Bachmann Branchline 32-393A Class 37/7 Refurbished 37800 ‘Cassiopeia’ Europhoenix

Highlights:

• Accessory-pack including buffer beam detail and mini snow ploughs
• Separately supplied etched nameplate
• Directional and cab interior light
• Nose and bodyside detail appropriate to prototype
• Features specific to Rail Operations Group locomotives
• Exquisite livery application including all labels and warning notices

History:

The British Rail Class 37 is a diesel-electric locomotive, originally known as the English Electric Type 3.

The class was ordered under the British Rail modernisation plan of the late 1950s, and delivered between 1960 and 1965; 309 locomotives were built by English Electric at Vulcan Foundry and Robert, Stephenson & Hawthorns at Darlington. They were originally numbered in the series D6600-D6608 and D6700-D6999.

The Class 37 was 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 on Scottish Region. They also performed well on secondary and inter-regional services for many years.

The Class 37s are known to some railway enthusiasts as "Tractors", due to the distinctive agricultural sound of the diesel engine of the locomotive. Despite all members of the build now being over 50 years old, nearly 40 locomotives are still mainline registered and remain active undertaking a variety of passenger, freight and departmental duties on the national rail network in 2020.

Another 30 locomotives have been preserved. In 2016, experienced rail freight operations manager Karl Watts’ Rail Operations Group acquired Class 37s specifically to work stock moves mainly comprising new electric multiple units, on delivery from makers’ works or of off-lease rolling stock to storage or scrap locations.

The locos are hired from the Europhoenix organisation and are decorated in the striking Europhoenix grey, silver and red ‘Phoenix Rising’ livery, bearing Rail Operations Group branding.

Due to their novel use, the locomotives travel far and wide across the network, and are also extremely popular with enthusiasts and much requested for railtours. Cassiopeia is a constellation in the northern sky, named after queen Cassiopeia in Greek mythology.

In the 1980s the Class 37 locomotives were extensively refurbished at British Rail Engineering Limited's Crewe Works - from that point 37/0 refers to the original version. 37800 is classified as Class 37/7 under the following classifications: 37/0 remained unmodified after other sub-classes were created 37/3 were a rebogied but not refurbished subclass whose bogies were replaced at various depots 37/4 were refurbished, rewired, English Electric generator replaced with Brush alternator, electric train supply (ETS) fitted 37/5 were refurbished, rewired, English Electric generator replaced with Brush Traction alternator 37/6 were locomotives from Class 37/5 further modified with through ETS wiring and RCH jumper cables 37/7 were refurbished, rewired, English Electric generator replaced with GEC G564AZ or Brush alternator, additional weight added 37/9 were refurbished, rewired, English Electric generator replaced with Brush alternator, new engines: Mirrlees MB275Tt or Ruston RK270Tt