Class 37 query.

Can anyone tell me the total weight for a Class 37 bogie complete with all motors and fittings?


Thanks in advance.

 

Which variant?
Maybe have a look at this? https://www.class37.co.uk/default.aspx

 

No idea.
We have a bogie in the yard that requires a crane lift so give me the heaviest please.

 

I’m really not sure, as don’t have access my notes, I think the cast ones are a little heavier than the fabricated ones.

 

As a ball park comparison, the bogies of a Chinese DF4B (Co-Co DE, total weight 138t (metric), weigh 22.7t. They are a bit more modern than the 37's (fabricated, no horns or equalisers, and they do not have bogie centres, which seems to require a large spider like structure on a three axle bogie - they use traction bars). The traction motors weigh 3t each.

 

Maybe try contacting Deltic Preservation Society or the Fifty Fund at SVR. 37, 50 and 55 bogies are all essentially the same. I wouldn't have thought more than about 25 tonnes though, but understandably when lifting you want a slightly more accurate figure.

 

Thanks for the replies anyway.
Trying to work out which Crane to use. 12t Plasser, 15t Coles or the 45t Steam Crane.
We think the Plasser is just out in the Lift Capacity, while we think the 15t Coles can cope with the weight it may come down to using the 45t Steam crane.

 

According to http://thegrowlergroup.org.uk/?page_id=1173 the unsprung weight of a 37 is nearly 20.5 tons. So that'll be just over 10 tons per bogie, and is mainly the weight of the wheelsets and traction motors. Does the rest of the frames weigh less than 5 tons? Possibly, but you might be better off going for the steam crane rather than risking the Coles.

 

I think it will be pushing the limits of the Coles as the frame and springs themselves will not be lightweight.
Thanks again.

 

Whilst I fully appreciate the additional costs involved for the steam crane and the obvious need for the job to be done safely, I can't help thinking of a modification of the old hammer joke...

If in doubt, use a bigger crane...

 

The KIROW was already busy.

 

Still looking for an answer if anybody knows.

 

Maybe not for a class 37, but for other lifting jobs approach RAF Odiham offering a "Unique heavy lift training exercise" and ask for a Chinook helicopter to assist. To sugar the request, offer to make a donation to service charities. With its triple-hook cargo system, the CH-47D can carry up to 26,000 lb (12,000 kg) (such as 40-foot or 12-meter containers) externally.