CIÉ 181 Class explained

Córas Iompair Éireann 181 class
Powertype:Diesel-electric
Builder:General Motors Electro Motive Division, La Grange, Illinois, USA
Ordernumber:710408–710419
Serialnumber:31248–31259
Buildmodel:JL18
Builddate:1966
Totalproduction:12
Aarwheels:Bo-Bo
Uicclass:Bo′Bo′
Wheeldiameter:400NaN0
Locoweight:67t
Primemover:EMD 645E
Enginetype:Two-stroke diesel
Tractionmotors:Axle-hung, nose-suspended, 4 off
Cylindercount:8
Transmission:Electric
Maxspeed:120km/h
Poweroutput:1100hp
Tractiveeffort:170abbr=onNaNabbr=on starting,
119kN continuous at 18km/h
Operator:Córas Iompair Éireann
Iarnród Éireann
Fleetnumbers:B181–B192 (later 181–192)
Withdrawndate:1991–2009
Disposition:One preserved (190), remainder scrapped

The Córas Iompair Éireann 181 Class locomotives were built in 1966 by General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD) and numbered B181 to B192.

Overview

These locomotives were virtually identical to the earlier 141 Class locomotives, but fitted with the more powerful 645 engine and thermostatically controlled engine cooling fan and inlet shutters. Delivery took place in 1966, with introduction into service happening a short time later.

They were fitted with an EMD 8-645E engine of 1100 hp,[1] weighed, and had a maximum design speed of 143km/h which was restricted to 120km/h in service. Number 186 was later fitted with an EMD 8-567CR engine of 960hp, as used in the 141 Class locomotives.

Withdraw and preservation

All of the 181 class have been withdrawn, the first being 191 in 1991 after a runaway incident at Clonsilla; it was later scrapped in 1998.[2] The last was 190 in November 2009 and has been preserved by the Irish Traction Group based at the West Clare Railway.[3] In their final days they were only used on permanent way trains or as pilots.

Accidents and incidents

Model

Murphy Models of Dublin commissioned Bachmann to produce an OO gauge model of these locomotives.[5] [6] This model first was released in December 2007. It has been supplied in all four main liveries worn by the class.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Engine.
  2. http://www.irishtractiongroup.com/ITG_locos/loco_190.htm ITG website
  3. Web site: 141/181 Watch.
  4. Web site: REPORT OF INQUIRY INTO THE COLLISION THAT OCCURRED AT ROSSLARE STRAND STATION ON 13th AUGUST 1974 . Department of Transport and Power . The Stationery Office via Rail Accident Investigation Unit . March 1975 . 16 May 2014.
  5. Murphy 181 Class. Ben. Jones. Model Rail. 18–19. 114. February 2008. Peterborough. EMAP Active. 1369-5118. 173324502.
  6. Web site: Murphy Models in the works.