Okay nice, its been out for a while, I would like to see it back out!
According to the Colas thread on Wnxx forum, the modification to the front end wasn't requested by Colas. Equally I was told by someone close to the owner was part of the sale conditions to Colas were to retain headcode boxes etc.
I struggle to believe that. Why on earth would a contractor carry out additional work that they’re not being paid for?
This is very sad - this makes 37057 the only split headcode 37 left on the mainline!
I suspect they found corrosion in the bottom of the headcode boxes (very common on split box 37s) and decided it was easier to remove them.
From what I’ve heard the head code boxes have been removed/are to be removed on both sides unfortunately.
Thats a real shame - 099 looked so good with them!
From what I have heard it is getting a repaint and overhaul, due to be back out on the mainline in December. However considering how long 057 took I wouldn't make any promises
Okay thanks for the info! Might be back sooner than expected then
It probably is true as the contract stated that colas are to keep the split headboxes but obviously was not the case. I honestly don’t see the point in reinstating the boxes though because it’ll be costly and timely.
For aesthetic and authenticity purposes I imagine
Presumably the sale documents stated the headcode boxes be retained but that message was lost or overlooked somewhere. I was told the previous owners of the ex preserved class 37s have first refusal to buy the locos back when Colas dispose of it and if that happens I presume some arrangement will be reached either to have the boxes etc reinstated or more likely the price reduced to reflect the work to reinstate them which the owner may choose to do.
There are 14 37s (if you count 075) that have split head boxes so it isn’t much of a loss bear in mind that all 14 of the split headboxes 37s are in preservation and won’t be going anytime soon. The money used to reinstate the headboxes on 099 could be used to help bring 37s like 906 back to main line use instead. Even without headboxes 099 doesn’t look bad tbh
I was just backing my point that I don’t see the point in reinstating the headcode boxes if there are other running examples with them. The money used to reinstate headcode boxes would not be enough to cover the cost of returning a loco to mainline use but it would help towards it. Which would seem more sensible because 099 is still able to go on to the mainline with or without the boxes.
I absolutely agree with you it wasn’t right that they modified the loco without permission. I thought colas owned if right? Or is there a separate owner? The owner of 099 should receive compensation to be honest so that it can go to it’s original state at no cost to the owner.
I Believe that, although it was not in the original contract / agreement, Colas Actually did want the head code boxes removed and agreed this as remedial work with Boden Rail. I think this was so that they could reduce the number of different front & Back end variations across their class 37 fleet.
This revised front doesnt seem to have headboard brackets either.
On the left hand side
