The first of BR's heavy Type 5 freight diesels, introduced to cope with an increase in coal traffic after the 1973 oil crisis. The first 30 were built by Electroputere in Romania under sub -contract from Brush, while the rest were constructed by BREL at Doncaster (56031-115) and Crewe (56116-135).

Although they were retired by EWS in 2003, a number have been reactivated for use by freight companies such as Colas, UK Rail Leasing and, soon, GB Railfreight.

Heljan's version is based on the later Doncaster and Crewe -built variant.

FEATURES

• DCC ready
• Working lights
• Sprung buffers
• Sound ready
• Smoke Unit ready

SPECIFICATIONS

• BUILT BY BR Doncaster/Crewe Works
• NUMBER BUILT 135
• NUMBER SERIES 56001-135
• SERVICE CAREER 1976 onwards
• REGION All
• PURPOSE Heavy freight
• STATUS IN 2018 Active/preserved

MEASUREMENTS

• LENGTH 450mm