Atomic Systems

Last year (almost exactly one year to the day), I flew to southampton and got the train to Bournemouth. Not long after we left Southampton central and crossed the harbour, we passed a 37, powered up and in a siding, with a train attached (think it was mainly flatcars, I assumed it was for hauling rail sections or something).
It looked like it was in classic BR livery, blue with huge yellow nose.
At the time I just thought "wow, how lucky that on my first mainland rail trip in many years, I should catch sight of such an icon".

It was only much later that I wondered.....why the heck it was still in BR colours, or in service at all on the electric network.
I know the 37 lives on here and there, but in BR colours?

Maybe I was halucenating?


Any thoughts?

Sounds a bit like you spotted a DRS beastie!

http://nothenorm.fotopic.net/p44563537.html

Could it have been 37425? (or which ever one they painted Large Logo)

I don't think DRS operate in the SWT area, but EWS have been known to use 37s occasionally around Soton.

DRS have run several driver training trips, several have been this year, not sure about last year. DRS are taking over from EWS on the MOD trains from Marchwood.

Photos here:
http://andypicton.photos.us.com/c1359093.html

Andy.

I think that's the very creature you know. Backed up by the fact there appeared to be a party going on in the cab.....so it was indeed probably a training trip.