Built at Vulcan Foundry in August 1963, the locomotive was delivered to British Rail as D6889. It was first allocated to Landore Depot (Swansea).
In May 1974 under TOPS numbering it became 37169, and was allocated to Tinsley depot where it was based from 1973 until 1987, when it became 37674 under the refurbishment program.
The ‘37’ was then based at Laira and worked for Railfreight Distribution as one of the St Blazey outbased China Clay locomotives, before being converted to carry sandite in 1999 and working variously off Cardiff.
Withdrawn in December 2004 it was purchased for preservation by Graham Harris in May 2007 moving to Kirby Stephen before arriving onto the WR to have the restoration completed early in 2014.
It has been the target of cable thieves during restoration.
It is one of four locomotives that moved to the WR from Kirkby Stephen, with 20169, 37146 and 47785 also making the journey this year. It is the first to be returned to traffic. The WR is home to a sizeable main line fleet, with 25313, 37250, 47540, 47715 also based there. The ‘47/7’ is owned by Harry Needle Railroad Company.
