BR Class 37 in Train Sim World 7

A classic British diesel returns

The BR Class 37 is one of Britain’s most iconic diesel locomotives. Built from 1960 to 1965 by English Electric at their Vulcan Foundry in Newton-le-Willows, the Class 37 was a staple of British Rail’s diesel fleet for decades. It was designed for both passenger and freight work, and its distinctive noise and character have made it a favourite among railway enthusiasts.

In Train Sim World 7, the Class 37/0 is being developed by PixelPunk Studios as part of the Northern Trans-Pennine Remastered add-on. This is PixelPunk’s first Train Sim World project, announced as a new developer in the August 2026 roadmap.

Class 37 announcement

Technical specifications

The Class 37/0 has the following key characteristics:

• Power: English Electric 16-cylinder 4-stroke diesel engine producing approximately 1,750 hp
• Transmission: DC traction motors (the /0 designation refers to the original DC motor variant)
• Speed: Maximum speed of 90 mph (145 km/h)
• Tractive effort: High starting tractive effort suited to freight and passenger work
• Era: Introduced in 1960, representing early British Rail diesel technology

The /0 designation specifically refers to the original production batch with DC traction motors. Later variants (Class 37/5 and others) were re-engined with different power plants, but the /0 represents the pure original specification.

DC vs AC traction motors

An important distinction in Class 37 variants is the traction motor type:

• Class 37/0: Original DC traction motors, introduced 1960-1965
• Later variants: Some were re-engined or modified over their operational life

PixelPunk Studios is developing the Class 37/0 specifically, representing the original DC motor variant with its characteristic performance curve. The DC motors give the locomotive a different feel from modern AC drive systems, with different acceleration characteristics and a more direct connection between throttle and traction.

Northern Trans-Pennine Remastered

The Class 37/0 is being developed alongside the Northern Trans-Pennine Remastered route from PixelPunk Studios. This is described as a voted-as-the-highest-requested remaster from Train Sim World player surveys, and PixelPunk is bringing significant improvements:

• Major scenery overhaul with rebuilt towns and cities including Dewsbury, Huddersfield, and Batley
• Lighting upgrades across the route
• Rolling stock upgrades to the latest Train Sim World 7 standards
• Track shadow upgrades and improved trackside foliage

The Class 37/0 pack will include:

• New Class 37/0 locomotive
• Brand-new timetable with Northern Trans-Pennine operations
• VAA (general purpose goods van with self-weighing) wagons
• OBA (drop-side open wagon) wagons
• Support for both passenger and freight operations on the remastered route

The timetable will include passenger, empty stock, freight, and engineering movements, plus unique Railtours that appear at different times of year combining steam and diesel stock.

A new developer: PixelPunk Studios

PixelPunk Studios is making their Train Sim World debut with Northern Trans-Pennine Remastered and the Class 37/0. The August 2026 roadmap describes them as a new third-party developer bringing fresh perspective to the series.

PixelPunk’s focus on the Northern Trans-Pennine route — one of the most beloved in Train Sim World history — is significant. Their planned improvements to scenery, lighting, and rolling stock suggest a thorough remaster rather than a simple port.

Release status

The Class 37/0 has no confirmed release date. It is listed as in development by PixelPunk Studios on the August 2026 roadmap alongside the Northern Trans-Pennine Remastered route. Track its progress on the roadmap.

Related pages

• Trains Hub — explore the full locomotive roster
• Northern Trans-Pennine Remastered — the route the Class 37 will serve
• Standard Locomotives — launch-day traction