Newsdesk: All-new ‘OO' Class 56

In the biggest news story of the month, Cavalex Models whips the covers off its newest project which is reported as having entered the tool room.

RENDERS for a brand-new and highly detailed model of the Class 56 locomotive in ‘OO' gauge caused quite a stir on social media during June. Cavalex Models has been quietly working on the project for a few years to the point where it is in the tool room.

It is a breath-taking project in terms of its scope for any manufacturer to attempt. Given that a truly scale representation of the Class 56 remains to be produced in ‘OO' gauge, with all of the subtle variations that appeared in the fleet of 135 locomotives, the news has been widely welcomed.

One of the reasons for selecting the Class 56 as its first diesel electric locomotive model is that the full size locomotives have hauled, in regular service, the very wagons either released or currently being developed by Cavalex Models, including the MGR family of wagons commissioned by two retailers (www.trains4u.com and www.kmsrailtech.co.uk).

Four variants

The scope of the Class 56 project is vast, with a wide and varied collection of tools required to represent all four of the main types. From the Romanianbuilt batch through to the final design constructed at BREL Crewe, there are a lot of details to consider, from the type of radiator grille through to cabside windows and handrails.

Modifications made to the fleet as they entered the Privatisation era are also included in the tooling programme, with the revised shoulder grilles being offered on some models where appropriate. Tooling is designed to layer up areas which need depth for authenticity such as the bogie sideframes and underframe equipment. Separate etched metal allows modelling of the different pattern of grille whilst the bufferbeams, cab front detail and cab interiors will be built up using separately moulded components.

Specification

Cavalex Models aims to include additional features to the model including motorised rotating cooling fans which will rotate when the model is running on DCC power or controlled through a function output through the 21-pin DCC interface socket. Provision for a digital sound speaker will be made in the chassis whilst DCC sound and ‘stay alive' options are under consideration.

The drive train is powered in the usual manner for such models, with a frame-mounted five-pole motor and twin flywheel arrangement powering all wheels of both bogies. Gearing is designed for realistic operation and good slow speed control, whilst optional ‘EM' and ‘P4' drop-in wheel sets will be available to order upon release.

Nine liveries

To satisfy the needs of most modellers there will be nine different liveries from the late 1970s to the EWS era, applied to 12 models covering all four Class 56 builds. Cavalex Models has been keen to avoid duplication with previously issued liveries and has selected locomotive and livery combinations yet to be offered in model form. Care will be taken with research to ensure the livery details are an accurate match to the locomotive and its specific detail.

No pricing information has been released as yet, nor has any delivery schedule been mentioned. However, Cavalex is making the model ‘retail only' through its network of eight retailers.

For more information, visit www.cavalexmodels.com.

A brand-new collection of models covering the four main builds of the Class 56 in ‘OO’ gauge have been announced by Cavalex Models, including the later BREL Doncaster and BREL Crewe built locomotives.

The render of the Romanian-built Class 56 with round Oleo buffers and the distinctive cab quarter light windows.

A cross-section of the nine liveries being offered on the first batch of 12 locomotives, which includes two versions of particularly important liveries such as BR rail blue and Coal Sector livery.

An extensive collection of tools will be used to model small but significant detail differences between locomotives, including different cab hand rails, running light housings and bufferbeam cowls.

Side and roof grilles will be composed of etched metal with the correct mesh depending on the locomotive build.

Small details will include bufferbeam fittings and locomotive-specific details which will be time related to match the applied liveries.

Etched metal grilles will allow the modelling of the correct internal bodyshell bracing. The cooling fans will be motorised and geared for realistic rotation with control through a decoder function output.

Depth will be created in the bogie and underframe with separately tooled small components.