Notable Class 37 Restoration Recreates Iconic British Rail Livery

A high-profile railway restoration project saw a Class 37 locomotive returned to its celebrated British Rail Large Logo-era appearance. Broons.Co recreated and installed historically accurate graphics using archive references and cut vinyl graphics produced from Metamark M7 White.

Challenge
The Save The Train restoration project aimed to return a Class 37 locomotive to service for heritage rail tours while faithfully recreating one of British Rail’s most recognisable historic liveries. The restoration attracted significant public interest, including involvement from rail enthusiast and content creator Francis Bourgeois. Media coverage accelerated the restoration from a typical two-year restoration schedule to approximately six months. Historical accuracy was essential and required graphics to be recreated from archive photographs, drawings and other trusted reference material.

Solution
Broons.Co was tasked with reproducing the locomotive’s exterior graphics package, including the distinctive Large Logo branding, arrow motifs and stag insignia featured on the original livery. Working from archived source material, the team interpreted and recreated graphics that reflected the locomotive’s appearance during the Large Logo era. The graphics were produced as cut vinyl from Metamark M7 White and applied to newly painted surfaces, providing a crisp and durable finish while remaining faithful to the original design intent.

Result
The completed locomotive successfully recaptured the visual character of a significant period in British railway history. Modern cut-vinyl graphics enabled the restoration team to achieve a clean, accurate finish that closely reflected the original livery while supporting the project’s demanding timetable. With restoration nearing completion, the locomotive is expected to return to service on heritage rail tours, allowing enthusiasts to experience a recreated piece of railway history in operation once again. And that spine-tingling Class 37 roar.