CIE 421 Class

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Córas Iompair Éireann E class
(later 421 class)
CIE E421-432.jpg
E421 and E432 in 2008
hideType and origin
Power typeDiesel-hydraulic
BuilderCIÉ, Inchicore Works
Build date1962
Total produced14
hideSpecifications
Configuration:
​
 • UICC
Gauge1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)
Wheel diameter3 ft 2 in (965 mm)
Length9.56 m (31 ft 4 in)
Loco weight43.5 tonnes (42.8 long tons; 48.0 short tons)
Prime moverMaybach MD220
Engine typeDiesel
TransmissionMekydro KL64U torque converter
MU workingYes
hidePerformance figures
Maximum speed40 km/h (25 mph)
Power output420 hp (310 kW)
Tractive effortStarting: 26,700 lbf (119 kN)
hideCareer
OperatorsCóras Iompair Éireann
NumbersE421–E434
First run1962–1963
Withdrawn1979–1983
Disposition3 preserved, remainder scrapped

The Córas Iompair Éireann 421 Class was a railway locomotive, built by the CIÉ at Inchicore Works between 1962–1963 and designed for branch line traffic use and shunting.

The 421 Class was a larger development of the earlier 401 Class, and were fitted with a Maybach MD220 engine of 420 horsepower (310 kW) with diesel hydraulic transmission via a Mekydro KL64U transmission. Unlike the earlier E401 class, these locomotives were fitted for multiple operation. They were of C wheel arrangement.

E421 At Downpatrick

The first of the class made its debut in early October 1962 on pilot duties in the Dublin area and although they had a design maximum speed of 100 km/h (62 mph), experience (notably the derailment of a trial train hauled by E421) showed that they did not ride well when travelling at speeds over 40 km/h (25 mph) and so henceforth were limited to that speed and used simply for shunting duties instead. They were numbered E421–E434, and were withdrawn from service between 1979 and 1983.

Three of these locomotives have been preserved, as follows:

  • E421 and E432: Owned by and based at the Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Northern Ireland.[1] Both locos are currently stored out of traffic.
  • As of 2005 E428 had recently moved from Inchicore Works to Dunsandle, Co. Galway under private ownership.

Model[]

The E421 was available as a resin model from "Q Kits",[2] but this company is no longer trading as the owner has retired.

References[]

  1. ^ [1]
  2. ^ [2]
  • Strickland, David C. (September 1983). Locomotive Directory: Every Single One There Has Ever Been. Camberley: Diesel and Electric Group. p. 166. ISBN 978-0-906375-10-5. OCLC 16601890. OL 27959920M. Wikidata Q105978499.

External links[]

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