The Class 37 Locomotive Group (C37LG) is a group of rail enthusiasts dedicated to preserving and operating working examples of English Electric Type 3 (British Rail Class 37) locomotives for the general public, and to promote their interest and history, being part of our nation's industrial and railway heritage. The C37LG is a non-profit making organisation, and has recently been registered as a Charity, Reference Number : 1137787

More Details can be found in the 'About Us' section of the site.

Update on Project 3-60:

As you will no doubt be aware, the previous couple of months have been rather challenging for us as a group. The discovery of cracks within the main crank of the engine cast a rather large shadow over Project 3-60 and the future of D6703; indeed, for those on the committee it was incredibly disheartening and it has been an anxious period for all as we have awaited news that we can pass on to those of you who have continually followed and supported us.

Well, we are happy to reveal that we are now finally able to do so.

The committee was recently made aware of a 1967 build EE 12SV Mk2 power unit that had become available for spares. This was one of four power units being cleared out from an industrial site that was soon to be redeveloped, with the power units originally at risk of going for scrap. Under normal circumstances this would be a wasted opportunity but, in this instance, it seemed frankly criminal as the power unit we were investigating had done a grand total of 215 hours work since installation! This meant we were looking at a replacement crank that was 52 years old and yet could be considered as almost new, given how little work it had done.

Having spent many weeks making enquiries and ensuring that the crank from this particular unit was compatible with ours, we came to a deal on not only the crank, but the block within which it is housed too, and all for a very reasonable price!

We would therefore like to announce that on 13th July we confirmed our intention to purchase the block and crank from this power unit, for fitting in D6703, in replacement of the block/crank currently in situ. The rest of the loco’s current power unit (heads/turbos etc) can then be built up around the new block.

It cannot be stressed enough how fortunate we are to be in this position. The timing of this find has undoubtedly secured the future of D6703. The committee would like to express its sincere thanks to those members of the railway preservation scene who were vital in making this happen.

This of course means that work can now commence on making D6703 a working loco once more and it is thought that once things start progressing with the power unit, the whole project should pick up pace. It is perhaps only fair to suggest that we are now unlikely to meet our target of returning D6703 to traffic in time for her 60th birthday on December 28^th 2020; it is not impossible, but the stall in time and the extra expenditure on a new block will inevitably take its toll further along in the project when attention turns to the bodywork and new funding will need to be sourced. Overall this not-so-minor deviation is expected to add an extra £27,000 to the total cost of the project. The sooner we can raise this additional funding, the sooner D6703 will return to traffic; if luck and a lot of generosity is on our side then maybe, just maybe, we can meet our original target, however, if it takes longer to accumulate those additional funds, then the timescale of D6703’s return will reflect this.

If you would like to support Project 3-60 and the return of the oldest production build class 37 to original condition, then please consider supporting us by becoming a member, making a donation or checking out what our sales team has to offer.

So, there we have it, onwards and upwards! Be sure to watch this space because things are certainly going to get exciting from here on in as we bring you more news on the engine rebuild as it happens!

Thank you for your continued support.

The Class 37 Locomotive Group Committee.

Press Release

The Class 37 Loco Group, owners of EE type 3 D6703 (37003), have had to delay and review their project to return their locomotive, D6703, to original 1960 condition after the discovery of a major flaw in the power unit fitted to the locomotive. Technical Officer, Mike Millward, explains;
 
“Our contractors at UKRL were preparing the power unit for rebuild when they found, what they initially thought was bad water staining on one of the crank bearing surfaces. Further investigation revealed it is a series of fractures of the bearing surface with deeper cracking evident. Apparently it was from an earlier overheating episode as it was not connected to any of the usual stress points in the crank.
 

 
This was completely unexpected, so until we can assess the situation fully, we have suspended work on Project 3-60”
 
Project 3-60 was intended to return D6703 to as near as built condition for its 60th Anniversary in 2020, including operational steam heat. The Committee of the Group had carefully worked out a funding budget and contingency to complete the project, but this discovery has thrown these plans into disarray.
 
Mike continued;
 
“We are investigating options, but all are going to push the budget over what the Group, as a Charity, is willing to spend at present, so we need to plan very carefully”
 
The Group has now started an Appeal to help fund this additional unplanned work to help get the oldest original condition Class 37 back into action as soon as possible. Part of the fundraising will see cab rides and driver experience days available, as well as a more permanent commemoration of donation.
 
“D6703 is owned by a Charitable Trust, therefore we plan to have a plaque naming all donors fitted to the locomotive that will be there as long as the locomotive exists”
 

 
Details of the Appeal, what is available, how to donate and how to help are now online at www.C37LG.co.uk and via their Facebook pages, Class 37 Loco Group and Project 3-60.
 

 
Class 37 Loco Group Committee.

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