Class 56 Group 56006 (56301 now transferred to DCR)

[ExRes]

56301 'enjoying' a visit to UKRL at Loughborough today behind 60055 on 1409 0Z60 Chaddesden to Loughborough Brush after failing again on 6Z45 last Friday

 

[Robin Procter]

I photographed Class56 081 passing through Eastleigh on 13th December 2023 dragging empty EMU stock with 69 008 on the tail.

Word among enthusiasts on the platform was that 081 was on her last run but I don't know the details.

 

[D365]

Word among enthusiasts on the platform was that 081 was on her last run but I don't know the details.

Not many people that ”know” the details. Even among those that work on Brush locomotives.

 

[BN 91119]

Posts on Class 56 Group facebook this evening

Post "Is it (301) still with DCR currently?"

Class 56 Group reply "Yes but not for much longer"

Post "Believe it's going to either Colas or GBRf"

If the C56G response and third post are correct I wonder if that means DCR have no further interest, temporarily or permanently, in 301

I’ve seen recently that apparently repairs to 56301 were authorised? Perhaps it’s referring to 56098 either going back to GBRf or back on hire to Colas?

 

[D365]

Unless somebody can advise otherwise, 301 is still at UKRL Loughborough.

 

[ExRes]

An update from the rather wobbly and work shy Class 56 Group website

"The problem (engine failure) has been investigated and engine repairs are expected to commence in the next weeks. Members will recall the sale of 56301 to Cappagh Group was dependent on the loco being operational. Discussions have taken place with DCR and the sale will be delayed until 56301 is operational and back in traffic"

 

[D365]

What of the wheels? I heard they’ve been knackered, too.

 

[ExRes]

What of the wheels? I heard they’ve been knackered, too.

No mention of the wheelsets from the Class 56 Group, they had an update in May which said that 301 was undergoing engine repairs at UKRL Loughborough which were expected to take 6 to 8 weeks, there would then be a loaded test before handover to Cappagh/DCR, this has been repeated on their facebook just a few days ago, if all goes well 301 could be back in the not too distant future, hopefully .........

I did read an uncorroborated report that it was 56091 that suffered wheelset damage, it's been at Leicester for some time now and has been placed in the stored pool

 

[ExRes]

An update from Class 56 Group

"56301 - repairs continue - power unit is being reassembled but can only be progressed so far until two specially made bearings are received. These were necessary as one of the journals on the crankshaft had to be reground which then required a non standard diameter bearing to be fitted. Bearings were on around a six week lead time and are expected around the end of September"

So still some time away from any return to the mainline

 

[GRALISTAIR]

An update from Class 56 Group

"56301 - repairs continue - power unit is being reassembled but can only be progressed so far until two specially made bearings are received. These were necessary as one of the journals on the crankshaft had to be reground which then required a non standard diameter bearing to be fitted. Bearings were on around a six week lead time and are expected around the end of September"

So still some time away from any return to the mainline

Thanks for the update.

 

[ExRes]

Is 56006 significant to the group due to it likely becoming the only surviving Romanian example in original condition?

I guess it's OK for 56006 to be mentioned on here as it's still the stable mate of 301 for the time being, reported on Class 56 Group website that 006 has been out for a short test run with no issues reported, further tidying up work is due this week and it's hoped that the loco will be running during the ELR Autumn Diesel Gala this coming weekend

 

[D365]

I guess it's OK for 56006 to be mentioned on here as it's still the stable mate of 301 for the time being, reported on Class 56 Group website that 006 has been out for a short test run with no issues reported, further tidying up work is due this week and it's hoped that the loco will be running during the ELR Autumn Diesel Gala this coming weekend

As this is your thread, you can rename the original post to ”56006 & 56301” if you so desire.

& thanks for providing the update. I like the inclusion of the Brush/BR wiring diagram in the YouTube thumbnail.

 

[ExRes]

Class 56 Group have reported that 56006 has been passed fit to run at the ELR Gala, a great result for a small group of dedicated people

 

[ExRes]

A successful time at the ELR Gala for 56006, it had some low power problems but managed all its rostered turns, the Class 56 Group website has plenty of information and there are stacks of photos to show how popular its appearance was, there are plans for it to work at the ELR on the 29th with 40145

 

[The_Train]

A successful time at the ELR Gala for 56006, it had some low power problems but managed all its rostered turns, the Class 56 Group website has plenty of information and there are stacks of photos to show how popular its appearance was, there are plans for it to work at the ELR on the 29th with 40145

I wouldn't have known it had any issues had I not read this. Sounded very well to me. Just a shame that heritage lines really restrict these type of locos as you never quite get the full effect of what a 56 can offer in terms of noise. But as I always say, it running anywhere is better than it not running at all and all involved with it can be mightily proud of the work they have done over the last few years to get it turning a wheel again.

 

[hexagon789]

I wouldn't have known it had any issues had I not read this. Sounded very well to me. Just a shame that heritage lines really restrict these type of locos as you never quite get the full effect of what a 56 can offer in terms of noise. But as I always say, it running anywhere is better than it not running at all and all involved with it can be mightily proud of the work they have done over the last few years to get it turning a wheel again.

Solenoid coil on the Engine Speed Valve 2 was intermittently failing under full voltage; when it fails essentially the loco can only produce half-power max because the valve won't open properly, so insufficient air pressure is sent to the engine governor, so in turn the engine won't develop the full amount of power requested.

 

[O8yityityit]

Solenoid coil on the Engine Speed Valve 2 was intermittently failing under full voltage; when it fails essentially the loco can only produce half-power max because the valve won't open properly, so insufficient air pressure is sent to the engine governor, so in turn the engine won't develop the full amount of power requested.

Is that straight from the C56G website?

 

[hexagon789]

Is that straight from the C56G website?

Their Facebook page.

 

[ExRes]

A mini message on Class 56 Group facebook dated 14th December

"Early in the New Year we should have an update on 56301 and our plans for 56006 at East Lancs so watch this space"

 

[D365]

Thanks for the update.

I will be hoping to see 56006 on display at the ELR’s ”Railway 200 Open House Day” on Saturday 18th January 2025.

 

[ExRes]

Although not yet on the Class 56 Group facebook, 56301 has just left Loughborough Brush as early running (1014) 1100 0Z57 to Rectory Junction (Colwick Colas) in company with 56103, presumably 301 must have some more work/testing to do, there are no schedules showing as yet for either 103 or 301 to leave Rectory Jct

 

[D365]

Has 301’s engine been refitted?!

 

[ExRes]

Has 301’s engine been refitted?!

Nothing I can find yet, but there are some photos on Flickr this morning of the pair on their way to Rectory Jct, 301 leading, with head and marker lights on, and I'm pretty sure I can see heat haze over 301, I'll take that firmly on advisement from Specsavers though Hopefully just visiting Rectory Jct for some fiddling and tickling, or whatever those spanner wielding types get up to


Evening update -

Question asked on Class 56 Group facebook today about 301

"What are the plans for her now? Will she be going back to DCR?"

C56G response "Class 56 Group own 006 & 301. Watch this space in the coming weeks for our plans for the locos"



** Updated Friday 10th January **


Statement on Class 56 Group website dated 9th January

"56301 has moved under its own power today from UKRL Loughborough to Rectory Junction where BREL will carry out work related to the signing off of the locomotive repairs. 56301 had been load banked at UKRL prior to todays move. Further testing including loaded test runs will need to take place before the locomotive can at last be transferred to the ownership of the Cappagh Group"

And not to be left out, 56006 will be a static display at the ELR shunter day on 18th January when visitors can take a look at 006, talk to volunteers and find out how to join the C56G and/or sign up as volunteers themselves



** Updated Wednesday 15th January **


56301 worked 1255 0Z37 Rectory Junction (Colwick Colas) to Rectory Junction (Colwick Colas) via Allington West Jct with Colas 37099



** Updated Thursday 16th January **


56301 worked 0755 0Z37 Rectory Junction (Colwick Colas) to Rectory Junction (Colwick Colas) via Allington West Jct with Colas 37099

 

[ExRes]

Some good news with maybe more to come, 56301 & 56103 were out on test today on 1540 0Z56 Rectory Junction (Colwick Colas) and return via Allington West Junction, a 1429 0Z56 to Chaddesden is currently showing on RTT for tomorrow

 

[31160]

Some good news with maybe more to come, 56301 & 56103 were out on test today on 1540 0Z56 Rectory Junction (Colwick Colas) and return via Allington West Junction, a 1429 0Z56 to Chaddesden is currently showing on RTT for tomorrow

Fingers crossed it all goes well, they haven't had much luck with it

 

[LUYMun]

0Z56 canned.

New VST added with same headcode departing Rectory at 5.30pm:

Realtime Trains | 0Z56 1730 Rectory Jn (Colwick Colas) to Chaddesden Sdgs | 13/03/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Z56 1730 departure from Rectory Jn (Colwick Colas) to Chaddesden Sdgs on 13/03/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Looks like it ran an hour early!

 

[ExRes]

News from a very reliable source on WNXX and now confirmation from the Class 56 Group website that 56301 & 56103 are scheduled to be working tonights 2201 6M70 Chaddesden Sidings to Tunstead Sidings empties, loaded 0338 6M71 to Humberstone Road No5 Top Siding and 1516 6D59 return to Chaddesden with the empties as their first working turn after repairs to both locos, C56G would be delighted if anyone is out taking pictures and would be happy to share them with the group, the contact address is on their website

If all goes well 56301 should become a DCR loco in the not too distant future and then verbal fisticuffs can begin over whether the loco will get a new coat of paint and if so which particular colour that paint will be

Not to leave 56006 out there are a number of pictures on C56G facebook of the progress currently being made on the loco

 

[Rail Quest]

If all goes well 56301 should become a DCR loco in the not too distant future and then verbal fisticuffs can begin over whether the loco will get a new coat of paint and if so which particular colour that paint will be

This is great news! When was 301 painted into Fastline originally? It must've been a while ago now so hopefully that will influence the likelihood she goes for a paint job.

 

[D365]

This is great news! When was 301 painted into Fastline originally? It must've been a while ago now so hopefully that will influence the likelihood she goes for a paint job.

Is it just me that likes the unique Fastline livery on 301..?

 

[ExRes]

This is great news! When was 301 painted into Fastline originally? It must've been a while ago now so hopefully that will influence the likelihood she goes for a paint job.

From the pictures on Flickr it looks like early (April?) 2006, looked really nice and shiny 19 years ago of course, as good as it's former life as Loadhaul liveried 56045 though?