🚆 Cavalex Announce New Class 56s + Rails Exclusives
Posted by Jack Morgan on
Following on from the launch of the successful first batch of Class 56s in OO gauge, Cavalex have announced a second run of nine models for release in Q3 2025. Cavalex have selected new liveries to complement their existing range but are also to launch new variations never seen before in OO gauge!
Alongside this, we are excited to reveal a trio of EXCLUSIVE models in BR blue and large logo blue liveries - available only at Rails of Sheffield!
Taking on feedback from the first run, Cavalex have made a few small improvements to the Class 56 for the second production run, namely the bogie pivot centre which on the production models was circa 1mm to far back, and also pushing the factory to match the triple grey roof more closely to the paint samples supplied. The kinematic coupler has also been redesigned to improve operational performance.
Pre-Order Now - Exclusives
Alongside the newly announced batch 2 of the Cavalex Class 56 models we are delighted to announce 2 new Class 56s exclusive to Rails of Sheffield. Plus another new announcement as part of the Railway Icons range in conjunction with Locomotion Models.
Class 56 133 'Crewe Locomotive Works' and BR Blue No.56036 (Large Logo) are to be released alongside the models listed below and require a £30.00 deposit when pre ordering.
Launched exclusively with Locomotion Models as part of our Railway Icons range is the Class 56 BR Blue 'Richard Trevithick' No.56037 to be released alongside the other models listed here and require a £30.00 deposit when pre ordering.
Pre-Order Now - Main Range
Product Features
Highly detailed model with separately fitted parts including handrails, lamp irons, etched grilles, full bogie & underframe details and much more
Digital & Sound capability - 21-pin socket (via easy-access panel) and pre-fitted ESU speaker
Full independent lighting including parked/ yard/ light engine/ 'on train' modes as well as cab lights - with realistic brightness levels
5-pole motor with twin flywheels and low ratio gearbox for prototypical running speeds
Power bank for uninterrupted running
Hall sensors for adjustable automated flange squeal on sound fitted models
Accurate tooling variations for UK/ Romanian built examples and loco-specific differences
Prototype Information
The British Rail Class 56 is a type of diesel locomotive designed for heavy freight work. It is a Type 5 locomotive, with a Ruston-Paxman power unit developing 3,250 bhp and has a Co-Co wheel arrangement. Enthusiasts nicknamed them "Gridirons" (or "Grids" for short), due to the grid-like horn cover on the locomotive's cab ends fitted to nos. 56056 onwards.
The first 30 locomotives were built by Electroputere in Romania, but these typically suffered from poor construction standards and many were withdrawn from service early for extensive rebuilding before re-entering revenue service. The remaining 105 locomotives were built by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL).
The Class 56 proved to be a strong and capable locomotive type but its maintenance requirements and costs were relatively high compared to its contemporaries and modern locomotive classes. Despite this, several can still be seen in mainline use, with a trio of locomotives also preserved.