Railway Herald
It is necessary to include a second image showing the side detail of this truly iconic SKODA electric No. 42-072 on display outside the BDZ Technical University in Sofia. Sister loco 42-081 was also earmarked to become a museum exhibit. Unfortunately while working a Ruse to Shumen train in 2012 it suffered a serious fire and sadly was subsequently destroyed. The third and final example still with the original fibreglass body, 42-077, to my knowledge was last noted at Gorna Oryahovitsa facing an unknown future. Today, only one of the re-bodied Class 42 electrics No. 42-184 survives in regular service following a major overhaul and repaint. It is currently based at Dupnitsa and has been noted working various freight trains around Kulata, Pernik and Sofia in the south western region of the Bulgarian Rail Network. Image of 42-072 was recorded on 13th May 2023, weekends being a good time to visit this location when it is virtually deserted.
Stephen Ginn
