Built between 1993 and 1996 by Brush Traction at Loughborough the Co-Co class 92 is a dual voltage electric locomotive. Designed primarily as a freight locomotive to deliver goods trains to the Channel Tunnel it can run on 25kV ac overhead and 750V dc third rail. These powerful locomotives are capable of 6760hp whilst working on 25kV ac or 5360hp whilst working on 750v dc. Maximum speed is 87.5 mph.

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. We Southern fans would prefer to suggest a new high powered electro-diesel - a super 73+!

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.

photograph by David Overall

photograph by Michael Taylor.

photograph by Colin Duff

photograph by Michael Taylor

photograph by Michael Taylor