Now many British modern enthusiats would consider class 37s to represent the definitive 'classic' British diesel from the 1960s.
Their looks and sound give the class great chartacter not to mention now their frequently weathered appearence
...but thats not all...far from it! Take these two as an example with 37717 on the rear 37685 on the front.
Both locos pictured are under power to produce greater acceleration up to the permissable line speed.
This same pair have been doing this water cannon return run from the Midlands to London not once but twice
a day we understand for 5 weeks on at least 5 days a week. One return trip represents about 225 miles, making
a total of 450 per day, at least 2250 miles or almost 3600 Kms per week. This then produces a quite
astonishing total of over 11,000 miles or approaching 18,000 kilometres so far!!!. There have been no reports to my knowlegde
of a single on line failure and the same pair were reported again only yesterday 19th November! With my mileage
estimates, their regular presence and remarkable performance verified by a contact in the Midlands, it can be seen
why class 37s are held in such high esteem. Lets just hope that they will continue to be seen in action
for some time to come despite the fact that some early class members are approaching 45 years olds...some going for a
main line diesel! The place is Boreham Wood and the picture is dated 10th November 2004.
Photo from James & Martin's Picture Collection Copyright 'Jampics' m.hawkes7@ntlworld.com
British and Foreign Railway Pictures Jampics Fotopic.