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The '80-class' are the oldest railcars still in NIR service, although they are being gradually withdrawn as the new CAF C3K trains enter service. The sets are of Mk2 slam door type and the power cars were numbered 8067-69 abd 8081-99. Here, 8090 enters Sydenham on 12 May 2004 with the 9.00 Lisburn to Bangor.
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At present about 12 '80 class' sets remain in service. It is anticipated that six sets will be retained as a strategic reserve for some time after all the C3K trains enter service. On 31 July 2004 a six car set, with 8093 and 8090, enters Central Station, Belfast with the 08.48 GVSt to Bangor.
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Slightly newer than the '80 class' are the nine strong '450 class' DEMUs built in 1984-86 using Mk3 bodyshells with electric doors and employing second hand engines. The power cars are numbered 9451-59. These trains have low backed seats and are regularly used on Larne line services, but they can appear anywhere, even on long distance services to Londonderry. On 12 May 2004 set 8458 enters Balmoral with the 16.00 Bangor to Portadown, with trailer 8788 leading.
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The newest trains on NIR are the C3K trains currently on delivery from CAF in Spain. These highly specified trains bring new levels of comfort and reliability to NIR passengers. The trains operate as three car sets numbered 3001-23. On 4 November 2004, set 3003 is on driver training duties at Moira (see also special CAF section).
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NIR operates a small fleet of six diesel electric locomotives. The oldest engine in the fleet is No 8102, a 1350 hp English Electric Hunslet, one of three built in 1970. Although theoretically operational, this engine has been out of use for some years and is currently stored at the RPSI base at Whitehead, where it is seen on 22 July 2004. |
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Nos 111, 112 and 8113 are GM diesels built in 1978-81. The These are mainly employed on infrastructure work, though 112 is currently on loan to Iarnrod Eireann. Here, No 8113 enters Lisburn with a down ballast train. |
NIR Nos 208 and 209 are large GM diesels built in 1996 for the cross-border 'Enterprise' service. This is worked by dedicated de Detrich stock, jointly owned by NIR and Irish Rail, with its own distinctive branding and livery. Iarnrod Eireann also operates 32 of these locomotives, some of which are painted in Enterprise livery. NIR No 208 'Lagan' is seen at Belfast Central in Enterprise livery, having just arrived with the 11.00 ex Dublin. |
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