Class 37 locomotives were a significant part of the Scottish scene for many years, and the collection of the Scottish Railway Museum would not be complete without one. They appeared in Scotland in small numbers during the 1970's, working mostly on freight, but took greater hold in the early 1980's when steam heating boiler fitted locomotives took over the West Highland line and later the lines north of Inverness. During the period from the early 1980’s they also took over more and more freight.
In the 1980’s 31 of the class had a life extension refurbishment, were fitted with Electric Train Heating equipment and designated as Class 37/4. Twenty-five of these locos came to Scotland and took over workings on the West Highland, Far North and Kyle lines, based at Eastfield and Inverness depots. Some are still at work in 2008 and have featured heavily on our Railtours for many years now.
A Class 37/4 was felt to be the most appropriate type to acquire for the collection due to the strong Scottish profile of the class in general and that the refurbished locomotives illustrate how successful some of the main-line designs produced as a result of the BR Modernisation Plan were.
We have now purchased 37 403 and the loco moved to Bo'ness on Friday 14th November. The appeal is ongoing since funds are required to make up the purchase amount and cover the cost of restoration. |
