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British Rail Class 92 facts for kids

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The Class 92 is a special type of locomotive (a powerful train engine) used in Great Britain and France. It's unique because it can use two different types of electricity to run. This makes it perfect for traveling through the Channel Tunnel, which connects Britain and France.


What is the Class 92 Locomotive?

The Class 92 is an electric train engine built between 1993 and 1996. It was designed to pull trains through the Channel Tunnel. This tunnel links the railway networks of Britain and France. Because of this, the locomotive needed to be very versatile.

How does it work?

These locomotives are "dual-voltage." This means they can get their power from two different electrical systems:

  • 25 kV AC: This is a strong AC power supply. It comes from overhead lines (wires above the track).
  • 750 V DC: This is a lower DC power supply. It comes from a third rail (an extra rail next to the main tracks).

This ability to switch power sources is very important. It allows the Class 92 to operate on different railway lines. Different countries and even different parts of the same country use various electrical systems.

Where do Class 92s operate?

The main job of the Class 92 was to pull freight trains through the Channel Tunnel. They also pull passenger trains like the Caledonian Sleeper in the UK. These locomotives are used by several railway companies. These include EWS, Eurotunnel/Europorte 2, and SNCF (the French national railway company).

Key Features of the Class 92

  • Power: These locomotives are very powerful. They can produce up to 6,760 horsepower when using 25 kV AC power.
  • Speed: They can reach a top speed of about 87 miles per hour (140 km/h).
  • Design: The Class 92 has a "Co-Co" wheel arrangement. This means it has two sets of three axles, with each axle powered by its own motor. This design helps distribute the weight and power.
  • Brakes: They use air brakes for stopping. They also have special "regenerative" brakes. These brakes can turn the energy from slowing down back into electricity. This electricity can then be sent back to the power grid.

Images for kids

  • Railfest 2012 MMB 88 92032

    92032 was displayed at Railfest 2012 in newly painted Europorte GBRf livery.

  • Class-92-db-red-92009-dollands-moor-1

    Repainted 92009 in DB Schenker red livery at Dollands Moor, during trials over High Speed 1.

  • 92033 at Crewe Railway Station

    Midnight Teal liveried 92033 at Crewe, having been moved from Brush Traction to Crewe for testing.

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