Europhoenix / ESH Class 37s discussion (including ROG spot hire)

Having planned to cease train operating, Europhoenix Rail Ltd (EPR) will continue in the business after it was bought out by DBI Holdings.

It will trade as EPR but is part of Europhoenix Holdings Ltd (EHL), a subsidiary of DBI.

The acquisition means EHL now owns 11 Class 37s and 66 Class 60s, the latter all bought from DB Cargo UK over the last three years.

The Class 37s were all owned by EPR, and all but one are in use for spot hire, mostly with Rail Operations Group, but they are also hired by others such as RailAdventure, Colas and Hanson & Hall.

The deal gives DBI the freight operating licence it needs to start running its own trains using the Class 60s that is has bought, the first of which, 60063 has now been reactivated (RAIL 1062).

EPR gained its own licence in 2024 but while it did some train operations, mostly in the rail services sector, earlier this year it announced it was ceasing such work (RAIL 1065).

EPR will continue to operate under its existing name with the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the business remaining under the leadership of Managing Director Glenn Edwards, and Safety and Compliance Director Gary Prodger.

The new company says the move would mark “the start of an exciting new chapter for one of the UK’s recognised railfreight and locomotive businesses”.

The active EPR fleet comprises 37218, 37407/423, 37501/510/512, 37611, 37800/884 and 37901 – all previously owned by Edwards – as well as 60063.

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Welshguy1048 said:

Filmed at Prestatyn, North Wales

10/08/26 - ROG Class 37 - 37800 & TfW Class 756 - 756007 - Cardiff Canton Sdgs to Holyhead Car M.D.

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Jacob Porrett said:

Any idea if 37510 will come out in a different livery and possible a new/original number?

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D365 said:

I highly doubt that 510 would revert to its pre-refurbishment number 112.

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