CLASS 56 FAREWELL! 56094 & 56302 Head for Export
This video combines two standout heritage diesel movements filmed during May 2026, featuring everything from heavy freight Class 56 power to an unforgettable three-loco railtour passing through the Midland Main Line.
First up is the incredible sight of 56051, 56094, 56302 & 56049 working 0Z55 from Rectory Junction (Colwick Colas) to Marchwood, seen passing through Nottingham on 23rd May 2026.
Seeing four Class 56 locomotives together on today’s railway is becoming increasingly rare and made for an absolutely unforgettable sight.
What made this movement even more significant were reports suggesting that 56094 and 56302 are destined for export to Ghana. For many enthusiasts, the thought of more Class 56s leaving the UK is disappointing, especially considering how well suited they would be for preservation, railtour support or heritage freight operations here at home.
The Class 56 remains one of the true icons of British heavy freight traction — powerful, aggressive looking and full of character. Watching four together powering through Nottingham felt like stepping back into the BR heavy freight era once again.
The video also features the brilliant railtour movement of 31128, 20205 & 50049 working 1Z20 from Derby to Bedford, beginning “The Midland Deviator Tour”, seen passing through Platform 3 at Leicester station on 23rd May 2026.
This fantastic combination of a Class 31, Class 20 and Class 50 together in one formation created a real throwback to classic diesel traction from the golden age of British Rail.
Special railtour workings like this continue to prove just how popular heritage diesel locomotives remain with enthusiasts across the UK. The sound, atmosphere and sheer presence of these veteran locomotives still stands out massively compared to modern traction.
Between the four Class 56 convoy and the Midland Deviator railtour, this was one of those memorable days that perfectly captures why railway filming remains so rewarding — rare movements, classic traction and moments that may become harder to witness in future years.
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#Class56 #Class50 #Class37 #Class20 #Railtour #HeritageDiesel #UKTrains #TrainspottingUK #RailfanUK #Railway #Nottingham #Leicester #train #trainspotting #railway #trainvideos #locomotive
A video captures several heritage diesel locomotives in operation on the modern railway, including multiple Class 56 units. The footage includes a movement involving 56051, 56094, 56302, and 56049 working a freight service through Nottingham and other locations. Reports suggest that 56094 and 56302 may be heading for export. The video also features another heritage diesel movement with headcode 1Z20.
Fishplate has identified 7 locomotives in this video. We’ve also matched 2 headcodes and 2 operators . Create a free account to see where they appear, unlock timestamps and locations, and view the full breakdown.
- qQc_YptQVZk
- 41
- 24 May 2026 18:00
- 25 May 2026 23:01
- 23 May 2026
- 7
- 2
