Class 37 prices

[Gaztynan]

Good morning,

Whilst at work today and talking to a friend we ended up as usual talking trains. This then proceeded to class 37z as it usually does and a few questions we would like answers too?

How much did a class 37 cost new?

How much do people pay to buy old class 37z as restoration projects that end up on preserved lines looking like new ?

And why are some scrapped by the likes of drs, are they that valuable as scrap?

Thanks for reading and hope these are not silly questions?

 

[Spagnoletti]

No idea on the price of the original contract, that's an interesting question and I'd be interested to know myself.

As to current price - say 30-40k scrap price, depends on the current per ton proce of the metals but copper is pretty high at the moment and there's plenty of copper in a diesel electric loco.

Like any other company, DRS will dispose of assets when they are at the end of their useful life. If a loco is beyond economic repair and has all the useful spares removed it may as well be got rid of.

Don't forget that buying a loco is just the start for a preservation project - you're unlikely to get a working example, expect to pay the same again on refurbishment.

 

[455driver]

A complete 37 (ie one that hasnt been visited by the copper fairies) would be worth about £40k as scrap.

 

[theblackwatch]

Don't forget that buying a loco is just the start for a preservation project - you're unlikely to get a working example, expect to pay the same again on refurbishment.

Followed by similar upkeep costs when the loco needs repairs. Buying a loco is the easy bit, all you need is a chequebook...

 

[LexyBoy]

And why are some scrapped by the likes of drs, are they that valuable as scrap?

Also bear in mind that most machines will at some point be more economical to be repaced. A 37 will be less fuel efficient, less flexible, cost more to maintain and be less reliable than a more modern loco. At some point it will be more cost effective to run a newer loco and at this point there's no point in keeping the old loco - selling it even for a pittance gets it off your land and means you no longer have to pay for maintenance or decomissioning.

Witness the number of old washing machines etc on eBay for 99p for those willing to take them away...

 

[Dave1987]

May I point out something. The reason DRS and companies like it keep all the old locos while they are still runable is due to them having grandfather rights on emmisions regs, whereas new locos have to comply with tougher emissions regs. These diesels have been kept going as long as is economically viable because it makes business sense. Plus they seem to have an army of volunteer enthusiasts willing to maintain them.