DSER Class K2

The Dublin and South Eastern Railway (DSER) Class K2 is a class of 2-6-0 steam locomotives which were built for the heavy goods (freight) traffic on the Dublin - Wexford main line of the DSER (Dublin and South Eastern Railway). On account of the risk of damage when new (during the Irish Civil War period of 1921-1922), several examples were initially sent to Belfast for safekeeping, returning in 1923.

Preserved by the RPSI (Railway Preservation Society of Ireland), 461 [http://www.rpsi-online.org/locomotives/loco461.htm] was allocated to the Wexford goods and in Waterford, working beet traffic until its withdrawal in 1962, a year before CIÉ abolished steam locomotives entirely. It was presented by CIÉ to the RPSI in 1977. An extensive overhaul followed at Whitehead and the locomotive returned to traffic in late 1990. At present, the locomotive is under overhaul at the RPSI's Whitehead base [http://www.rpsi-online.org/appeal/index.htm] . Locomotive No.461 appeared in the film Michael Collins.

Livery

Originally painted DSER green, on becoming part of the GSR in 1925 she was painted in standard freight livery of unlined dark battleship grey. In the late 1950's, all-over unlined black was applied. This is the livery she currently carries, along with replica cast numberplates of GSR design, as carried in GSR years.

ee also

* Diesel Locomotives of Ireland
* Multiple Units of Ireland
* Coaching Stock of Ireland
* Steam locomotives of Ireland