The Córas Iompair Éireann 601 Class locomotives were built in 1956-1957, by Motorenfabrik Deutz at Cologne, Germany. They were 3 small shunting locomotives (601, 602 & 603) of B wheel arrangement and were fitted with a Deutz V8 F8L 614 engine of 130 hp, with Voith hydraulic transmission and chain final drive. They weighed only 18 tons and had a maximum speed of 32 kilometres per hour (20 mph). These locomotives were never fitted with train brakes, so had limited usefulness compared to their successors, the G611 class. The G601 locomotives were withdrawn from service between 1965 and 1972.

G601 Class
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-hydraulic
BuilderMotorenfabrick Deutz, Köln, West Germany
Serial number56118–56120
Build date1956–1957
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UICB
Gauge5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm)
Driver dia.3 ft 1+38 in (949 mm)
Length6.3 m (20 ft 8 in)
Loco weight18.3 tonnes (18.0 long tons; 20.2 short tons)
Prime moverDeutz F8L 614, air-cooled
Engine typeV8 Diesel
Cylinders8
TransmissionVoith hydraulic, chain drive final
Performance figures
Maximum speed20 mph (32 km/h)
Power output130 hp (97 kW)
Career
OperatorsCóras Iompair Éireann
Number in class3
NumbersG601–G603
Withdrawn1965–1972
DispositionOne preserved, remainder scrapped by 1981

Preservation

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One of these locomotives, number G601, has been preserved by the Irish Traction Group and is currently awaiting restoration at Carrick-on-Suir. In 2010 a secondhand engine was purchased to replace the seized engine currently fitted.

Model

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The 601 Class has been made as a 4 mm scale brass kit by Worsley Works.[1] Steve Johnson's site also has details on kitbashing a model.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "Irish Railways - Standard Gauge - Diesels and Diesel Rail Cars - CIE - UTA - GNR I".
  2. ^ "G Class". Archived from the original on 9 March 2003.
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