600–D6608 and D6700–D6999.^[4]

The Class 37 became a familiar sight on many parts of the British Rail network, in particular forming the main motive power for InterCity services in East Anglia and within Scotland. They also performed well on secondary and inter-regional services for many years. Many are still in use today on freight, maintenance, and empty stock movement duties. The Class 37s are known to some railway enthusiasts as "tractors",^[3] a nickname given due to the similarities between the sound of the Class 37's engine and that of a tractor.