A very special Grid has arrived at Rainbow Railways.

Cavalex Models has today revealed its latest OO Gauge Class 56 – 56006 in BR Blue – and both the DCC Ready and DCC Sound Fitted versions are available to order now from Rainbow Railways.

But this isn't simply another Class 56 release. 56006 holds a unique place in British railway history as the first member of the Class 56 fleet to enter service with British Rail.

The First Class 56 to Enter BR Service

During the 1970s, British Rail identified a need for a new generation of powerful freight locomotives, particularly to handle the enormous volumes of coal being moved between Britain's collieries and power stations.

The first 30 Class 56 locomotives were constructed by Electroputere at Craiova in Romania, with subsequent members of the class being constructed in Britain.

56006 was one of those original Romanian-built locomotives.

After travelling across Europe to Zeebrugge and then by train ferry to Harwich, the locomotive was moved to Tinsley for commissioning. Problems affecting the first Romanian-built locomotives resulted in extensive rectification work being required before they could enter traffic.

On 25 February 1977, 56006 was finally accepted into traffic by British Rail.

In doing so, 56006 became the first Class 56 to enter BR service.

From Tinsley to Britain's Coal Network

Initially allocated to Tinsley, 56006 was soon employed on exactly the work for which the new Class 56 fleet had been designed.

Merry-go-round coal trains became a staple of the locomotive's working life, moving coal from the extensive network of South Yorkshire collieries to major power stations including Ferrybridge, Eggborough and Drax.

That association was eventually recognised in January 1995 when 56006 received the name “Ferrybridge C Power Station”.

Despite its heavy freight pedigree, 56006 wasn't restricted entirely to freight.

Over the years it was called upon to haul passenger services, including locomotive-hauled drags when engineering work prevented electric traction from operating. It also appeared on enthusiast railtours including the Cattal Grid, Marching Cat and Desert Mule.

56006 Returns to BR Blue

Over its working life, 56006 wore several of the liveries most closely associated with the Class 56.

It began life in BR Blue before subsequently appearing in original Railfreight Grey, Railfreight Triple Grey with Coal sub-sector branding and the distinctive black and orange colours of Loadhaul.

Then, in August 1999, EWS returned 56006 to BR Blue ahead of the EWS Classic Traction Event at the East Lancashire Railway the following month.

After the event, 56006 joined a number of locomotives in the EWS heritage fleet, celebrating the history of the locomotive classes inherited by the company.

It gave 56006 something of a celebrity status during the final years of widespread Class 56 operation, with the locomotive becoming an ambassador for the increasingly scarce Grids.

It is this BR Blue EWS-era appearance that Cavalex Models has recreated with its new OO Gauge model.

From Mainline Service to Preservation

56006 remained in service until December 2003, only a few months before EWS withdrew its remaining Class 56 fleet in March 2004.

Thankfully, that wasn't the end of 56006.

Following withdrawal, the locomotive spent time at Barrow Hill and UKRL's Leicester Depot before being purchased by the Class 56 Group in November 2012.

56006 subsequently moved to the East Lancashire Railway, where it continues to be cared for by a dedicated team of Class 56 Group volunteers.

Today, 56006 is the sole preserved Class 56 locomotive, giving it an especially important role in representing a class that was once such a familiar sight on Britain's heavy freight railway.

A Model That Helps Support the Real 56006

There is an additional and particularly worthwhile element to the Cavalex 56006 project.

Cavalex Models will be making a donation to the Class 56 Group from the proceeds of sales of these models.

The Class 56 Group was formed in 1992 by enthusiasts who wanted to see examples of this important class preserved for future generations. Having owned 56040, 56301 and 56006 over the years, the group's efforts are now concentrated on the preservation and continued care of 56006.

That means purchasing the new Cavalex model doesn't simply give you the opportunity to own a miniature recreation of an historically important locomotive – sales of the models are also helping support the group responsible for looking after the real 56006.

Cavalex 56006 – Available Now

Cavalex has produced 56006 in OO Gauge in two versions:

DCC Ready
Catalogue Number: CM-56006-BRBEWS

DCC Sound Fitted
Catalogue Number: CM-56006-BRBEWS-SF

Both versions depict 56006 in the BR Blue livery applied by EWS and carried during the locomotive's final years of mainline service.

Both models are available to order now from Rainbow Railways.

50 Years of the Class 56

The timing of this release makes 56006's story particularly relevant.

2026 marks 50 years since the first members of the Class 56 fleet arrived in Britain.

Then, on 25 February 2027, another important milestone will be reached – 50 years since 56006 became the first Class 56 to enter service with British Rail.

From its arrival from Romania and decades hauling some of Britain's heaviest freight trains to its EWS heritage role and eventual preservation, 56006 has earned a unique place in the Class 56 story.

The new Cavalex model celebrates that history while also helping support the locomotive's future.

A very special Grid – and one we're delighted to have available at Rainbow Railways.