British Rail Class 37
No. 37263

Our biggest diesel locomotive is 37263. This loco was restored at TSR as is a testament to the skilled work of our team. It makes easy work of our steep gradients.

INFORMATION

Built : 1961 
Class : Class 08
Type : 0-6-0 DE
Build No : 08757
Name : Eagle

Arrived : 2017
Status : Under Repair
Owner : TSR

37263 at the Severn Valley Railway

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HISTORY

Mainline Career

She was built by the English Electric Vulcan Foundry in 1965 for British Railways, carrying the Pre-tops number D6963, and was allocated to Darnall.

Originally allocated to many Eastern Region depots, the loco then moved to Scotland, before moving to Cardiff and then more locally to Toton and Bescot.

​Her last passenger train was worked in 1998 under Trainload Freight West, transferring to EWS ownership in 1998 where 37263 was stored in late 1999 before being withdrawn.

37263 in the late 90's

37263 under initial overhaul at TSR

Preservation Overhaul

Initially she went to the Dean Forest Railway but then moved to Tyseley Locomotive Works for a number of years before coming to Telford in 2017.

The current owners have completed a thorough overhaul and restoration with the loco re entered revenue earning service at Telford in June 2021.

​The Loco returned from a period of hire at the Severn Valley Railway in October 2025.​

CURRENT STATUS

37263 return to Telford for the Polar Express Train Ride in 2025. The loco is used as a thunderbird locomotive at the rear of the train. 

Since returning, many maintenance jobs have taken place. A new compressor was installed along with having an oil change to address low oil pressure.

The loco will be out on select passenger services along with driver experiences throughout the year.

DRIVER EXPERIENCES

New for 2026, enjoy a driver experience course on 37263 !

​Each course will take two participants, who will each be able to drive between Spring Village and Lawley Village, and also have the opportunity to drive to and from Horsehay & Dawley Station. On your course, you could be hauling up to two coaches and Brake Van.

Each participant can be accompanied by up to two guests for free and can add extra guests for £15 each who may travel on the train during the course.

More info !

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