Hornby R1002

British Rail Class 92 92026 Britten British Rail Railfreight Distribution Two-Tone Grey

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: 92026
  • Name: Britten

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