Hornby R2354B

British Rail Class 92 92031 The Institute of Logistics and Transport English, Welsh & Scottish Railway Maroon & Gold

Contents

Tooling

The Hornby British Rail Class 92 in OO gauge was first introduced in 1995, representing the dual-voltage electric locomotives designed for Channel Tunnel operations. The real Class 92 fleet entered service from 1993 onwards, intended for mixed-traffic duties including international freight and the proposed Nightstar sleeper services. Hornby's tooling was significant as it was among the first models produced entirely in China during the late 1990s, marking a shift in manufacturing strategy for the brand. The model aimed to capture the distinctive Co-Co wheel arrangement and complex roof equipment of the prototype.

Contemporary reviews praised the model’s accurate bodyshell shape and fine detailing, particularly the roof equipment and cab interiors. However, performance was often criticized: the single bogie drive and light weight limited haulage capacity, leading many enthusiasts to add extra weight or undertake chassis upgrades. Directional lighting was considered a positive feature for its time. Social media and forum discussions frequently highlighted the model's visual appeal but noted that it lagged behind modern standards for power and DCC integration until later updates.

The Class 92 tooling marked Hornby’s transition to Chinese production in the late 1990s. It remained in the range for many years, with incremental improvements such as DCC readiness introduced in later runs. Despite limitations, the model became a staple for enthusiasts modeling modern electrified freight and sleeper operations.

The original 1995 release was not DCC-ready and required hardwiring for digital conversion. Later reissues from 2011 onwards introduced an 8-pin DCC socket, making conversion straightforward. Sound capability was not provided in the original tooling.

Detailing: Includes third-rail pickup shoe detail, footsteps, sanding gear, and chemically blackened wheels for realism.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 92031
  • Name: The Institute of Logistics and Transport

The British Rail Class 92 is Britain's most powerful electric locomotive, capable of 5,040 kW output on 25kV AC overhead supply. Built by Brush Traction 1993-1996, these 46 dual-voltage Co-Co electrics were designed for Channel Tunnel freight operations, featuring unique capability to operate on both 25kV AC overhead and 750V DC third rail systems. Originally intended for the cancelled Nightstar sleeper services, seven locomotives were later refurbished for Caledonian Sleeper overnight trains between London and Scotland from 2015 onwards. The class wears diverse liveries including Railfreight grey, EWS maroon, DB Schenker red, GBRf blue/orange, Stobart Rail blue, and striking Caledonian Sleeper midnight teal. All 46 locomotives survive—16 active in UK service, 13 operating in Bulgaria/Croatia/Romania, 17 stored awaiting future deployment.

Operator & Livery

The English, Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) operated Britain's largest rail freight network from 1996-2007, controlling 90% of the UK freight market. Formed by Wisconsin Central through acquisition of five British Rail freight companies, EWS revolutionised British freight transport with 250 new General Motors Class 66 locomotives and distinctive maroon and gold livery featuring the famous "three beasties" logo. The company was acquired by Deutsche Bahn in 2007, eventually becoming today's DB Cargo UK while maintaining its freight market dominance.

The EWS maroon and gold livery was introduced in April 1996, with the first locomotive to receive the scheme being Class 37 number 37057, which emerged from Toton Depot on 25 April 1996 to coincide with the launch of the English, Welsh & Scottish brand. The colour specification featured maroon bodysides, roofs and ends with black underframes and buffer beams, standard UK yellow warning panels, and a distinctive gold stripe running centrally between the cab ends.

To ensure accurate colour consistency, a sample plate was flown from Wisconsin Central's American operations to Britain, where British paints were mixed to match this standard. Interestingly, when Class 66 and 67 locomotives were later built by General Motors, another sample plate was sent to the manufacturer, resulting in a slightly lighter shade than the original British mix.

The livery evolved through several variations. Early applications from April 1996 featured "EW&S" lettering (including the ampersand) in Arial typeface within the gold band. From January 1997, this was simplified to "EWS" with improved Gill Sans typeface - continuing a tradition established by the LNER in the 1920s and used by British Railways until the 1960s.

The gold band width varied by locomotive class - most received 600mm bands, but Classes 37, 58, and 73 looked better with 550mm bands due to their distinctive body shapes. Company lettering and locomotive numbers appeared in maroon within the gold stripe with 20mm clearance from the band edges, positioned at opposite ends on each side of the locomotive.

For model railway enthusiasts, specialist paint manufacturers like Phoenix Paints produce authentic colour matches, with their E.W.&S. Red (P193) and E.W.&S. Gold (P194) paints matched to original Wisconsin Central colour panels. Alternative options include RailMatch EWS Maroon (1255) which many modellers prefer for value and colour accuracy.

The EWS maroon and gold scheme became one of the most recognisable railway liveries in modern British history, remaining in use until Deutsche Bahn's acquisition in 2007 and the subsequent adoption of DB Schenker corporate red livery from 2009.