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35 years ago today......

Cavalex Class 56 Project update with Hornby Magazine GBRF Class 56 Farewell Railtour Limited Edition Twin Pack Photo courtesy Alan Padley In 2018 GB Railfreight acquired 16 Class 56 locomotives from UK Rail Leasing to meet the increased demand for motive power as the company continued its growth in the sector. The plan was to rebuild the Class 56s based on the need to improve emissions, save costs through improved fuel economy and standardisation amongst the fleet. Classified as Class 69, the newly converted locomotives would incorporate various new parts including new engine and cooler group with the bogies and traction motors being retained but overhauled. In April 2019, GB Railfreight announced that ten locomotives had been ordered, with the option for an addition six more, which would be rebuilt by Progress Rail at its Longport facility. The first of the Class, 69001, was released from Longport in February 2021 and moved to the Severn Valley Railway for testing. 69002 followed in March of the same year and as of January 2023, the fleet currently stands at seven operational locomotives. To mark the end of Class 56 operations by GB Railfreight, UK Railtours in association with GBRf, arranged a final mainline railtour with two of GBRf’s Class 56 locomotives before the last of the fleet prepared for conversion to Class 69. Ahead of the Railtour, 56081 and 56098 were painted by local staff as a one-off before withdrawal, in B.R. Blue and Large Logo respectively. The locomotives looked resplendent in their retrospective British Rail liveries and are a credit to the staff involved. On the 14th of January 2023, 56081 and 56098 worked the GBRF Class 56 Farewell Tour from Wembley Central to Barrow Hill and return. To commemorate this event and due to the growing number of requests received for Cavalex to produce a limited number of models of these fine locomotives, we are delighted to announce that we will be offering 56081 and 56098 as a limited edition pair thanks to GB Railfreight. The GBRF Class 56 Farewell Railtour twin pack is available exclusively from our retailers listed below. Price for the double pack will be £379.90 for the DCC ready version, sound fitted price TBA. We hope to provide an update on the sound fitted version of our Class 56 at Model Rail Scotland later this month. ● Collett’s Models - https://www.collettsmodelshop.co.uk ● C&M Models - https://candmmodels.co.uk ● John Dutfield - https://www.johndutfieldmodelrailways.co.uk ● KMS Railtech - https://www.kmsrailtech.co.uk ● Rails of Sheffield - https://railsofsheffield.com ● Rainbow Railways - https://rainbowrailways.co.uk ● Trains4U - http://www.trains4u.com ● Ultimate Model Railways - https://ultimatemodelrailways.com We would like to pass on our thanks to GBRF, Bob Tiller and Tony Middleton for their help and support with producing these models.

THE FIRST AND THE LAST MERRY GO ROUND SET It was a very special moment for us when we were approached by Locomotion Models to produce the first and the last of the iconic MGR wagons, and we are delighted to announce that the first batch of these models have been delivered to Locomotion Models. The first prototype Merry Go Round Wagon (HAA) No. 350000 was built in Darlington in 1964 and the last (HDA) No. 368459 was built at Shildon Works. Both wagons have been authentically replicated in this exclusive set for modellers and collectors. The Merry Go Round concept proved an innovation which revolutionised the movement of coal from colliery to power station using automated loading and unloading at slow speeds to allow a continuous cycle between the collieries and power stations. The first and the last Merry Go Round set is a great way to celebrate a significant and influential period in British Rail’s history which saw over 10,000 wagons built working throughout the network across Wales, England and Scotland. The last of the Merry Go Round wagons were withdrawn in the late 2000s bringing an end to decades of valuable service, covering millions of miles, moving coal around the country. Locomotion Models will be contacting customers that have pre-ordered the models in due course. The first and the last Merry Go Round set can be purchased through the Locomotion Models website, please see the below link: https://www.locomotionmodels.com/exclusive-models/future-releases/first-and-last-mgr-set/the-first-and-the-last-merry-go-round-set

THE FIRST AND THE LAST MERRY GO ROUND SET It was a very special moment for us when we were approached by Locomotion Models to produce the first and the last of the iconic MGR wagons, and we are delighted to announce that the first batch of these models have been delivered to Locomotion Models. The first prototype Merry Go Round Wagon (HAA) No. 350000 was built in Darlington in 1964 and the last (HDA) No. 368459 was built at Shildon Works. Both wagons have been authentically replicated in this exclusive set for modellers and collectors. The Merry Go Round concept proved an innovation which revolutionised the movement of coal from colliery to power station using automated loading and unloading at slow speeds to allow a continuous cycle between the collieries and power stations. The first and the last Merry Go Round set is a great way to celebrate a significant and influential period in British Rail’s history which saw over 10,000 wagons built working throughout the network across Wales, England and Scotland. The last of the Merry Go Round wagons were withdrawn in the late 2000s bringing an end to decades of valuable service, covering millions of miles, moving coal around the country. Locomotion Models will be contacting customers that have pre-ordered the models in due course. The first and the last Merry Go Round set can be purchased through the Locomotion Models website, please see the below link: https://www.locomotionmodels.com/exclusive-models/future-releases/first-and-last-mgr-set/the-first-and-the-last-merry-go-round-set

The refuelling point concrete pad has now been lowered into the baseboard, the tracks leading to the fuel point need a slight tweak to line up, but nothing too major. I can now get the siding for the fuel deliveries in position and the road next to the shed. I have started assembling the Toton Fuel Line Store Maintenance Office kit, very nice it is too, which I hope to get finished soon. Hopefully over the coming weeks I can get a bit more progress made on the trackwork.

Happy New Year Class 60lover! The same to you. I too hope that I will be on here a bit more.....

Hi WCML100, sorry not as yet. It is on my list of jobs to do which seems to be growing by the day! I have not forgotten and will be looking at this over the coming weeks. Look forward to catching up at a show soon!

Thanks Bill to you and The Define team for a very enjoyable day and lots of tea! 56008 looked incredible running on Boston Frodsham, thanks to Mike and his team for giving it a run out. There is something about 008, I cannot put my finger on it, it just oozes Gridness! I can see me getting a few of these for my layout! Thanks again for organising the event and inviting us.

Well I missed yesterday's anniversary! Sadly not much progress has been made over the past year. The only real news of note is that I have finished the design for the concrete pad for the refuelling point and had the pieces laser cut. Now assembled and rail laid. The concrete pad needs lowering into the baseboard. In today's post arrived a Toton Fuel Line Store Maintenance Office kit from Railway Laser Lines. Perfect for the fuelling point! A really nice kit. Happy New Year to all RMWeb members!

Cavalex Class 56 Project Update The first four Cavalex Models’ Class 56 painted samples As the year ends and we approach 2023 our Class 56 project is moving closer to the final production stage. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase some of the features and details included on our model for people that were unable to visit The Great Electric Train Show or The Warley Show. Cavalex Models’ 56049 in Colas Railfreight livery, Series 2 Cab at the No 1 end Those that came to see us on our stand at Warley have had the chance to examine the impressive painted samples that we had on show and had a chance to discuss the locomotives in detail with the Cavalex Team. However, for those that weren’t able to visit, we want to showcase some of the features that we have incorporated into the model for you to enjoy. To start us off, as per the prototype, we have tooled all 4 different cab designs to match the real locomotive design (labelled by us as series 1, 2, 3 and 4), this allows the Cavalex 56 to reproduce all cabs in all combinations. As a result this gives us the ability to model crash damaged locomotives (such as 56049 shown below), which have acquired different cab designs at each end during their lives. Cavalex Models’ 56049 in Colas Railfreight livery, Series 3 Cab at the No 2 end 21 pin DCC interface 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 etc, without the need to remove the model from the track. Custom sound project recorded and programmed by ESU, which interacts with independently driven roof fans, each with its own quiet coreless motor, to authentically replicate the way that the real locomotive operates, under various loads and conditions. This combined with a custom selected bass and sugar cube dual speaker set-up will provide an authentic replication of the class 56 nostalgia. 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. Tread on cab kick plate and bogie step tread detail on Cavalex Models’ Class 56008 Realistically bright (or dim depending how you look at it) cab lighting, driver’s desk with individually printed dials and decorated full depth cab interior in differing colour schemes to represent the particular prototype being modelled. Hall sensors for fully adjustable automated flange squeal on sound fitted models which was first demonstrated to customers at the Rails of Sheffield open day in August 2022. 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, allowing modellers to replicate the slow speed loading and unloading of the iconic MGR hoppers (also available in our range) in model form. Cavalex Models’ 56008 in B.R. Blue livery. Removeable roof panel showing the 21 pin DCC interface, dip switch control for access to features for DC users. 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. NEM pocket blanking plates representing the 'grid' under the buffer beam. This not only hides the coupling box but also provides very secure fixing of the ‘grid’ which can then be removed later should the use of the coupling box need to be re-instated. Etched Roof fan (sat slightly proud of the roof as per the prototype with a clear gap beneath) and body side grille types represented by correct woven square mesh on the Romanian locos, and finer diamond mesh for British built locos. (Final etches not represented on photos as these are currently undergoing final finesse tweaks) Fully detailed cab interior of Cavalex Models’ Class 56 Completely ‘see through’ moulded cantrail roof grilles running the full length of the body. A first in 4mm RTR, the cantrail grilles are moulded in full relief, providing depth to these details that hasn’t been seen in 4mm scale before. 3D effect horn grills showing hints of the horns behind as per the real loco. Highly detailed and accurate underframe with numerous separately fitted parts. Full relief bogies with over 36 separately fitted detail parts per bogie. We are particularly proud of the detail and depth that has been achieved on these and are a masterpiece of modelling in their own right. For the first time in 4mm scale we have a class 56 bogie that is built just like the real thing, and accurately represents the bulk and heavy nature of an important feature of the locomotive. We are looking forward to seeing the models receive a nice layer of weathering to really highlight this feature! Individual details and finish that has been rigorously researched and applied to each model to represent the individual prototype as accurately as possible. Cavalex Models’ 56008 in B.R. Blue livery, Series 1 Cab at the No 1 end Below are further photographs of the sample models of the all new Cavalex class 56. We’re really proud of the samples so far and they truly represent the pride and effort that goes into our models from conception, through to design and into manufacture. With all of the latest electronics currently available packed into the Cavalex class 56, it is one of, if not the, most technologically capable locomotives available in 4mm scale to date. Not only does it faithfully recreate the shape of and features of the prototype across the four main variations, but it also provides the modeller with the very latest in lighting and control, which helps to make this model one of the all round leaders in the 4mm scale market. Cavalex Models’ 56093 in B.R. Large Logo livery, Series 4 Cab at the No 2 end With 14 versions currently announced, these locomotives are available to pre-order from our retailers, please click the link below to view these retailers at the bottom of the original class 56 announcement. Cavalex Class 56 Announcement The Cavalex Class 56 range Further updates on the progress and delivery of this project will be provided in due course. Happy new year from the Cavalex team. Cav & Alex

We would like to wish all of our customers and followers a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Thank you to everyone that has supported us over the past year. We are looking forward to 2023 in which we hope to deliver numerous projects to modellers, both announced and unannounced. Merry Christmas!

Well, it has taken a few months and longer than we had hoped, but the baseboards for Black Country Blues have been set up. Hopefully over the festive period we can get BCB properly set up and some power to the boards. I am already imagining some Class 56 action on HAAs, sorry Cav, 36 HAAs! Merry Christmas to All RMweb Members.

Cavalex Class 56s in action Livery samples of 56008 in B.R. Blue and 56049 in Colas Railfreight were given a chance to stretch their legs at last month’s Warley Show. We wanted to share some video clips of both locomotives in action. 56049 running on Deadmans Lane thanks to Mick Bryan. 56008 working on Redbridge Wharf thanks to Richard Sulzmann and The Winchester Railway Modellers. More video clips can be found on our YouTube channel, link below: Cavalex Models' YouTube Channel

Good morning Pete, Sorry for the delay in replying. 56008 will have the shorter as built handrails and painted blue on the final models. Hope that helps.

Post Warley Update – December 2022 Our post Warley update is now available on our website containing the latest news on each of our projects. Please click the below link to view the update: https://www.cavalexmodels.com/postwarley-update-december-2022

Post Warley Update – December 2022 Our post Warley update is now available on our website containing the latest news on each of our projects. Please click the below link to view the update: https://www.cavalexmodels.com/postwarley-update-december-2022

Post Warley Update – December 2022 Our post Warley update is now available on our website containing the latest news on each of our projects. Please click the below link to view the update: https://www.cavalexmodels.com/postwarley-update-december-2022

Post Warley Update – December 2022 Our post Warley update is now available on our website containing the latest news on each of our projects. Please click the below link to view the update: https://www.cavalexmodels.com/postwarley-update-december-2022

Post Warley Update – December 2022 Our post Warley update is now available on our website containing the latest news on each of our projects. Please click the below link to view the update: https://www.cavalexmodels.com/postwarley-update-december-2022

Our thanks to Warley Model Railway Club & Exhibition for a very enjoyable weekend at The NEC. It was great to display our Class 56 painted samples at the show and talk about the details and features included on the forthcoming models. Thank you to everyone that took the time to visit our stand over the weekend. Thanks also to Richard Sulzmann and The Winchester Railway Modellers, 56008 was allocated to a local freight working on Redbridge Wharf.

Thanks Mick for letting us run 049 on Deadmans Lane, sadly I didn't get a chance to see it running. I did wonder at one point if we would have to search your van before it left the hall! Looks right at home on DL.

The final teaser photo of 56008 ahead of this weekend’s Warley National Model Railway Exhibition. A lot of time and effort has been spent researching the Class 56 in order to best replicate the features and finer details of the prototype in the design of our model. As can be seen in the above photo showing the fine details that have been incorporated including; the kick plate, see-through cantrail grilles and the bogie with over 36 separately fitted detail parts alone per bogie! If you are attending the show, please visit our stand, B20, and have a look at the Class 56 samples and other projects that we have on display.

PHA/JYA bogie aggregate open box wagon OO - project update At DEMU Showcase back in July we announced with Ultimate Model Railways the Orenstein & Koppel Yeoman bogie aggregate open box wagon in OO. We are very excited to have received the first Engineering Prototype Samples which will be on display at this weekend’s Warley Show.

Cavalex Class 56 - Roof fan grille mesh Ahead of Warley we wanted to show some of the detail that has been included on our forthcoming Class 56. The first Engineering Prototype samples that we received in July were reviewed and comments passed to the factory for minor tooling tweaks and refinement. One of the areas that we were not happy with was the roof fan grille mesh. The mesh for both versions were redesigned and as can be seen from the photo of the roof of the Romanian built example 56008, the new etch really enhances the model with the authentic weave as per the prototype.