92030 Ashford RfD European
Although 30 Class 92s were initially allocated to Railfreight Distribution just three members of the class wore RfD logos with the large ‘billboard’ style lettering (Nos. 92009/022/030) with a single example gaining RfD and SNCF logos at each end of the body (No. 92020). Having released No. 92022 Charles Dickens in our first run for the latest batch we present No. 92030, which has similar branding but in a different position. New to Crewe IEMD in September 1995, No. 92020 was the only Class 92 to be renamed during the British Rail era, losing its De Falla transfers after around a year when it was given cast Ashford nameplates and RfD embellishments at an event in November 1996. These had previously been worn by ‘Crompton’ No. 33052 and were the first break from the original plan to name the fleet after notable European cultural figures. With the benefits of the Channel Tunnel proving difficult to unlock, like many of its classmates No. 92030 spent much of the EWS era working domestic freight duties punctuated by periods of store. Towards the end of 2006 it lost its RfD logos and lettering in favour of the ‘big beasties’ decal, while 2013/4 often saw it allocated for hire to Direct Rail Services for use on the ‘Tesco Express’. The following year it was exported to Bulgaria and was denamed, although the cast double arrows and Crewe depot plaques proved too difficult to remove. There were more cosmetic changes at its new home, it lost the big EWS logo and gained small DB ones as well as the 12-digit number 91 70 0092 030-1, later changed to 91 52 1688 030-1. It was also re-united with its Ashford name in original sticker form. It remains in service today.