First Sample of Heavy Tractor Group Limited Edition Accurascale Class 37 Arrives And Shows Future Range Direction

With production of our first run of our hotly anticipated Class 37s underway, it's time to reveal the first sample of our Class 37/7 tooling. This forms the basis of the forthcoming Heavy Tractor Group (HTG) limited edition model of their locomotive, Class 37/7, no 37714 and a glimpse at our future.

The model was presented to the HTG for appraisal and checking over ahead of decoration samples which will arrive later this year. It also showcases our thinking for their second production run of the Class 37 project, after the first production run of Class 37/0, modernised Class 37/4 and 37/6 begin to arrive in stock later this year. The Class 37/7 will be forming part of an extensive run two of the English Electric icons which will be announced later this year, along with other variants of this popular class.

A limited edition model of 37714 was essential as the real locomotive formed a large basis of the initial research for our Class 37 project, and producing a model in its Railfreight Metals sector livery as per service condition seemed a fitting tribute. Fans of the machine in preserved machine can replicate it in its preserved guise too, with the optional “Cardiff Canton” nameplates being available in etched format in the detail pack, but not printed on the locomotive body sides.

During May, we were lucky to visit the Great Central Railway at Loughborough to visit the locomotive, meet HTG officials, and introduce the model to the real locomotive. As per any pre-production model, small tweaks are required, but overall the model is shaping up to be the most accurate rendition of the Class 37/7 heavyweights in model form to date.

Speaking about the model, Graham Hubbard of the HTG stated; “We are honoured to have helped Accurascale with the development of the 37/7 for their superb range of locomotives. The levels of detail are truly excellent and the model truly is a small version of the real thing!

"We cannot thank Accurascale enough for their amazing support for us ,with the limited edition model of 37714 ,will see not only 37714 but also D6700 secure for the future."

Our Senior Project Manager Gareth Bayer explained the significance of the model and the future of the Accurascale Class 37 range; “We were keen to get the Heavy Tractor Group on board for the Class 37 project, as their locomotive sports a number of features that a rare on preserved examples but common on the fleet as a whole, especially on the post 1990 fleet. Happily they very graciously allowed us to borrow 37714 on a number of occasions, for 3D scanning, measuring - inside and out - and sound recording, and all of these surveys contributed heavily to making our first run of models as accurate as possible.

“The 'heavyweights' are a particular favourite of mine so it has been pleasure to work with the HTG to create what we think is the definitive model of this distinctive Class 37 sub-type. The group's exclusive edition of 37714 is also the perfect taster for our second run that will introduce many all-new variants, including several never before tooled, to the mix.             

“As with our initial range, this exclusive will correctly match the configuration of the real thing, including double riveted roof, plated bodyside windows and steps, welded replacement long range fuel tank, single piece nose grilles, windscreens with toughened middle window only, and the correct style of cab interior.”

As you know, sales of the Accurascale Class 37 have been very strong, with our website sold out on our direct sales (except for new exclusive 37 402!) and several retailers now selling out on pre-order too. The demand for the HTG limited edition of 37714, which is strictly limited to 504 pieces has been similarly strong, with stock rapidly depleting.

This locomotive will be in stock in Summer 2023. Be sure to keep an eye on our website for run 2 of the Class 37 later this year, and visit the HTG site to purchase your limited edition model of 37714, available both in DC/DCC Ready and DCC sound fitted guises: https://www.heavytractorgroup.org/shop