The Córas Iompair Éireann 401 Class locomotives were built in 1957–1958 and designed for use on branch line traffic and shunting. They were fitted with a Maybach MD220 engine of 420 hp (310 kW), with diesel hydraulic transmission via a Mekydro KL64 transmission, and were of C wheel arrangement.

Córas Iompair Éireann E class
(later 401 class)
Type and origin
BuilderCIÉ, Inchicore Works
Build date1957–1958
Total produced19
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UICC
Gauge1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)
Wheel diameter3 ft 2 in (965 mm)
Length8.95 m (29 ft 4 in)
Loco weight39.4 tonnes (38.8 long tons; 43.4 short tons)
Prime moverMaybach MD220
TransmissionHydraulic, Mekydro KL64 torque converter
Performance figures
Maximum speed40 km/h (25 mph)
Power output420 hp (310 kW)
Tractive effortStarting: 97 kN (22,000 lbf)
Career
OperatorsCóras Iompair Éireann
ClassE Class (later 401 class)
NumbersE401–E419
Withdrawn1968–1977
DispositionAll scrapped

Though they had a design maximum speed of 100 km/h (62 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. They were numbered E401–E419, and were withdrawn from service between 1968 and 1977 and none were preserved.[1]

Model edit

The E401 was available as a resin model from "Q Kits",[2] but this company is no longer trading as the owner has retired.

A 401 Body is now available from Shapeways via Valvedesigns (a Rapid Prototyping Service)[3]

References edit

  1. ^ "See also Irish Traction Group info". Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 27 June 2007.
  2. ^ "E Class". Archived from the original on 23 July 2018. Retrieved 27 June 2007.
  3. ^ "CIE e Class 401 OO Scale by B1lancer on Shapeways".

External links edit