| Córas Iompair Éireann 141 class | |
|---|---|
| Iarnród Éireann 175 at Colbert Station, Limerick, 2006 | |
| Power type | Diesel-electric |
| Builder | General Motors Electro Motive Division, La Grange, Illinois, USA |
| Order number | 700438–700474 |
| Serial number | 27467–57503 |
| Model | JL8 |
| Build date | October to November 1962 |
| Total produced | 37 |
| AAR wheel arr. | B-B |
| UIC classification | Bo'Bo' |
| Wheel diameter | 40 in (1,016 mm) |
| Length | 13.42 m |
| Locomotive weight | 67 tonnes (150,000 lb) |
| Prime mover | EMD 567CR |
| Engine type | Two-stroke diesel |
| Aspiration | Roots-type supercharger |
| Traction motors | Axle-hung, nose-suspended, 4 off |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Transmission | D25 DC generator DC traction motors |
| Top speed | 123 km/h (76 mph) |
| Power output | 960 hp (720 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 197 kN (44,000 lbf) starting |
| Train brakes | Air & Vacuum |
| Career | Córas Iompair Éireann Iarnród Éireann |
| Class | 141 class |
| Number | B141–B177 (later 141–177) |
| Disposition | All Withdrawn/Scrapped. 162&175 Inchicore Works Pilots 4 preserved |
The 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 an EMD 8-567CR engine of 960 horsepower (720 kW), 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 123 km/h (76 mph). Many of these locomotives were later rebuilt with a GM 8-645E engine of 1,100 horsepower (820 kW) (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.
The remaining locomotives, nos. 141, 142, 144, 146, 147, 152, 162, 171, 175 and 177, were finally withdrawn in February, 2010. However, 171 has recently been reinstated but is confined to pilot duties in the Dublin area.
No. 141, with sponsorship from Murphy Models, has been preserved by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland. No.142 has also been preserved by the RPSI. The latter is based in Whitehead, with No.141 currently in Dublin. Both locomotives have been repainted in their original CIÉ Black livery and regained their original numbers, B141 and B142. It was reported in the January 2011 RPSI newsletter that No.175 has also been selected for preservation by the RPSI.
The Irish Traction Group (ITG) have preserved locomotive No.146 in full working order [1]. This locomotive is based at the Downpatrick & County Down Railway [2]. The ITG have also preserved locomotive No.152 [3]. This locomotive is located at Moyasta Junction on the West Clare Railway.
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