CIÉ 181 Class

In this article we will explore the impact of CIÉ 181 Class on today's society. From its origin to its influence on different aspects of daily life, CIÉ 181 Class has left an indelible mark on our history. We will analyze its relevance in culture, politics, economy and technology, as well as its role in the construction of individual and collective identities. Through deep analysis, we will try to discover how CIÉ 181 Class has shaped and transformed the world we live in, and what perspectives it offers us for the future.

Córas Iompair Éireann 181 class
187 at Inchicore, 2002
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel–electric
BuilderGeneral Motors Electro Motive Division, La Grange, Illinois, USA
Order number710408–710419
Serial number31248–31259
ModelJL18
Build date1966
Total produced12
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARBo-Bo
 • UICBo′Bo′
Gauge5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm)
Wheel diameter40 in (1,016 mm)
Loco weight67 tonnes (66 long tons; 74 short tons)
Prime moverEMD 645E
Engine typeTwo-stroke diesel
Traction motorsAxle-hung, nose-suspended, 4 off
Cylinders8
TransmissionElectric
Train brakesAir & Vacuum
Performance figures
Maximum speed120 km/h (75 mph)
Power output1,100 hp (820 kW)
Tractive effort170 kN (38,000 lbf) starting,
119 kN (27,000 lbf) continuous at 18 km/h (11 mph)
Career
OperatorsCóras Iompair Éireann
Iarnród Éireann
NumbersB181–B192 (later 181–192)
Withdrawn1991–2009
DispositionOne 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

Loco 185 at Inchicore, 2002

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 67 tonnes (66 long tons; 74 short tons), and had a maximum design speed of 143 km/h (89 mph) which was restricted to 120 km/h (75 mph) in service. Number 186 was later fitted with an EMD 8-567CR engine of 960 hp (720 kW), 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All of the 181 class have been withdrawn, the first being 191 in 1991 after a runaway incident at Clonsilla; it was later scrapped in 1998.[2] The last was 190 in November 2009 and has been preserved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

  • On Tuesday 13 August 1974, locomotive B192 was hauling a passenger train when it was involved in a head-on collision with locomotive B176, which was also hauling a passenger train, at Rosslare Strand. Fifteen people were injured.[4]

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.

References

  1. ^ "Engine".
  2. ^ ITG website Archived 21 August 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ "141/181 Watch".
  4. ^ Department of Transport and Power (March 1975). "REPORT OF INQUIRY INTO THE COLLISION THAT OCCURRED AT ROSSLARE STRAND STATION ON 13th AUGUST 1974" (PDF). The Stationery Office via Rail Accident Investigation Unit. Retrieved 16 May 2014.
  5. ^ Jones, Ben (February 2008). "Murphy 181 Class". Model Rail. No. 114. Peterborough: EMAP Active. pp. 18–19. ISSN 1369-5118. OCLC 173324502.
  6. ^ "Murphy Models in the works".
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