‘Sir Robert McAlpine/Concrete Bob’ Class 37 – Sales Area Exclusive

We are pleased to introduce a new area sales representative exclusive model for 2018, our Branchline OO scale Class 37/4 No. 37425 ‘Sir Robert McAlpine/Concrete Bob’ in Direct Rail Services ‘Compass’ livery. The model will be available with (32-370NFDS) and without (32-370NF) sound to help suit a wider range of modellers. Due for release later this year, the model is available to order from any Bachmann retailer in the counties of:

• Berkshire
• Buckinghamshire
• East Sussex
• Essex
• Greater London
• Hertfordshire
• Kent
• Middlesex
• Surrey

Above: Class 37/4 No. 37425 with ‘Concrete Bob’ nameplates in Direct Rail Services ‘Compass’ livery

Built new for the Western Region some 53 years ago in 1965 as No. D6692, this locomotive still survives today as No. 37425 and was one of several Class 37/4s purchased by Direct Rail Services (DRS) from DB Schenker for re-use. Once overhauled for a new lease of life with DRS, No. 37425 was painted into the distinctive DRS Compass livery.

No. 37425 was dual-named ‘Sir Robert McAlpine’ / ’Concrete Bob’ during an open day at DRS’s Kingmoor (Carlisle) depot in August 2013.

Above: Class 37/4 No. 37425 with ‘Sir Robert McAlpine’ nameplates in Direct Rail Services ‘Compass’ livery

Initially the locomotive worked passenger trains on the Cumbrian Coast route between Carlisle and Preston (via Barrow). Used in ‘Top and Tail’ mode with another Class 37/4 on the rear of the train, these 3-4 carriage trains were formed of BR MK2F stock outshopped in DRS livery. These additional trains run by Northern Rail/DRS have improved the seating capacity on the route and allowed BNFL workers to commute to Sellafield by train. No. 37425 is still active with DRS, currently working on the Norwich to Great Yarmouth/Lowestoft passenger diagrams.

Each of our Area Sales Representatives have commissioned specific models to be produced for them which are only available from stockists within their geographical area. Details of the areas from which each model is available can be found in the relevant news story.