Class 37 spotting guide
Few classes are as fondly regarded as the Class 37. Built by English Electric in the early 1960s, this rugged Type 3 diesel — nicknamed the 'Tractor' for its distinctive engine sound — worked almost every kind of traffic across Britain for decades. Many have now been withdrawn, but survivors still turn heads on railtours, engineering trains and preserved railways, making a Class 37 a prized catch.
About the Class 37
The Class 37 is a Co-Co diesel-electric locomotive built by English Electric between 1960 and 1965, with more than 300 constructed. Versatile and hard-wearing, it hauled freight and passenger services nationwide for many years. Today the surviving fleet is much smaller, concentrated in charter, departmental and heritage use.
History
Introduced as English Electric Type 3 locomotives, the class became a mainstay of British Rail operations across the country, from Highland lines to Welsh freight. As newer types arrived many were withdrawn, but the 37's reputation and reliability kept examples in service far longer than most contemporaries, and a good number are now preserved or retained for special duties.
How to identify it
Look for a long, single-cab-each-end classic diesel with a distinctive nose end and, to the ear, an unmistakable English Electric engine note. Numbers begin with 37; individual locomotives often carry heritage or operator liveries. As always, record the running number to log each one.
Fleet numbers
Numbered in the 37xxx series (some renumbered over the years). The active main-line fleet is now small; many survivors are preserved.
Operators
Typical workings
- Railtours and charters
- Engineering and departmental trains
- Heritage-railway services
Where to see the Class 37
Class 37 sightings are now special rather than everyday. Your best chances are advertised railtours and charters on the main line, engineering or departmental workings, and preserved railways that operate the class. Following railtour operators and heritage lines is the surest way to plan a catch.
Collect the Class 37 fleet
Turn everyday sightings into a collecting challenge — track the running numbers you've caught.