Class 56
The BR Class 56s were introduced in 1976 for heavy freight traffic and were built by Electroputere in Romania as well as Doncaster and Crewe works. In total 135 were built and some remain in service today. Read our full collection of Class 56 modelling news, features and reviews here covering models from Hornby and Cavalex Models for 'OO' gauge, Heljan for 'O' gauge and Dapol for 'N' gauge.
VIDEO: Cavalex Models Class 56 and wagon projects update
Cavalex Models visited the Key Model World Workshop to showcase the latest version of the sound file for its all-new 'OO' gauge Class 56 together with decorated samples of its PHA and JHA bogie wagons. Join us for exclusive video and sign up to read our full feature.
MIKE WILD
Dapol upgrades ‘N’ gauge ‘Grid’
Dapol has confirmed that it is to upgrade its ‘N' gauge Class 56 Co-Co diesel with new body tooling.
MARK CHIVERS
Enhancing a Hornby Class 56 with weathering
The Hornby Class 56 made its debut in early 2009 and weathering gives this heavy freight workhorse the realistic appearance it really needs. MIKE WILD shows how in this Key Model World exclusive step by step guide.
MIKE WILD
How to install Hornby Triplex sound in the Class 56
A new breed of Bluetooth sound chip is here with the arrival of Hornby’s Triplex Sound decoders. MIKE WILD installs the 8-pin variant in a Hornby Class 56 and explains the set up process step by step.
MIKE WILD
Cavalex adds GBRf railtour 56s
Cavalex Models has confirmed plans to add a further pair of all-new ‘OO’ gauge Class 56 diesels to its release plans, representing the ‘Grids’ that worked UK Railtours’ recent Class 56 Farewell railtour. Read the full story and watch our Cavalex Class 56 project update video here.
MARK CHIVERS
Hornby updates its ‘Grid’
The Class 56 has had a small refresh for its latest outing in the Hornby range. MIKE WILD checks out the new arrival in the shape of BR blue 56047.
Mike Wild.
VIDEO: Lineside on the East Coast Main Line
Join Mike Wild as he follows a selection of main line movements on the East Coast Main Line around Peterborough across the summer, exclusively on KeyModelWorld.
MIKE WILD
NATIONAL ‘GRIDS’ - THE CLASS 56
The Class 56 is one of only a few British diesel locomotive classes to be designed specifically for heavy freight work and has nowadays largely disappeared from the network - although those that remain could have an interesting future. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES explains all.
Heljan’s heavy weight ‘Grid’ Class 56 for 'O' gauge
The 3,300hp Class 56s brought new power to Britain’s freight traffic and a distinctive engine note with their turbo charged Ruston Paxman engine. MIKE WILD inspects Heljan’s eagerly awaited first ready-to-run model of the Type 5 for ‘O’ gauge.
Cavalex confirms ‘Grid’ price
Development work on Cavalex Models’ all-new ‘OO’ gauge Class 56 Co-Co diesel is reported to be progressing well, with first shots from the moulds expected for assessment shortly.