Retro repaints planned for Europhoenix Class 37s

Europhoenix is planning a number of repaints of its Class 37s into retro BR era liveries.

The company has 18 months left on its contract with hiring the type to Rail Operations Group, and it has agreed to repaint some locomotives.

37601 Perseus is expected to be painted in British Steel light blue. In its previous guise as 37501, the Class 37 was the only BR locomotive to carry this livery, from February 1987 to August 1989. It was named Teesside Steelmaster in this colour scheme.

37800 Cassiopeia is expected to appear in the two-tone grey livery with Mainline Freight logos, while 37884 Cepheus is planned to have Loadhaul colours applied.

More retro liveries could be applied, with 37510 Orion and 37901 Mirrlees Pioneer also in Europhoenix livery.

Europhoenix also owns 37069/ 218/407/423, which it recently acquired from Direct Rail Services. Of these, all carry DRS blue apart from 37407 Blackpool Tower, in its retro-applied old BR ‘large logo’ colours.

Another Class 37 that could be repainted soon is Harry Needle Railroad Company’s 37422, which is understood to be lined up for a coat of HNRC orange to match 37405.

HNRC’s 37419/424/425/716 are expected to retain their existing liveries owing to the good condition of their paintwork.