British Rail Class 56 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 56
Electroputere-built 56006 at Doncaster in 2003 painted in rail blue livery
Power type	Diesel-electric
Builder	Electroputere (56001–56030) BREL (56031–56135)
Build date	1976–1984
Total production	135
Configuration	Co-Co
UIC classification	Co'Co'
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Length	63 ft 6 in (19.35 m)
Width	9 ft 2 in (2.79 m)
Height	12 ft 9 in (3.89 m)
Locomotive weight	123 long tons (125 t)
Fuel capacity	1,150 imp gal (5,200 L; 1,380 US gal)
Prime mover	Ruston-Paxman 16RK3CT
Multiple working	◆ Red Diamond
Top speed	80 mph (129 km/h)
Power output	Engine: 3,250 bhp (2,424 kW)
Tractive effort	Maximum: 61,800 lbf (275 kN)
Train heating	None
Locomotive brakeforce	59 long tons-force (588 kN)
Train brakes	Air
Career	British Rail EWS Fastline
Number	56001–56135
Axle load class	Route availability 7

The British Rail Class 56 is a type of diesel locomotive designed for heavy freight work. It is a Type 5 locomotive, with a Ruston-Paxman power unit developing 3,250bhp (2,423kW), and has a Co-Co wheel arrangement. The fleet was introduced between 1976 and 1983.

The first thirty locomotives (Nos.56001-56030) were built by Electroputere in Romania, but these suffered from poor construction standards, and many were withdrawn from service early. The remaining 105 locomotives were built by BREL at Doncaster Works (Nos.56031 to 56115) and Crewe Works (Nos.56116 to 56135). Enthusiasts nicknamed them "Grids", likely due to the grid-like horn cover on the locomotive's cab ends. The 'Grid' name was given due to the fact that class 56 locomotives were the main motive power used on merry-go-round coal deliveries to national grid power stations.

Images for kids

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  56115 on a railtour.

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  Fastline 56303 passing Kingsthorpe, just north of Northampton station, 13 June 2007

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  A convoy of diesel locomotives led by two Class 56s at UK Rail Leasing base at Leicester, April 2016

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  56049 on display at Old Oak Common Depot open day in 2017.