37142 / D6842 - Diesel Locomotive

History

D 6842 was built as one of the 309 strong class , that were to become commonly known as Class 37’s.It was released to traffic on the 17th May 1963 when it was allocated to Cardiff Canton.

Following further spells in Scotland and back at Cardiff, it was allocated to Plymouth Laira depot on 5th May 1978 for trials and crew training on Cornish China Clay traffic.

In May 1997, 37142 was stored Unserviceable and was sold to Harry Needle Railroad Company in August 2002.In May 2003 it was transferred to Bodmin Ownership arriving by road on 2nd September 2003.

Within 9 months the Engine was started for the first time in preservation (19/06/2004) and on the 25th of August that year moved under its own power. Following the September Diesel Gala, it then took a further 12 months to restore the Body Work and repaint into BR Blue.

37142 is used regularly on the steep gradients at Bodmin as you can see today, and is able to be used on full power when suitable loads are provided, usually at gala weekends. It is available for driver experience courses at various off peak times of the year (as are all our locos including the DMU).