The Futures bright - Our Network Rail 97301 is on its way

The Accurascale Class 37 tooling suite is full of parts that are specific to individual locomotives, some of which have been announced and some that we’ve kept to brighten up a rainy day in the future.

However, in a first run full of unique releases, there is one that shines brighter than the rest, Network Rail’s 97301.

Built as D6800, later 37100, one of just 23 split headcode EE Type 3s with the smooth welded style roof, this was rebuilt by HNRC at Barrow Hill in February 2008 as the first of a fleet of four ETCS (European Train Control System) equipped locomotives for use on the Cambrian Line from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth/Pwllheli.

Already one of a kind having lost its splitboxes at the No.2 end in 1983 and its redundant boiler water tank in 1987, its new look for NR included toughened windscreeens, the removal the obsolete connecting doors and the rebuild of the No.1 end to match the other. While its colleagues 97302-97304 received their Ansaldo-made onboard ETCS equipment in 2009, it wasn’t until the end of 2012 that 97301 would get the distinctive underframe-mounted radar and roof antennas/cutouts (which are of course features of our model) part of a prototype fit-out of Hitachi kit that was not compatible with the Cambrian system.

Our exclusive limited edition model will come with a numbered certificate and rather impressive special box. Although our model of 97301 has sold out to preorder its worth clicking the 'Notify me if item becomes avaliable' button should any become available. 

Check out the full range of Accurascale Class 37s here: https://www.accurascale.com/collections/class-37