Graham Farish 371-151

Class & Prototype

The British Rail Class 37 is one of Britain's most successful diesel locomotive designs, with 309 locomotives built 1960-1965 by English Electric. Powered by the proven 12CSVT diesel engine producing 1,750 bhp, these Co-Co diesels served for 65 years on freight, passenger, and mixed-traffic duties across the entire BR network. Known as "Tractors" for their distinctive exhaust note, Class 37s worked everything from East Anglian expresses to West Highland Line services, Welsh coal trains, and nuclear flask operations. Extensive 1980s refurbishment created specialist subclasses including 37/4 ETH passenger variants, 37/5 freight, 37/7 heavy freight, and 37/6 Nightstar variants. Approximately 60 remain in mainline service with 30 preserved. Comprehensive OO gauge models available from Bachmann, Accurascale, and Hornby; N gauge from Graham Farish; O gauge from Heljan across extensive livery ranges spanning BR green through privatisation eras.

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

The English, Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) operated Britain's largest rail freight network from 1996-2007, controlling 90% of the UK freight market. Formed by Wisconsin Central through acquisition of five British Rail freight companies, EWS revolutionised British freight transport with 250 new General Motors Class 66 locomotives and distinctive maroon and gold livery featuring the famous "three beasties" logo. The company was acquired by Deutsche Bahn in 2007, eventually becoming today's DB Cargo UK while maintaining its freight market dominance.

The EWS Royal Scotsman Maroon livery was created for locomotives working the luxury Royal Scotsman train under EWS haulage in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The design closely matched the coaching stock of the train, with a rich crimson–maroon body accented by fine gold lining and traditional “Royal Scotsman” nameplates and crests. High-visibility yellow cab ends were retained for safety, but otherwise the finish was kept elegant and heritage-inspired to blend seamlessly with the prestigious passenger set.

Applied most notably to Class 37/4 locomotives, the livery stood apart from EWS’s standard maroon and gold freight colours, signalling the exclusive role of these engines in hauling one of Britain’s most iconic luxury trains. It projected both dignity and tradition, reinforcing the Royal Scotsman’s image as a flagship high-end rail tour.