British Rail Class 92

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92027 George Eliot at Stafford in August 2005 with an intermodal train. This locomotive is still in its original livery.

Class 92, no. 92001 Victor Hugo at Crewe Works on 1st June 2003. This is one of only two Class 92 locomotives to carry full EWS livery.

92015 D.H. Lawrence running light engine through Stafford in August 2005 sporting original livery but with the addition of a large EWS "three beasties" logo to its sides.

The Class 92 is a dual-voltage British railway locomotive which can run on 25 kV AC from overhead wires or 750 V DC from a third rail. It was designed specifically to operate services (mainly freight) through the Channel Tunnel between Britain and France.

The fleet of 46 locomotives were built by a consortium of ABB and Brush Traction at Loughborough between 1993 and 1996. The bodyshell is partly based on the Class 60 but with a modified front end. Maximum power is 6760 hp (5 MW) on 25 kV or 5360 hp (4 MW) on 750 V. The maximum speed is 89 mph (140 km/h).

The locomotive is fitted with both rheostatic and regenerative brakes, in addition to standard westinghouse air brake equipment. A Train Bus is fitted to enable two locomotives to work in multiple formation (either double-heading or push-pull). This would also allow the Class 92 to work a push-pull passenger train with a Driving Van Trailer or DBSO.

Prior to introduction to service, two locomotives (92001 and 92002) were extensively tested at the Czech Railway's test track at Velim near Kolin. One locomotive was temporarily moved from here to Vienna Arsenal for climatic testing.

Weight: 126 tonnes.

Height (pantograph down): 13 ft 0 in (3.95 m).

Length: 70 ft 1 in (21.34 m).

Width: 8 ft 8 in (2.66 m).

[edit] External links

• AC Locomotive Group - History of 3rd Generation AC locomotives
• SEMG page