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Traction & Rolling Stock Recognition - Illustrations

Class 56

See Technical Data

One of the Romanian-built locos No. 56012 is shown (left) from its No. 2 end at Doncaster soon after delivery. As can be seen from the buffer beam no provision was made for train supply and only air brakes provided. The view right shows locos 56004/006, these demonstrate the two different front end designs found on the fleet, originally the first 55 has small horn boxed and recessed lights and the remainder large horn boxed and mounted lights. However over the years due to collision damage repairs, many early locos now sport revised front ends. Both: CJM.

Class 56 front end layout, applicable to both designs. The final loco of the small grille design is illustrated. A-NRN radio aerial, B-headlight, C-horn grille, D-tail light, E-marker light, F-multiple control jumper socket, G-multiple control jumper cable, H-lamp iron, I-main reservoir air pipe, J-air brake pipe, K-engine control air pipe. CJM.

Class 56 side elevation, No. 1 end on the right. Main equipment positions are: A-electricial control cubicle, B-alternator compartment, C-power unit compartment, D-radiator compartment, E-sandbox, F-air compressor, G-battery box, H-fuel tank, I hinged roof section to provide entry to power unit, J-cooler group fans. This loco, No. 56036 also shows the 'more yellow' paint style. CJM.

Left: By 1985 locos were emerging from works overhauls painted in grey livery with wrap around yellow ends, as shown here on No. 56049, viewed from its No. 2 end. This loco has the Railfreight name on the cab side.
Right: The launch of the trainload freight businesses saw a new livery launched in October 1987, shown here on No. 56001 carrying the Trainload Construction markings. Both: CJM.

In the period of shadow privatisation, Loadhaul Freight painted a handful of locos in the company black, orange and yellow colours, seen here on No. 56045 from its No. 1 (cooler group) end. This loco while retaining the small horn grilles has a larger headlight. No. 56045 is seen at Doncaster Works. CJM.

In later years the standard colour for the Class 56 fleet is EWS maroon and gold, as shown here on No. 56103. This loco like several members of the fleet is named, these are applied in different positions depending on livery. No. 56103 also sports some slight roof modifications at the bear end, carried out by Brush during a programme to improve performance by altering internal air flows. No. 56103 is seen at Merehead. CJM.

Class 56/3 No. 56301 painted in Fastline Freight livery. FLF

Last Updated: 31 August 2006