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.

Córas Iompair Éireann E class
(later 421 class)
E421 and E432 in 2008
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-hydraulic
BuilderCóras Iompair Éireann, Inchicore works
Build date1962
Total produced14
Specifications
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
Performance figures
Maximum speed40 km/h (25 mph)
Power output420 hp (310 kW)
Tractive effortStarting: 26,700 lbf (119 kN)
Career
OperatorsCóras Iompair Éireann
NumbersE421–E434
First run1962–1963
Withdrawn1979–1983
Disposition3 preserved, remainder scrapped

History

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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 They were numbered E421–E434, and were withdrawn from service between 1979 and 1983.

Preservation

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Three of these locomotives have been preserved, as follows:

Model

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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

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  1. ^ D&CDR. "Rolling stock". Downrail. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  2. ^ Johnson 2018.
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