Cavalex ‘Grid’ milestone reached

DEVELOPMENT of the first ‘OO’ gauge locomotive model by Cavalex Models reached a significant point in July, with the first operational pre-production samples arriving for assessment and tests.

The project will see all variants of the Class 56 produced with the differing features of each production batch being incorporated in the models for greater authenticity rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach with a few add-on details. The tooling is designed to allow all 135 examples of the class to be modelled accurately.

Testing and evaluation has been taking place, including extensive reallife layout tests on Mike Buicks ‘Oak Road’ layout (//oak-road.co.uk) where the test models worked various trains. Some areas needing tweaking have been identified, which is usually the case for a new model at this stage of the production cycle. Livery samples are due once the tweaks have been incorporated in the model’s design.

The Cavalex Class 56 starts at £189.95 with preordering available through its network of retailers – visit www.cavalexmodels.com

Romanian-built Class 56 pre-production sample showing its etched metal fittings. The models are at the assessment stage before livery samples are authorised.

Development of the Class 56 is a sensible move by Cavalex Models as the perfect locomotive to go with its expanding range of ‘OO’ gauge freight wagons.