DBS 37s for sale

DBS have offered their remaining 37/4s for sale, any likely to be going for preservation?

 

I'd be suprised if many go for scrap as 37/4's are usefull things, as well as preservation i woulden't be suprised to see the likes of DRS, WCRC & HNRC considering them for their usefullness.

The stumbling block is EWS/DBS have absolutely run them into the ground, and while one or two can just about be considered operational in the loosest sense, most need TLC and a few £££ to be up to an acceptable standard.

 

There was talk of EWS and DRS sharing the 37/4's as a resource. Looks as though that idea has fallen through if they are out to tender.

 

I hope 37425 or 37401 find a decent home on Preserved Railways as I think those two tractors are in the better condition & they already fully run!!!

True - A bit of maintenance may need to be done on 37401 BUT externally it is in a fully working condition!

So lets hope - Hey Lads???

 

A few years ago there was an article somewhere that said that 40 Class 37s had been preserved. Presumably there are now more; isn't this enough?

Regards

 

If a locomotive is bought from its original owners where it was used on the main line, then bought by someone else and after a bit of maintainence it carries on doing exactly the same thing as it did before, has it been preserved or is it just second hand?

 

I think the number is now approaching 50, with at least six of them of the 37/4 sub class. I've been asking myself, what story would 37401/425 tell that locos like 37418 don't already?

I think it was very appropriate for at least one 37/4 to be represented in Scotland, which has already been achieved.

I'm not against additional 37's, but it would concern me if they became so numerous that they "took the places" (both in terms of restoration space and running) of older, less represented classes such as 40's, 24s etc

However perhaps I will have to eat my words in 10 years time, when, with more rakes of ETH coaches on our heritage railways, we wished we had more ETH fitted diesels

 

I think, Chris, that you have hinted at the answer yourself - it is a bit like the 82045 thread - like the Class 3 and 4 steam locos, a Class 37 has plenty of power for the heaviest heriatge needs but can also be economical on lighter, perhaps more normal duties.

Much as I know it offends many diesel fans (and I understand why), diesels are often viewed of as "plant" in the heritage world and each line could do with a Class 37 as standby, rescue etc. Obviously, other medium power diesels (Types 2 and 3) serve the purpose equally well but how many survive may well base itself on this need rather thah historical significance or any other "higher" intentions!

Steven

 

I wonder how many of these are actual runners.

Richard

 

I do think that everyone on this thread has a VERY valid point in that saying that there is already about 40 Odd Class 37s been "preserved" in the economical sense & would be pointless obtaining more...

But I can't help BUT think that if a "Preserved Railway" was struggling with their own Class 37 - Then I can understand that if they "DID" look into a standby Class 37 - It "Might" help the situation out eg: One for Repair - One Working" Etc..

But "Yes" I think being realistic - I for one will just "wait & see" if anyone takes any of the old Class 37/4's off DBS & into Preserved Status BUT all I will end in saying is - "Great" if another does get "Preserved" BUT if not then "Fair Enough" we do have 40 Class 37s already!

But the point still states - What happens "still" to the "Older" Heritage Loco's Eg: 24 / 25 / 33 / 40 / 55 Etc...

I hope that they don't just get forgotten & then put into a status of decline DUE to "Other" loco's being beneficial for the jobs in hand???

But "Again" I will just "Wait & See"

 

Dont forget, as mentioned at the top of this thread by david1984, most if not all of these 37/4's need serious money spending on them to become reliable runners again, hence why you are likely to see scrap merchants outbidding even other commercial operators who might have a use for them, let alone preservationists.

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