Ultra-Modern With a Retro Twist – Accurascale Announces Modern 37/4

A total of 31 of the classic EE Type 3s were ‘refurbished’ at Crewe Works during 1985-6 and equipped with ETS/ETH (electric train supply/heat). This upgrade instantly making the new Class 37/4 sub-class the most versatile example of what is already the quintessential mixed-traffic locomotive.
 
By the late 2000s DB Schenker was running the fleet down, eventually retiring the last locomotive, 37425, in 2010. Happily, Direct Rail Services, which had already returned two Class 37/4s to traffic, acquired all 13 ex-DBS machines plus several others, eventually picking the best eight examples for rebuilding.

The first upgraded DRS Class 37/4 was 37423, outshopped by Brush at Loughborough, in 2008. The most involved conversion, this included WIPAC light clusters and top headlight, toughened windscreens, plated headcode box, cab kickplates and the fitment of nose multiple working sockets.
 
Later rebuilds, by HNRC at Barrow Hill and RVEL/Loram Derby, were just as involved, although the locomotives kept more of their original appearance. The main differences were new, larger, LED taillights instead of WIPACs, while many also gained plated bodyside windows.

 
Most were initially repainted in DRS’ compass scheme and became solid performers on its portfolio of locomotive-hauled services in Cumbria and East Anglia as well as test trains, saloon outings, stock moves, railtours and RHTT work.
 
The arrival of ex-reserve locomotive 37401, which had been restored to large logo livery in 2013 by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society while on loan, triggered a rethink. The result was that a further four 37/4s were turned out in this livery along with the SRPS’ own main line-registered 37403.
 
Incredibly 2019 saw the repaint of No. 37419 into InterCity Mainline, while 2020 will see the debut of No. 37425 Sir Robert McAlpine/Concrete Bob in the attractive 1990s Regional Railways scheme.

 
The Accurascale upgraded Class 37/4 will be offered in DC/DCC ready and DCC sound formats, with a twin speaker set up with ESU Loksound V5 decoder fitted to all sound models. Accurascale’s high-quality specification includes all-wheel drive, helical gearing, lighting packages as per prototypes, stay-alive power pack to provide performance over dirty track, large centrally-mounted five-pole can motor with twin flywheels and a heavy metal chassis.
 
Prices are £169.99 for DC/DCC-ready models and £259.99 for sound-fitted models. A £30 deposit secures an order with Accurascale direct, or modellers order with their network of Accurascale approved stockists. Delivery is due in 2021.

 
Class 37/4 - 37409 Lord Hinton

• 2018-present
• BR Large Logo livery
• Centre headcode nose with headlight, large LED tail lights and MW socket
• Refurbished 'split' nose grilles
• Nose aerial
• Cutaway bufferbeam cowling with oval buffers
• ETH bufferbeam configuration with ETH/air/vac/control/MW pipes
• Toughened windscreens with as built cab layout
• Plated bodyside windows (both sides)
• Welded roof with plated boiler exhaust and small cab roof vent
• Fabricated bogies
• Boiler water tank converted to long range fuel tank
• Late EE cantrail grilles
• Plated bodyside water filler and associated steps
• Optional miniature snowploughs
• Triple cab door kickplate

 
Class 37/4 - 37419 Carl Haviland 1954-2012

• 2019-present
• InterCity Mainline livery
• Centre headcode nose with headlight, large LED tail lights and MW socket
• Refurbished 'split' nose grilles
• Nose aerial
• Cutaway bufferbeam cowling with squared oval buffers
• ETH bufferbeam configuration with ETH/air/vac/control/MW pipes
• Toughened windscreens with as built cab layout
• Plated bodyside windows (both sides)
• Welded roof with plated boiler exhaust and no cab roof vent
• Cast (Class 37) bogies
• Boiler water tank converted to long range fuel tank
• Late EE cantrail grilles
• Plated bodyside water filler and associated steps
• Optional miniature snowploughs
• Triple cab door kickplate

Class 37/4 - 37423 Spirit of the Lakes

• 2018-present
• DRS Simplified Compass livery
• Centre headcode nose with plated headcode box, MW socket and WIPAC light clusters
• Refurbished 'split' nose grilles
• Nose aerial
• Cutaway bufferbeam cowling with squared oval buffers
• ETH bufferbeam configuration with ETH/air/vac/control/MW pipes
• Toughened windscreens, revised DRS control desk and centre cab partition
• Welded roof with plated boiler exhaust and no cab roof vent
• Fabricated bogies
• Boiler water tank converted to long range fuel tank
• Late EE cantrail grilles
• Plated bodyside water filler and associated steps
• Optional miniature snowploughs
• Double cab door kickplate

 
Class 37/4 - 37425 Sir Robert McAlpine/Concrete Bob

• 2020-present
• Regional Railways livery
• Centre headcode nose with headlight, large LED tail lights and MW socket
• Refurbished 'split' nose grilles
• Nose aerial
• Cutaway bufferbeam cowling with squared oval buffers
• ETH bufferbeam configuration with ETH/air/vac/control/MW pipes
• Toughened windscreens with as built cab layout
• Plated bodyside windows (both sides)
• Welded roof with plated boiler exhaust and no cab roof vent
• Fabricated bogies
• Boiler water tank converted to long range fuel tank
• Late EE cantrail grilles
• Plated bodyside water filler and associated steps
• Optional miniature snowploughs
• Triple cab door kickplate

Here's what Senior Project Manager, Gareth Bayer, said about the locomotives in this video. (We apologise for the microphone quality).