CIÉ 421 Class

Córas Iompair Éireann E-Class (later 421 class)
Type and origin Power type Diesel-hydraulic Builder CIÉ, Inchicore Works Build date 1962
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC C Gauge 1600 ‎ Length 9.56 m (31 ft 4 in) Prime mover Maybach MD220 Transmission Mekydro KL64U torque converter MU working Yes
Performance figures Power output 420 hp (310 kW) Tractive effort Starting: 107 kN (24,000 lbf)
Career Number in class 14 First run 1962–63 Disposition 422, 423, 424, 426, 427, 430, 431, 433 & 444 scrapped between 1984 and 1988

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 torque converter. Unlike the earlier E401 class, these locomotives were fitted for multiple operation. They were of C wheel arrangement.

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 (60 mph), experience 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 They were numbered E421–E434, and were withdrawn from service between 1979 and 1983.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]. E421 is operational; E432 is in store.
• E428: has recently moved from Inchicore Works to Dunsandle, Co. Galway under private ownership.

Model

The 421 was available as a resin model from "Q Kits" [2], but this company is no longer trading as the owner has retired.

External links

• Eiretrains - Irish Locomotives

• Irish Railway Technology and Information -reporting on all aspects of irish railways
• Downpatrick & County Down Railway preserved E421 Class locos Nos.E421 and E432
• E428 at Dunsandle