DRS 37/4s

[alexl92]

I know DRS have been looking at every possible option to acquire ETH Class 37/4 Locos for their LHCS diagrams, which has apparently included reviving some that were basically wrecks.

My question is, is it really more cost effective to effectively re-build a loco from being effectively condemned than it is to convert, say, active 37/6s to provide ETH - basically as 'new' 37/4s?

For the record, I'm delighted that the /4s are being revived - especially as 401-3 are in Large Logo blue. Just interested to know what the difference is from a business p.o.v.

Cheers!

 

[CosherB]

I know DRS have been looking at every possible option to acquire ETH Class 37/4 Locos for their LHCS diagrams, which has apparently included reviving some that were basically wrecks.

My question is, is it really more cost effective to effectively re-build a loco from being effectively condemned than it is to convert, say, active 37/6s to provide ETH - basically as 'new' 37/4s?

For the record, I'm delighted that the /4s are being revived - especially as 401-3 are in Large Logo blue. Just interested to know what the difference is from a business p.o.v.

Cheers!

You'd have to assume that it's more cost effective to refurbish the 37/4s for long term use, as opposed to fitting ETH to their 37/6s. The 37/6s were converted from 37/5s, so (I think) recieved a very similar upgrade to the 37/4s apart from ETH.

You have to wonder, however, when you see what RVEL are doing to them!

http://www.railmagazine.com/news/fleet/2015/10/22/exclusive-behind-the-scenes-look-at-rebuilding-of-drs-37/4s/image/9301

 

[alexl92]

You'd have to assume that it's more cost effective to refurbish the 37/4s for long term use, as opposed to fitting ETH to their 37/6s. The 37/6s were converted from 37/5s, so (I think) recieved a very similar upgrade to the 37/4s apart from ETH.

You have to wonder, however, when you see what RVEL are doing to them!

http://www.railmagazine.com/news/fleet/2015/10/22/exclusive-behind-the-scenes-look-at-rebuilding-of-drs-37/4s/image/9301

The /6s did receive the through-wiring for ETH though, so they already have some of the infrastructure needed...

 

[61653 HTAFC]

The /6s did receive the through-wiring for ETH though, so they already have some of the infrastructure needed...

When Nightstar was being planned I thought it was odd that they went for generator vans sandwiched between non-ETS locos rather than just fitting the locos with ETS. Cost would have been a factor but I'd have thought the wasted length of the generator van would've been more of a problem.

 

[Emblematic]

When Nightstar was being planned I thought it was odd that they went for generator vans sandwiched between non-ETS locos rather than just fitting the locos with ETS. Cost would have been a factor but I'd have thought the wasted length of the generator van would've been more of a problem.

The power requirements of the Nightstar sets was huge, more than the UK system could provide. The generator vans, and Class 92, can provide a higher voltage AC ETS, which provided the necessary power without excessive current requirements, so could use similar size ETH cables. Class 92 can provide 800kW from AC, and has a 500kW inverter for DC supplies. The 37/4 only had an ETH rating of 30, so 150kW.