Deafening Class 37 Diesel Thrash! No. 37688 Shakes Whitby Harbour at Full Power as it Thunders Away

Locomotive: British Rail Class 37/5 No. 37688 (Great Rocks)
Constructed by English Electric at the Vulcan Foundry in Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire in December 1963 (works number EE/VF3383/D849, originally entering British Railways traffic as D6905, later renumbered under TOPS as 37205, and comprehensively refurbished and re-engineered at Crewe Works in 1987 into heavy-freight specification as 37688), 37688 is a 63-year-old Co-Co diesel-electric locomotive operated by D05 Preservation in association with Locomotive Services Group. Powered by a 1,750 hp (1,305 kW) English Electric 12CSVT 12-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine driving English Electric traction motors, the locomotive produces a maximum starting tractive effort of 55,500 lbf (247 kN), an operational top speed of 80 mph (130 km/h) on re-geared CP7 bogies, and an overall ballasted heavy-freight operating weight of 112 tonnes (110 imperial tons). Affectionately nicknamed a "Tractor" by enthusiasts for its unmistakable, deep rhythmic exhaust beat and distinctive turbocharger whistle, 37688 is turned out in authentic Trainload Freight Construction triple-grey livery, featuring dark grey upper bodywork, flint grey lower bodysides, a dark roof, full high-visibility yellow warning front ends, the construction subsector insignia, and cast bodyside nameplates proudly reading Great Rocks with matching plaques commemorating its historic limestone haulage from the Peak District.

7-Car British Railways Lined Maroon Mark 1 Coaching Rake
Coupled behind Class 37 No. 37688 is an immaculate seven-coach passenger rake of preserved British Railways Standard Mark 1 corridor carriages, beautifully finished in authentic British Railways lined maroon livery. The coaches showcase classic period coachlining consisting of a thin yellow line running directly above the top of the windows and a broader yellow waistline stripe beneath the windows featuring a distinctive black centre line. Comprising an authentic formation of open standards, corridor compartments, and brake stock with pristine paintwork and polished fittings, this heritage rake provides traditional mid-century travel comfort for hundreds of passengers travelling along the scenic through-route between Whitby and Pickering.

Thrashing Out of Whitby Harbour Towards Pickering
Seen in 8K 16:9 widescreen departing Whitby on a scenic through-service across the moors to Pickering, English Electric Class 37 No. 37688 (Great Rocks) puts on a breathtaking display of raw diesel power alongside Whitby Harbour on a warm summer's afternoon on Saturday, 12th of September 2026 at 17:19. Notching straight up into full throttle as it leaves Whitby station, the 63-year-old veteran shakes the picturesque seaside quayside with deafening 12CSVT diesel thrash and high-pitched turbo whine. Hauling the heavy 7-car lined maroon Mark 1 rake with absolute authority, 37688 accelerates aggressively along the upper harbour and the River Esk, thundering towards the Esk Valley Line and Grosmont on its ascent to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

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