British Rail Class 92
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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 majority of the class are named after European composers and writers. Ownership is split between EWS, European Passenger Services (Eurostar) and SNCF. Rumour has it that EWS, betraying its American ownership, would prefer diesel-electric traction to give system wide availability without having to change locomotive.
During 2000 Eurostar (UK) offered their seven members of the class (92020 / 021 / 032 / 040 / 044-046) for sale being surplus to requirements with the non commencement of sleeper services through the Channel Tunnel. However no buyer could be found so they have now been decommissioned and stored at Crewe International electric depot. It is unlikely they will see any further work in Europe - having previously worked in the pool with EWS and SNCF owned locomotives - since their electrical systems are complex and they no longer meet European safety standards. The fleet of 46 locomotives was 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. Tractive effort is 400 kN at the wheel during starting, with 'boost' mode applied, otherwise 360 kN. The maximum speed is 87 mph (140 km/h).
The locomotive is fitted with both rheostatic and regenerative brakes, in addition to standard westinghouse air brake equipment. Propulsion is provided by two ABB traction converters using GTO devices. Control system is ABB MICAS-S2. 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).
