NIR 80 Class
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| Northern Ireland Railways 80 Class | |
|---|---|
| In service | 1974- |
| Manufacturer | BREL |
| Number built | 22 power cars, trailers see below |
| Formation | 2/3/4 per trainset |
| Capacity | varriable depending on trailer capacity, most 3 car sets 210 |
| Operator | Northern Ireland Railways |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 70mph |
| Engine | English Electric 4 cylinder 4SRKT |
| Gauge | 1600mm |
By the early 1970’s the MED’s and units inherited from the GNR(I) had been in service for 20 years, and the MPD’s for 10 years. With reliability becoming a problem the new 80 Class diesel electric multiple units were ordered from BREL, Derby.
[edit] History.
In the early 1970’s Northern Ireland Railways placed an order with BREL for 9 new diesel electric trains to be delivered as four 3 - car and five 2 -car sets, which were delivered in 1974 / 75.
Structurally the new trains were based on the British Rail MK IIb bodyshell, which NIR was already using for the Enterprise service. The power cars were fitted with an English Electric 560 HP diesel engine, with electric transmission to two traction motors mounted on the rear bogie. The seating capacity was 45, the vehicle also incorporated a guards / parcel compartment. After provision for wheelchair accommodation seating was reduced to 42
The intermediate coaches were basically a standard BR Mk IIb design, with 87 seats, fitted with an additional door on each side to aid passenger flow. The driving trailers, which were also based on the BR Mk IIb bodyshell, had a small cab built at one end, which necessitated the removal of six seats. This cab was set to the left, to preserve the gangway connection.
All three types are of integral construction, however the power cars, because of their weight, also have an underframe.
They were mechanically and electrically similar to the 1966 built UTA 70 Class
The 80 class was intended to replace the ageing MED, MPD and ex-GNR AEC and BUT railcars on the NCC services and the suburban service between Bangor and Portadown. The railcars proved so successful that a second series was ordered in 1975, entering service in 1977 / 78.
The number series ran from 67 to 69, 81 to 99 (power cars), 761-780 (Intermediate trailers) and 731 to 756 (Driving trailers). Nos. 752-756 and 774-780 were conversions from BR or NIR loco-hauled coaches and not original 80 class vehicles. Nos. 81-89, 731-739 and 761-764 were built in 1974-1975, nos. 67-69, 90-99, 740-751 and 765-773 in 1978-1979
Cars 69 82 89 90 93 94 733 738 747 749 752 754 will be refurbished and fitted with central door locking to enable them to remain in service until new railcars, due to enter service in 2012 (order expected March 2009), are available. [742 had been nominated for retention but was scrapped in May 2008 and replaced in the programme by 752]
Set 89-733-738-69 remained in service until May 24th and is now out of use at York Road Depot waiting for 69 and 89 to be sent to England and 733 plus 738 to be overhauled at York Road As of May 26th 82 and 90 were being overhauled in England. 94 returned to Belfast on April 2 2008 and 93 on May 12th (The driving trailers will all be overhauled in Belfast) 97 was converted to a Sandite spraying vehicle in 2006 and in 2006 and 2007 was used on these duties coupled to 89. The bogies from 97 were used to replace those on 69 at the end of April 2008 so it is not clear if 97 will return to Sandite use
Set 93-754-749-94 is expected to begin testing on the Larne line in the near future
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