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.
All axle pickup with centre floating axle to improve the model’s road holding and performance over traditional pick up wipers .
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 button below to view these retailers at the bottom of the original 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