Hornby R3480

British Rail Class 92 92016 Brahms English, Welsh & Scottish Railway Railfreight Triple Grey

Contents

Tooling

In 2011, Hornby introduced an upgraded version of its British Rail Class 92 model in OO gauge, replacing the original 1995 tooling. This revision aimed to modernize the model for contemporary standards, particularly addressing digital control compatibility and improving overall detailing. The upgrade coincided with growing interest in modern freight and sleeper operations, including the Caledonian Sleeper service, and reflected Hornby’s strategy to refresh long-standing models in its range.

Reviews noted that the 2011 upgrade improved cosmetic detailing and introduced DCC compatibility, but the mechanical design retained limitations from the earlier tooling. The single bogie drive and relatively light weight continued to restrict haulage capacity, leading many enthusiasts to add extra weight for better performance. Directional headlights were welcomed, though the absence of tail lights and sound provision was seen as a drawback. Forum discussions and social media commentary often praised the model’s appearance and livery accuracy but highlighted that its running qualities lagged behind newer premium models.

Despite improvements, the tooling remained fundamentally based on the original chassis concept, limiting performance enhancements. The model continued to be popular for layouts depicting electrified freight and sleeper services until superseded by newer tooling from other manufacturers.

Detailing: Plastic bodyshell with separately fitted details, including Brecknell Willis pantographs (poseable), roof electrical equipment, cab interiors, and flush glazing. Detailed chassis with third-rail pickup shoe representation, footsteps, and chemically blackened wheels.

Class & Prototype

  • Running Number: 92016
  • Name: Brahms

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 Railfreight Triple Grey livery was introduced by British Rail in the late 1980s as the standard scheme for its newly sectorised freight divisions, and some locomotives retained it into the EWS era after 1996. The design used three horizontal bands of dark, medium, and light grey, divided by fine red lining, with large sector decals originally denoting the locomotive’s allocation (such as Petroleum, Metals, or Coal). Under EWS ownership, the sector logos were often removed or replaced with the bold red and yellow EWS ‘three beasts’ logo placed centrally on the bodysides.

On locomotives such as the Class 90 fleet, the Railfreight Triple Grey livery created a professional and uniform appearance, reflecting the sector-based structure of late BR freight. Its survival into the EWS period gave it a transitional character, bridging the gap between British Rail’s sector branding and EWS’s later standard maroon and gold colours.