National Railway Museum Class 37 to be returned to service thanks to loan deal

BR Type 3 Class 37 D6700 is to be returned to traffic thanks to a new loan deal, the National Railway Museum has confirmed.

The loan deal between the National Railway Museum and the Heavy Tractor Group will see the Class 37 returned to traffic at the Great Central Railway in Loughborough.

D6700 joined the national collection in July 2001 after it was donated by English, Welsh & Scottish Railway following it being withdrawn from service.

D6700 will have final maintenance and a repaint at Loram UK which will then allow it to return to service.

The Class 37 will run on the Great Central Railway on a rota basis and at diesel galas.

The loan for the 62-year-old locomotive is for a five year period.

The Heavy Tractor Group acquired Class 37 37714 from DRS permanently in 2017 after it initially loaned the locomotive from the freight operator.

The loan allows for the NRM to develop its ‘masterplan' which will include a new exhibition space, Central Hall, as well as Wonderlab.

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.”

Andy Gillett, Chairman of Heavy Tractor Group, said: “The Heavy Tractor Group are privileged to have been awarded custody of D6700. The engine along with 37714 tell the complete story of the Class 37 from original condition through to the refurbished heavyweight version.

“Our industry partner Loram UK have been closely involved with the loan application, providing valuable assistance with the move and their excellent maintenance skills will ensure that the locomotive will enter its next chapter at the GCR in superb condition.”