Class 37 test running on HVO! With cab ride!

Play Video

Episode Overview

The Class 37 is one of the most successful British locomotive designs of all time. 309 locomotives were delivered between 1960 and 1965 and despite even the youngest now being over 60 years old, close to 100 examples still survive to this day, around two thirds of which still run on the mainline.

Europhoenix Rail is one such operator of Class 37s. The spot hire business has 11 Class 37s including celebrity locos 37901 ‘Mirlees Pioneer’, 37501 ‘Teesside Steelmaster’ and 37407 ‘Blackpool Tower’.

In a bid to life extend the Class 37’s even further whilst also reducing their CO2 and other emissions impact, Europhoenix have converted one Class 37 No. 37218 to run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil or HVO. And on 3 February 2026, she took to the mainline to run from Leicester to Barrow Hill and back on a proving run.

And best of all, Green Signals were invited along for the ride.

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.