CHANGE is in the air in the rail industry, and this is certainly the case at Direct Rail Services.
A reliance on older traction has been replaced by a desire to use more environmentally friendly and reliable traction.
Popular with enthusiasts they may be, but the Class 20s, ‘37s’, ‘47s’ and even ‘57s’, which served DRS so well since it began operating in 1995, have required replacing. As the business evolves, so the need for traction that meets improved environmental standards is vital. This is why the Class 68s and ‘88s’ were ordered, and why more new traction is on the horizon.
This is also the reason why the days are increasingly numbered for the remaining ‘37s’ and ‘57s’ operated by DRS and why even the 19 Class 66s used by the company could be replaced in the not-too-distant future.
There have already been multiple disposals in recent months with several Class 20s, ‘37s’ and ‘57s’ sold as well as coaching stock used to support various passenger contracts. However, a planned sale and leaseback of the Class 37 fleet was cancelled, but this decision could yet be reversed once a full assessment of DRS’ requirements is made.
Even now the current DRS fleet varies in age. The oldest Class 37, No. 37069, dates from July 17, 1962, while the oldest Class 57, No. 57002, was released into traffic in 1998 after conversion from No. 47322. That
