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Colas 56/0 & 56/3s

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alexl92

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I was under the impression that when Colas bought and reactivated each of their Class 56s, they refurbished them before they re-entered service - hence Class 56/3. However, I've noticed they have a few which still carry their original BR-era numbers.

What's the difference with the 56/3s compared to the originals?

Thanks!
 
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sprinterguy

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There's no difference that I'm aware of, and Colas haven't renumbered any 56s: 56301 - 303 were renumbered when they were resurrected by Fastline Freight, 56311/312 by Hanson Traction.
 

Suraggu

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IIRC the 56/3 subclass originally started when Fastline Freight started Intermodal services. 56301 and 56302 were overhauled, but they are still the same as a class 56/0.

I am sure 56303 was owned by RVEL at Derby and leased to Fastline Freight.

56311/312, part of the Hanson Traction fleet, again exactly the same as the 56/0.
 

theblackwatch

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Does the designation Class 56/3 actually exist or is it just a number series?

(If anyone is confused, I'm thinking along the lines of the twin tank 47s which are numbered 478xx but are Class 47/4.)
 

Highlandspring

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It's just a number series not a seperate subclass, though the distinction (and indeed the whole subject of TOPS numbering) has become rather blurred in recent years.
 

31160

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Does the designation Class 56/3 actually exist or is it just a number series?

(If anyone is confused, I'm thinking along the lines of the twin tank 47s which are numbered 478xx but are Class 47/4.)

Pretty sure at least some of the data panels had 47/8 not 47/4 and due to the extra fuel I'm pretty sure the extra weight did affect some route availability
 

56091

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56/3 has different fire suppression system fitted.

That’s incorrect. The fire suppression system fitted to 301/2/3 is the same fitment to all class 56s since EWS days. So any 56 out on mainline currently has this system.

There is no difference between the class. Just a customers preference to have a subclass of /3s.
 
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