Cavalex Models to produce Class 56 for 'OO'

Cavalex Models has shared CAD images of its next production model, depicting the Class 56 locomotives. Described as in a "significantly advanced stage and in tooling", development of locomotives is said to have been underway for a few years.

All variants of the 56 are promised, to accurately cover all 135 locomotives produced between 1976 and 1984. The Cavalex 56 has been designed from scratch, based on original works drawings from Electroputere and BREL.

Commenting on the announcement, Cavalex Models said, "We have incorporated numerous innovations into the model which we’re looking forward to showcasing. While the '56' has been released by other manufacturers in the past, it was an obvious choice for us given the prototypes ran with all of our released and forthcoming wagons. Being '56' fans, we wanted to capture the distinct differences between the four main versions of the ‘Grid’. We have deliberately chosen prototypes that don’t conflict with existing models of the class, while also releasing liveries never seen in 4mm:1ft scale. This extends to liveries not seen on certain versions – for example Red Stripe Railfreight on a Romanian-built Class 56."

The specification of models is as follows:

• Separately-fitted parts, including multi-part bogies for detail relief
• Photo-etched grilles
• All-wheel pick-up
• Alloy chassis for haulage capabilities
• Five-pole motor with twin flywheels, geared for prototypical running speeds with slow speed control
• 21-pin DCC interface, with easy DCC fitting provision
• DCC sound and stay alive options
• Provision for an EM2 speaker in the chassis as standard
• Drop-in EM/P4 wheelset packs available to order separately to coincide with the release of the model
• Motor-operated roof fans via a function output on DCC, or when moving on DC
• Etched name plates supplied
• Both standard and revised cantrail grill options depending on prototype

The initial production run promises locomotives in the following guises, artwork for which can be found on the manufacturer's website:

• 56008 - BR Blue – (CM - 56008 - BRB)
• 56018 - EWS - (CM - 56018 - EWS)
• 56019 - Red Stripe railfreight - (CM - 56019 - RSR)
• 56023 - Coal Sector - (CM - 56023 - TGCS)
• 56046 - Construction Sector - (CM - 56046 - TGC)
• 56055 - Loadhaul - (CM - 56055 - LH)
• 56070 - BR Blue - (CM - 56070 - BRB)
• 56074 - Coal Sector - “Kellingley Colliery” - (CM - 56074 - TGCS)
• 56077 - Original Railfreight - (CM - 56077 - OR)
• 56093 - Large Logo - Tinsley Celebrity - (CM - 56093 - LL)
• 56097 - Metals sector - (CM - 56097 - TGM)
• 56120 - Large Logo - (CM - 56120 - LL)

For full details, including current pricing and availability, visit the Cavalex Models website.