🚆 Cavalex Announce Additional Class 60 Model
Posted by Jack Morgan on
Cavalex are producing a newly tooled range of Class 60 diesel locomotives in OO gauge! This comprehensive new range covers the full history of 'BR's final locomotive' in all manner of colour schemes, with some exclusive to us here at Rails!
As part of the DEMU Showcase event, Cavalex have announced a couple of updates for this exciting new model - including the inclusion of a new innovative magnetic bufferbeam system for quickly adding/ removing detailing parts in one go. They have also announced the final variation in the lineup which showcases No. 60001 'Steadfast' in its original Railfreight Construction Sector livery.
You can also now pre-order deluxe weathered versions of Cavalex's forthcoming range of OO gauge Class 60s, replicating these heavy freight legends in accurate filthy conditions!
These custom weathered examples are only available at Rails and will be released shortly after the main range arrives in early 2025. These are to be produced in limited quantities so pre-ordering is highly recommended.
Pre-Order Now:
Newly Announced Versions
Decorated Samples Running Video
Hornby magazine recently showcased the current decorated samples in action!
'AMD' Magnetic Detailing
Cavalex have designed this new model to be as easy to use as possible, and as part of this have introduced the 'AMD' or 'Adaptable Magnetic Detail' solution. No body removal or screws are required to change the bufferbeam detail or ploughs on these new models.
Product Features:
21 pin DCC interface and innovative removable panel to allow for easy DCC chip installation and access to the comprehensive dip switch control for DC users, which allows access to all of the DCC functions for lighting, without the need to remove the model from the track.
Photo etched grilles throughout the model including body side, roof and etched grilles within the clean air bay.
A wealth of separately fitted parts across the model, including bogies which aren’t just one piece mouldings to allow for proper detail relief as well as the under frame.
Fully detailed model of the Class 60 engine room visible through the body side grilles.
Full independently controlled lighting, allowing for parked, yard, light engine, and ‘on train’ modes, with realistic levels of brightness and colour representative of the prototype being modelled. Prototypical day/night lighting configurations for the modern livery examples. Engine room and cab lighting independently controllable via DCC functions.
Hall sensors for fully adjustable automated flange squeal on sound fitted models. This feature automatically provides the characteristic screech as the wheels enter sharp curves. Not having to activate the sound manually only adds to the immersive effect whilst driving the locomotive.
Power bank providing smooth uninterrupted running, which combined with floating centre axles, allows trouble free road holding and power.
5 pole motor with twin flywheel and low ratio gearbox for prototypical running speeds typical of the class.
Provision to order drop-in wheelsets to easily convert the loco to EM and P4 gauges for those modellers that wish to showcase the unparalleled levels of detail and accuracy of the model with equally accurate trackwork.
Highly detailed and accurate underframe with numerous separately fitted parts.
Individual details and finish that has been rigorously researched and applied to each model to represent the individual prototype as accurately as possible.
DCC sound with custom ESU project for our factory fitted sound version and stay alive fitted to all models. EM1 type Speaker and additional sugar cube speaker in the chassis as standard for a balanced combination of low and high frequency sounds to accurately reproduce the prototype via a custom recorded sound project.
Etched name plates as appropriate to each model number.
Two styles of cab roof mounted horns to accurately recreate all prototypes.
Prototype Information
The fleet of Class 60 locomotives were built for British Rail by Brush Traction after they identified a need for high powered Type 5 diesels for use on the Trainload Freight sector. Following the subsequent privatisation of British Rail, the fleet passed to EWS and later spread around to other operators.
The fleet only operated during the final years of British Rail and after privatisation they became the property of EWS. The operator was reportedly unimpressed with their performance and much of the class were stored and sold onto other operators. The 60s saw a new lease of life in the late 2000s and 2010s in use with other operators and a portion were upgraded to 'Super 60s' by DB Schenker. During 2020, the first Class 60 was scrapped and one was also preserved.