HomeRail NewsBack into traffic

Back into traffic

Listen to this article

A first-of-its-kind Class 37 locomotive is to go back into traffic at the Great Central Railway after a loan move has been agreed between the National Railway Museum (NRM) and the Heavy Tractor Group (HTG).

British Rail Type 3 D6700 joined the museum’s collection in July 2001 after it was donated by the English, Welsh & Scottish Railway following its withdrawal from service, but will now feature on the Great Central Railway, based at Loughborough, under the new agreement.

The loan partnership between the NRM and Heavy Tractor Group will see D6700 receive final maintenance and re-painting at HTG’s industry partner, Loram UK, to allow it to go back into service.

Once complete, the locomotive will operate at the Great Central Railway on a rota basis and at diesel galas hosted by the railway.

The NRM has agreed a five-year operational loan for the 62-year-old locomotive which was built by the English Electric Company in Newton-le-Willows.

Paddy McNulty, Railway Partnerships Manager at the National Railway Museum, said:

“We’re really happy to see this wonderful locomotive head back into traffic at the Great Central Railway thanks to our partnership with the Heavy Tractor Group. Class 37 locomotives are very special to lots of people, and it’ll be great to see our engine back in full working order so that it can be enjoyed by visitors to the railway.

“We’re really grateful to the HTG and Loram UK for their commitment to preserving the locomotive so that it can continue to inspire wonder for generations to come.”

Photo credit: National Railway Museum

Recommended