This month marks 50 years since the first Class 56 diesel locomotives arrived in the UK for testing and class acceptance, and it’s an anniversary with a particularly strong connection to us here at Rails of Sheffield.
The first two locomotives, 56001 and 56002, arrived in Britain during August 1976 and were sent to Tinsley Depot in Sheffield for trials, while further members of the class were prepared and commissioned at Barrow Hill near Chesterfield. That means an important early chapter in the Class 56 story happened right on our doorstep. Built with heavy freight at the heart of their design, the Class 56s went on to become some of the most distinctive and hard-working diesel locomotives on the network, closely associated with coal, steel and other demanding freight traffic for decades.
So, to celebrate their 50th anniversary, we’re giving you TRIPLE Rails Rewards Points on every in-stock Cavalex Models OO Gauge Class 56 purchased this weekend only! Whether you’re after BR Blue, Railfreight or one of the later liveries, it’s a great time to add one of these superb models to your fleet and earn three times the usual points at the same time.
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.
In Stock Now - Exclusive to Rails of Sheffield
Alongside the new batch of the Cavalex Class 56 models we are delighted to reveal 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 released alongside the models listed below.
In Stock Now - Railway Icons Exclusives
Releases exclusively with Locomotion Models as part of our Railway Icons range is the Class 56 BR Blue 'Richard Trevithick' No.56037 and arrives alongside the other models listed.
In Stock Now - Main Range
DCC SOUND UPGRADE KITS ALSO NOW IN STOCK
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.