The fleet of 31 ETH fitted Class 37/4s have had a strong following since their introduction in the mid-1980s. MIKE WILD reviews Heljan’s new 7mm scale model of this popular class which is bringing a fresh splash of colour to its range.
Class 37s are always popular, but the 37/4 sub-class is the one which still stands out. Most likely that is because they have been used for passenger service and, if you are like me, you will have fond memories of travelling behind on the North Wales Coast, in South Wales or Scotland. Even as recently as this year the remaining 37/4s have been provided for passenger duties in Norfolk while they made a return to passenger service in South Wales in May.
The fleet of 31 Class 37/4s was created in 1985-1986 through refurbishing at Crewe Works. They were equipped with Electric Train Heating (ETH), in place of steam heating, to operate with more modern Mk 2 carriages while also receiving regeared CP7 bogies and a Brush BA1005A alternator. Initially they were turned out in BR’s ‘large logo’ blue colour scheme with wraparound yellow ends, but as time progressed this gave way to the likes of Regional Railways, triple grey with sector markings, EWS maroon and gold, BR green, DRS and BR’s Mainline livery …
