IE 29000 Class

Iarnród Éireann 29000 Class

29029 leaves Drumcondra in February 2008
In service 2002 - present
Manufacturer CAF
Family name CxK
Constructed 2002 - 2005
Number built 29 trainsets
Formation 4 cars per trainset
Fleet numbers 29001-29029
Capacity 185 seated
634 standing
Operator Commuter
Specifications
Train length 81.46 m (267.3 ft)
Width 2.9 m (9.5 ft)
Height 3.985 m (13.07 ft)
Maximum speed 120 km/h (75 mph)
Prime mover(s) MAN D 2876 LUH01, 400 hp
Track gauge 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)
see Rail gauge in Ireland
29020 on a Western Commuter service

The 29000 Class is a type of four-car Diesel Multiple Unit operated by Iarnród Éireann. The units were built in Spain by CAF in two batches between 2002 and 2005.

Description

Each set comprises two driving end cars (DM1 and DM2) and two intermediate cars (MDT and MT) They are capable of operation as two sets of their own class or in consists of up to 10 cars with either 2600, 2700 or 2800 class DMUs. Each car is fitted with a 294 kW MAN traction engine and a Cummins generator engine, both mounted underfloor. Each 4-car set is 81.46 m (267 ft 3 in) long, 3.985 m (13 ft 0.9 in) high and 2.9 m (9 ft 6 in) wide. They have a maximum permitted speed of 120 km/h (75 mph). Passenger capacity is 185 seated and 634 standing.

The original delivery of twenty sets were numbered 2901-2980. However, to avoid conflict with the existing numbering system of the NIR 3000 Class, all cars were renumbered e.g. set 2901-04 becoming 29101-401. The 2005 batch of nine sets are numbered 29021-29029.

The railcars were the first to be shipped with the new Commuter branding rather than the "Arrow" branding previously used, and as such were the first Iarnród Éireann rolling stock (other than DART EMUs and Enterprise stock) not to feature the company's traditional orange and black livery, which is now being phased out from passenger service. The Commuter brand has now also been extended to Class 2600, 2700 and 2800 railcars.

Deployment

They work most Northern Commuter and Western Commuter services. They have proven to be a very reliable unit despite operating a variety of demanding services including Sligo. As they were due to be returned to their intended commuter services when deliveries of 22000 Class DMUs were due displaced them from Sligo line workings in 2008 they remained in their "Commuter" livery when working this long distance line

The November 2009 timetable change finally saw the end of the 29000s running West of Dublin from Heuston Station to Newbridge/Kildare and Carlow. The services are covered by newly built 22000 DMUs since 2009.

Fleet details

Class Operator Number Year Built Cars per Set Unit nos.
29000 Class Commuter 20 2002-2003 4 29001 - 29020
9 2005 29021 - 29029

Accidents and incidents

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to IÉ 29000 Class.

References

  1. "Investigation Report 2010-R006" (PDF). Dublin: Rail Accident Investigation Unit. 15 November 2010. Retrieved 17 May 2014.

External links