The top speed is specifically determined by which bogies are fitted. 'HGR' refurbished Class 37s can only be accommodated on the revised bogies, which is why all locos from 37401 upwards are 80mph. Unrefurbished Class 37s can use either type of bogie.
That’s not correct. 37601-612 (which are refurbished) have/had 90mph bogies from their planned use on Nightstar services.
...and energy recovery back into the battery during electric braking (particularly useful on trains with frequent stops or doing long descents).
Character is irrelevant for a business that uses them.
Some people don’t understand how businesses work. Unless “heritage” contributes to bottom line profit, they’re not going to be interested.
These factors will have absolutely zero influence on commercial decisions.
Nope. 67 RA is too high for CC I think. It'll have everything to do with availability of locos able to work the line, compatible with the DBSO etc and nothing whatsoever to do with heritage.
Northern wanted to contract to one supplier and DRS offered the complete package including locos.
They do not. Only charter operators consider heritage (and even then usually only certain locos).
In both cases it was because 37s were available and there were drivers with the appropriate traction and route knowledge to drive them in the absence of any better unit.
Aren't they getting kaput, hence one of the reasons why GWR are getting rid of the Castle sets?
I was on a 37/6 a few weeks ago, but couldn’t quite remember what the bogie situation was. So I’m glad you pulled me up on that!
The concept was originally used in the UK on an 800, IIRC. GWR fitted some of their sets with a battery replacing 1 genset to allow for less CO2 in urban areas and also for energy efficiency on the South Devon Banks.Quietly? A 37?
That is an abomination!
What were the results of that trial? Will it be expanded to all 80x with diesel gensets?
Looks like it might still be ongoing: this article says trial expected to begin in 2022. https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/hitachi-targets-next-year-for-testing-of-tri-mode-iet
Are you sure that isn't because they've been sitting beside the Forth shore at Bo'ness for years? When the class 308 EMUs arrived in West Yorkshire, they were riddled with rust, having spent a few years beside the Thames estuary in the ex-MOD sidings at Pig's Bay, Shoeburyness.
GBRf's attitude to locomotive liveries is sufficient demonstration of this.
Agreed. It is perfectly possible for companies to value things other than profit. To what degree is all dependent on the company ethos but it is not unheard of. It's what makes us human after all and gives meaning rather than the blind pursuit of profit. Some companies realise that.
Birmingham Rust & Corrosion Works. Inside gutters water traps etc. possible inferior steal used.
Which is what I said. Or did you miss the second sentence? “Unless “heritage” contributes to bottom line profit, they’re not going to be interested.”
