CIE 421 Class

The Córas Iompair Éireann 421 Class was a railway locomotive, built by the CIÉ at Inchicore Works between 1962–1963 and designed for branch line traffic use and shunting.

Córas Iompair Éireann E class (later 421 class)
E421 and E432 in 2008
Type and origin Power type Diesel-hydraulic Builder CIÉ, Inchicore Works Build date 1962 Total produced 14
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC C Gauge 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) Wheel diameter 3 ft 2 in (965 mm) Length 9.56 m (31 ft 4 in) Loco weight 43.5 tonnes (42.8 long tons; 48.0 short tons) Prime mover Maybach MD220 Engine type Diesel Transmission Mekydro KL64U torque converter MU working Yes
Performance figures Maximum speed 40 km/h (25 mph) Power output 420 hp (310 kW) Tractive effort Starting: 26,700 lbf (119 kN)
Career Operators Córas Iompair Éireann Numbers E421–E434 First run 1962–1963 Withdrawn 1979–1983 Disposition 3 preserved, remainder scrapped

The 421 Class was a larger development of the earlier 401 Class, and were fitted with a Maybach MD220 engine of 420 horsepower (310 kW) with diesel hydraulic transmission via a Mekydro KL64U transmission. Unlike the earlier E401 class, these locomotives were fitted for multiple operation. They were of C wheel arrangement.

E421 At Downpatrick

The first of the class made its debut in early October 1962 on pilot duties in the Dublin area and although they had a design maximum speed of 100 km/h (62 mph), experience (notably the derailment of a trial train hauled by E421) 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 and used simply for shunting duties instead. They were numbered E421–E434, and were withdrawn from service between 1979 and 1983.

Three of these locomotives have been preserved, as follows:

• E421 and E432: Owned by and based at the Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Northern Ireland.[1] Both locos are currently stored out of traffic.
• As of 2005 E428 had recently moved from Inchicore Works to Dunsandle, Co. Galway under private ownership.