GNRI AEC Class

With finances following the end of World War II somewhat stretched, many railway companies, even in countries that had not been involved in the conflict, were looking to the introduction of diesel power to bring them into profitability. On the GNR(I) the summer of 1950 saw the introduction of the first of twenty diesel - mechanical railcars ordered from AEC Ltd. of Southall.

History

These cars, which were developed from a 1930s AEC/Great Western Railway design, were powered by two AEC underfloor engines of 125 hp, each one driving the inner axle of one bogie through a five-speed, preselective epicyclic gearbox. The bodywork was built by Park Royal, also like AEC, a member of the ACV Group.

The design incorporated a full - width cab at one end and a guard's compartment at the other. Passenger accommodation was in two saloons, the first-class saloon, with 12 seats, was located immediately behind the driving cab giving passengers a clear view to the line ahead, the third-class saloon had seats for 32 passengers. The power cars could operate with up to two un-powered intermediate coaches that were built by the GNR(I) at its Dundalk Works.

Although the train size was limited to four coaches, they were put in service on the Dublin - Belfast 'Enterprise' trains. These units have the distinction of being the first successful main line diesel railcars in either Ireland or Britain.