37714 Departs to Heavy Tractor Group

Then HTG have recently purchased the locomotive from DRS. The loco is based at the Great Central Railway, Loughborough, and will operate throughout the year on its services.

DRS’ Class 37, 37714 was used as a shunter at the Daventry Freight Terminal. When this contract ended, the locomotive was put into storage at Barrowhill. DRS then identified The Heavy Tractor Group (HTG) to look after the surplus locomotive, keeping it in use and serviceable whilst a decision was made on its future.

The HTG worked closely with DRS over the 18 month loan period, and the group raised funds to repaint it in Railfreight Triple Grey Metals livery, such was the attention to detail the designer of the livery was tracked down and he supplied the original BR paint specifications.

The HTG have recently purchased the locomotive from DRS, saving this popular loco for the generations to come. DRS and HTG will continue their close relationship and the group have already hosted numerous previous drivers of the locomotive on running days at Great Central Railway. The group will also make the loco available for DRS’ popular Open Days and it will be a superb example of the modern rail industry and a heritage group working together to ensure, examples of Britain’s railway history are saved for all to enjoy.

The loco is based at the Great Central Railway Loughborough, and will operate throughout the year on its services, maintained and operated by the HTG. The locomotive was used in December to haul the Santa Spcial Trains.