CIÉ 401 Class

The Córas Iompair Éireann 401 Class locomotives were built in 1957–1958 and designed for use on branch line traffic and shunting. They were fitted with a Maybach MD220 engine of 420 hp (310 kW), with diesel hydraulic transmission via a Mekydro KL64 transmission, and were of C wheel arrangement.

Córas Iompair Éireann E class (later 401 class)
Type and origin Builder CIÉ, Inchicore Works Build date 1957–1958 Total produced 19
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC C Gauge 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) Wheel diameter 3 ft 2 in (965 mm) Length 8.95 m (29 ft 4 in) Loco weight 39.4 tonnes (38.8 long tons; 43.4 short tons) Prime mover Maybach MD220 Transmission Hydraulic, Mekydro KL64 torque converter
Performance figures Maximum speed 40 km/h (25 mph) Power output 420 hp (310 kW) Tractive effort Starting: 97 kN (22,000 lbf)
Career Operators Córas Iompair Éireann Class E Class (later 401 class) Numbers E401–E419 Withdrawn 1968–1977 Disposition All scrapped

Though they had a design maximum speed of 100 km/h (62 mph), experience 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. They were numbered E401–E419, and were withdrawn from service between 1968 and 1977 and none were preserved.^[1]

Model

The E401 was available as a resin model from "Q Kits",^[2] but this company is no longer trading as the owner has retired.

A 401 Body is now available from Shapeways via Valvedesigns (a Rapid Prototyping Service)^[3]