Railway Herald
Currently the oldest operational main line electric loco in Bulgaria, SKODA 42-184 manoeuvres through Voluyak on 13th March 2025, for eventual stabling on the north side of the yard. Not just the oldest but the sole surviving Class 42 which were originally delivered to BDZ between 1964 and 1970. Hard to imagine when looking at this image that the 90 strong class originally had fibre glass bodies earning them the nickname of 'Laminatas'. Several of the Class 42s were rebuilt with the more conventional style SKODA body. Looking very similar to all the other BDZ SKODA electrics, although there are some differences, this very important locomotive can easily blend in and go unnoticed. Currently based at Dupnitsa where it's most recent major overhaul and refurbishment took place.
Stephen Ginn
