CIE 141 Class

Infobox Locomotive
name = Córas Iompair Éireann 141 class
powertype=Diesel-electric


caption = Iarnród Éireann 175 at Colbert Station, Limerick, 2006
buildmodel = JL8
builder = General Motors Electro Motive Division, La Grange, Illinois, USA
builddate = October to November 1962
ordernumber=700438–700474
serialnumber=27467–57503
totalproduction= 37
primemover=EMD 567CR
cylindercount=8
aspiration=Roots-type supercharger
enginetype=Two-stroke diesel
tractionmotors=Axle-hung, nose-suspended, 4 off
transmission = D25 DC generator
DC traction motors
aarwheels = B-B
uicclass=Bo'Bo'
wheeldiameter = convert|40|in|mm|0|abbr=on
trainbrakes = Air & Vacuum
length =
width =
height =
weight = convert|67|t|lb
topspeed = convert|123|km/h|mph|abbr=on|lk=on
poweroutput = convert|875|hp|kW|abbr=on|lk=on
tractiveeffort =
fuelc

railroad= Córas Iompair Éireann
Iarnród Éireann
roadnumber=B141–B177 (later 141–177)
railroadclass=141 class
disposition=12 in service
25 withdrawnThe Córas Iompair Éireann 141 class locomotives were delivered in November and December 1962 from General Motors Electro Motive Division (EMD), the first consignment being unloaded at the North Wall, Dublin on 22 November. They were numbered B141 to B177 and were an updated version of the earlier 121 Class locomotives, mechanically very similar but with cabs at each end.

They are EMD model JL8 (J = Double Ended Cabs, L = Lightweight Frame, 8= 8-cylinder 567 engine) and although originally fitted with a EMD 8-567CR engine of convert|875|hp, all were later fitted with 645 type "power packs" (piston & liner assemblies) for parts standardisation. The original power output was kept for reliability reasons. They weighed 67 tonnes and had a maximum speed of convert|123|km/h|abbr=on. Many of these locomotives were later rebuilt with a GM 8-645E engine of convert|1000|hp (as used in the re-engined Class C locomotives), though some have since had the original engine refitted. The locomotives were delivered in the new livery of brown/black/white. Following crew training trials between Inchicore and Monasterevin (passenger trains), Kildare (goods trains), and Hazelhatch (light engines), the class appeared on main line trials from Amiens Street (Connolly) to Drogheda, and Westland Row (Pearse) to Arklow on 4 December 1962, entering traffic on the Dublin to Cork main line four days later. The locomotives were fitted for multiple working and double-headed the 10:40 Dublin to Cork train and the return Cork to Dublin at 15:30. These were the heaviest trains at that time. From 10 December 1962 one locomotive was allocated to the Dublin–Belfast "Enterprise" link.

In later years, regular passenger duties included trains on the Rosslare to Waterford/Limerick lines, until they were superseded by railcars on these duties.

They are now almost exclusively used on Permanent Way trains and as pilots, with the odd very rare appearance on passenger services.

The current situation is shown below:

:645 Engine Fitted: 142 145 148 149 151 163 164 166 170 173

:567 Engine Refitted: 167 175

The following locomotives remain in service, all others have been withdrawn or scrapped:

141, 142, 144, 146, 152, 162, 163, 167, 171, 173, 175 and 177

The Irish Traction Group has a fund set up for the eventual preservation of a member of this class [http://www.irishtractiongroup.com/funds.htm] .

Model

Murphy Models commissioned Bachmann to produce an '00' gauge model of these locomotives [http://www.murphymodels.com/Inwork.html] . Theses models were first released in early 2008.

External links

* [http://groups.msn.com/IrishRailwayTechnologyandinformation/_whatsnew.msnw Irish Railway Technology and Information -reporting on all aspects of irish railways]