Class 56 Grid Compilation ~ Thrash Included!
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 3,250 bhp (2,423 kW), and has a Co-Co wheel arrangement. Enthusiasts nicknamed them "Gridirons" (or "Grids" for short), due to the grid-like horn cover on the locomotive's cab ends fitted to nos. 56056 onwards. Under its Romanian railway factory nomenclature, the locomotive was named Electroputere LDE 3500, with LDE coming from Locomotivă Diesel-Electrică (Diesel-Electric Locomotive) and the 3500 being the planned horsepower output.
The Class 56 fleet was introduced between 1976 and 1984, a total of 135 examples were manufactured. The first 30 locomotives (56001 - 56030, factory classification LDE3500) were built by Electroputere in Romania, but these typically suffered from poor construction standards and many were withdrawn from service early for extensive rebuilding before re-entering revenue service. The remaining 105 locomotives were built by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) at Doncaster Works (56031 to 56115) and Crewe Works (56116 to 56135).
This video features a compilation of footage showcasing British Rail Class 56 diesel locomotives, also known as "Grids," captured at various locations across the UK. The footage includes multiple examples of the class, ranging from early units like 56001 to later ones such as 56098. The video highlights these heavy freight locomotives in action, with some scenes filmed between 2013 and 2020. Locations featured include Church Fenton, Crewe, Doncaster, Durham, and Fleet. The Class 56 was originally built between 1976 and 1984, with a total of 135 units produced.
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