NIR 80 Class
Encyclopedia
The Class 80 is a type of diesel electric multiple unit in service with Northern Ireland Railways
.
had been in service for 20 years, and the MPDs for 10 years. To replace these increasingly life-expired units, Northern Ireland Railways
placed an order with BREL for 9 new DMUs. These were to be built as four 3-car and five 2-car sets and 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 new trains were named as the Class 80.
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 of the power cars was 45, however after providing for wheelchair accommodation, this was reduced to 42. The vehicle also incorporated a guards/parcel compartment. The intermediate coaches were fitted with an additional door on each side to aid passenger flow and had a capacity of 87. The driving trailers 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, so that two train sets could be coupled together and still allow passengers to travel between the trains. All three types are of integral construction, however the power cars, because of their weight, also have an underframe. They were similar to the UTA 70 Class
, both mechanically and electrically.
The Class 80 was intended to replace the aging 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.
Each vehicle was numbered individually, with power car numbers running from 67 to 69, and 81 to 99. The Intermediate Trailers were numbered 761 to 780 and the Driving Trailers were numbered 731 to 756. Power cars 81 to 89 were built between 1974/1975, while 67 to 69 and 90 to 99 were built between 1978/1979. Intermediate Trailers 761 to 764 were also built between 1974/1975, with 765 to 773 being completed between 1978/1979. Likewise, the Driving Trailers were also completed in batches, with 731 to 739 built between 1974/1975 and 740 to 751 built between 1978/1979. The additional coaches were conversions from BR or old NI Railways loco-hauled coaches, and were not original Class 80 vehicles. These were Intermediate Trailers 752 to 756 and Driving Trailers 774 to 780. During the mid 1990s the surviving vehicles were all renumbered by Translink, by adding 8000 to the their numbers to avoid duplication with the bus fleet opearated by Ulsterbus and Citybus, also Translink subsidiaries.
(IÉ) from NIR in October 1987 for use on, respectively, the Bray–Greystones
shuttle (previously operated by a push–pull set rebuilt from CIÉ 2600 Class
railcars), the Dublin Connolly
–Maynooth
route, and the Cork–Cobh line
. They were originally intended as a short-term measure until Mark 3
push–pull sets became available. The sets entered service on November 2. In addition to their regular services, they were employed on a variety of other workings, including a nine-car All-Ireland hurling
special from Cork to Dublin. However, although the sets were fitted with Continuous Automatic Warning System
and IÉ train radio in March 1990 and "for a while it appeared as if the units were going to be purchased by [IÉ]," NIR required them back when the lease expired at the end of October 1990. A brief "stay of execution" for the Greystones shuttle lasted until November 26.
The power cars are being overhauled at LH services in Staffordshire and the trailers at York Road works in Belfast
Set 89-733-738-69 remained in service until May 24, 2008
97 was converted to a Sandite spraying vehicle in 2006 and in 2006 and 2007 was used on these duties coupled to 89. On October 1, 2008 97 had a test run with refurbished 82 and this pair are being used for Sandite trains until December 2008
Set 93-754-749-94 has been sporadically on test since 23 July 2008. As of 3 November 2008, it has been reported than regular passenger services have been commenced with this set.
In 2009, 8097 was on Sandite duties again with 8082. During October 2009 while out on Sanditing Duties the engine in 8097 exploded. 8082 struggled with haulling dead 8097 so it was decided to add 8094 to back of the train to help it along.
On the 17th December 2009, a second refurbished 80 class was deployed onto the Larne Line. The current sets on the Larne Line are 8090-8749-8752-8093 and 8094-8754-8747-8082. The third refurbished set is currently stored at York Road and it consists of 8069-8733-8738-8089.
On 26.1.10- 8089 entered passenger service with 8093, 8090 was taken off the set on Saturday 23 January 2010. 8090 is currently being stored at the south end of the south sidding at York Road.
It has been rumoured that 8082 has now been withdrawn from service following from an engine fire. 82 has been fixed and returned to working order after the fire in Larne
In 2011, the entire Class 450 fleet, together with the remaining Class 80 units, was listed by NI Railways for disposal.
The final Class 80 units were withdrawn from passenger service on the 25th September 2011. However, a four car unit remains in service as NIR's sandite
train for the 2011 Winter season - this is formed of three power cars and one driving trailer.
Northern Ireland Railways
NI Railways, also known as Northern Ireland Railways and for a brief period of time, Ulster Transport Railways , is the railway operator in Northern Ireland...
.
History
By the early 1970s the MEDs and units inherited from the GNR(I)Great Northern Railway (Ireland)
The Great Northern Railway was an Irish gauge railway company in Ireland.The Great Northern was formed in 1876 by a merger of the Irish North Western Railway , Northern Railway of Ireland, and Ulster Railway. The Ulster Railway was the GNRI's oldest constituent, having opened between Belfast and...
had been in service for 20 years, and the MPDs for 10 years. To replace these increasingly life-expired units, Northern Ireland Railways
Northern Ireland Railways
NI Railways, also known as Northern Ireland Railways and for a brief period of time, Ulster Transport Railways , is the railway operator in Northern Ireland...
placed an order with BREL for 9 new DMUs. These were to be built as four 3-car and five 2-car sets and were delivered in 1974/75. Structurally, the new trains were based on the British Rail MK IIb
British Rail Mark 2
The Mark 2 family of railway carriages were British Rail's second design of carriages. They were built by British Rail workshops between 1964 and 1975...
bodyshell, which NIR was already using for the Enterprise service. The new trains were named as the Class 80.
The power cars were fitted with an English Electric
English Electric
English Electric was a British industrial manufacturer. Founded in 1918, it initially specialised in industrial electric motors and transformers...
560 HP diesel engine, with electric transmission to two traction motors mounted on the rear bogie. The seating capacity of the power cars was 45, however after providing for wheelchair accommodation, this was reduced to 42. The vehicle also incorporated a guards/parcel compartment. The intermediate coaches were fitted with an additional door on each side to aid passenger flow and had a capacity of 87. The driving trailers 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, so that two train sets could be coupled together and still allow passengers to travel between the trains. All three types are of integral construction, however the power cars, because of their weight, also have an underframe. They were similar to the UTA 70 Class
UTA 70 Class
UTA 70 class was a diesel multiple unit train built for service on Northern Ireland Railways. The MED’s and MPD’s, which made use of readily available power and transmission units, were cheap to operate but noisier and not as comfortable as locomotive-hauled rolling stock, a fact which made them...
, both mechanically and electrically.
The Class 80 was intended to replace the aging MED, MPD and ex-GNR AEC and BUT railcars on the NCC services and the suburban service between Bangor
Bangor railway station, Northern Ireland
Bangor railway station is a terminal railway station which serves the town of Bangor in County Down, Northern Ireland. The station was opened by the Belfast and County Down Railway on 1 May 1865 and closed to goods traffic on 24 April 1950.-Service:...
and Portadown
Portadown railway station
Portadown railway station serves Portadown in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. The original Portadown station was sited half a mile east of the present station and opened on 12 September 1842, replacing a temporary station at Seagow that had opened the preceding year. The Portadown station was...
. The railcars proved so successful that a second series was ordered in 1975, entering service in 1977/78.
Each vehicle was numbered individually, with power car numbers running from 67 to 69, and 81 to 99. The Intermediate Trailers were numbered 761 to 780 and the Driving Trailers were numbered 731 to 756. Power cars 81 to 89 were built between 1974/1975, while 67 to 69 and 90 to 99 were built between 1978/1979. Intermediate Trailers 761 to 764 were also built between 1974/1975, with 765 to 773 being completed between 1978/1979. Likewise, the Driving Trailers were also completed in batches, with 731 to 739 built between 1974/1975 and 740 to 751 built between 1978/1979. The additional coaches were conversions from BR or old NI Railways loco-hauled coaches, and were not original Class 80 vehicles. These were Intermediate Trailers 752 to 756 and Driving Trailers 774 to 780. During the mid 1990s the surviving vehicles were all renumbered by Translink, by adding 8000 to the their numbers to avoid duplication with the bus fleet opearated by Ulsterbus and Citybus, also Translink subsidiaries.
Use by Iarnród Éireann
Three 3-car sets were leased by Iarnród ÉireannIarnród Éireann
Iarnród Éireann is the national railway system operator of Ireland. Established on 2 February 1987, it is a subsidiary of Córas Iompair Éireann . It operates all internal intercity, commuter and freight railway services in the Republic of Ireland, and, jointly with Northern Ireland Railways, the...
(IÉ) from NIR in October 1987 for use on, respectively, the Bray–Greystones
Greystones railway station
Greystones railway station serves Greystones in County Wicklow, Ireland. It is the southern terminus of the DART electrified rail network, and is not served by all DART trains. Trains had previously terminated at Bray Daly Station. Construction began on the extended service between 1995 and 1999,...
shuttle (previously operated by a push–pull set rebuilt from CIÉ 2600 Class
CIÉ 2600 Class
The Córas Iompair Éireann 2600 Class were Associated Equipment Company –engined diesel multiple units that operated intercity and suburban services on the CIÉ system between 1951 and 1975...
railcars), the Dublin Connolly
Dublin Connolly railway station
Dublin Connolly, commonly called Connolly station , is one of the main railway stations in Dublin, Ireland, and is a focal point in the Irish route network. Opened in 1844 as Amiens Street Station, the ornate facade has a distinctive Italianate tower at its centre...
–Maynooth
Maynooth railway station
Maynooth railway station serves the town of Maynooth in north County Kildare, Ireland. It is situated on the south side of the Royal Canal, opposite Dukes' Harbour...
route, and the Cork–Cobh line
Cork Suburban Rail
The Cork Suburban Rail network serves the Metropolitan Cork area in County Cork, Munster, Ireland.There has been a suburban rail system in Cork since the middle of the 19th century however it suffered serious neglect and line closures in the 20th century...
. They were originally intended as a short-term measure until Mark 3
British Rail Mark 3
British Rail's third design of standard carriage was designated 'Mark 3' , and was developed primarily for the InterCity 125 High Speed Train...
push–pull sets became available. The sets entered service on November 2. In addition to their regular services, they were employed on a variety of other workings, including a nine-car All-Ireland hurling
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
special from Cork to Dublin. However, although the sets were fitted with Continuous Automatic Warning System
Continuous Automatic Warning System
The Continuous Automatic Warning System is a form of cab signalling and train protection system used in Ireland to help train drivers observe and obey lineside signals....
and IÉ train radio in March 1990 and "for a while it appeared as if the units were going to be purchased by [IÉ]," NIR required them back when the lease expired at the end of October 1990. A brief "stay of execution" for the Greystones shuttle lasted until November 26.
Refurbishment
Despite the increasing age and obselesence of the Class 80, the lack of available rolling stock has meant that NIR has been forced to retain a number of units, even in spite of the entry into service of the new Class 3000. As of 2009, NIR will maintain up to three 4-car units for use on passenger services. These will see a pair of 2-car units, a power car and driving trailer, coupled back to back. Six trailers will be refurbished and fitted with central door locking to enable them to remain in service until the new Class 4000 units enter service. [742 had been nominated for retention but was scrapped in May 2008 and replaced in the programme by 752]The power cars are being overhauled at LH services in Staffordshire and the trailers at York Road works in Belfast
Set 89-733-738-69 remained in service until May 24, 2008
97 was converted to a Sandite spraying vehicle in 2006 and in 2006 and 2007 was used on these duties coupled to 89. On October 1, 2008 97 had a test run with refurbished 82 and this pair are being used for Sandite trains until December 2008
Set 93-754-749-94 has been sporadically on test since 23 July 2008. As of 3 November 2008, it has been reported than regular passenger services have been commenced with this set.
In 2009, 8097 was on Sandite duties again with 8082. During October 2009 while out on Sanditing Duties the engine in 8097 exploded. 8082 struggled with haulling dead 8097 so it was decided to add 8094 to back of the train to help it along.
On the 17th December 2009, a second refurbished 80 class was deployed onto the Larne Line. The current sets on the Larne Line are 8090-8749-8752-8093 and 8094-8754-8747-8082. The third refurbished set is currently stored at York Road and it consists of 8069-8733-8738-8089.
On 26.1.10- 8089 entered passenger service with 8093, 8090 was taken off the set on Saturday 23 January 2010. 8090 is currently being stored at the south end of the south sidding at York Road.
It has been rumoured that 8082 has now been withdrawn from service following from an engine fire. 82 has been fixed and returned to working order after the fire in Larne
In 2011, the entire Class 450 fleet, together with the remaining Class 80 units, was listed by NI Railways for disposal.
The final Class 80 units were withdrawn from passenger service on the 25th September 2011. However, a four car unit remains in service as NIR's sandite
Sandite
Sandite is a substance used on railways in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands to combat leaves on the line, which can cause train wheels to slip and become damaged with flat spots...
train for the 2011 Winter season - this is formed of three power cars and one driving trailer.
Fleet details
| Class | Operator | No. in service | Year Built | Cars per Set | Unit nos. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 80 | Northern Ireland Railways | 1 | 1974–1978 | 4 | 8090-8097-8752-8094 Sandite Train | 89-747-754-82+733-738-93 Withdrawn at Ballymena 8069-8749 Withdrawn at York Road |
Status Of Class 80 Units
| Key: | Stored | Scrapped | Refurbished | Other Use | Unknown |
|---|
Power cars
| Number | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8067 | Scrapped | Was involved in the derailment at Downhill in 2002, after colliding with a rockfall. Scrapped 6 December 2004. |
| 8068 | Scrapped | Removed from Adelaide Yard and crushed on 30 May 2008. |
| 8069 | Withdrawn | Undergone refurbishment by LH Services at Barton under Needwood, England. Returned to York Road Works on 18 September 2009. Withdrawn at York Road, unknown fault. |
| 8081 | Scrapped | Named The Boys Brigade in 1988. Bomb damaged in 1976 but re-built 2 years later. Scrapped as of January 2006. |
| 8082 | Withdrawn | Badly damaged in the arson attack at Lurgan, but repaired in 1999. Returned after refurbishment by LH Services on 15 September 2008. Returned to passenger service on 17 December 2009, after spending the last two years exclusively working on sandite duties. Engine block cracked. Currently withdrawn at Ballymena. |
| 8083 | Scrapped | Damaged during 1992, rebuilt the following year and finally scrapped during July 2008. |
| 8084 | ? | ? |
| 8085 | Scrapped | Removed from Adelaide and destroyed 11 July 2008. |
| 8086 | Scrapped | Named Glendun in 1992. Removed and destroyed July 2008. |
| 8087 | Scrapped | Rebuilt in 1979 after being damaged by a bomb at Londonderry. Scrapped at January 2006. |
| 8088 | Scrapped | Scrapped after an accident at Hilden. Equipment was re-used in power car 8459, to make up the ninth Class 450 set. |
| 8089 | Withdrawn | Refurbished by LH Services at Barton under Needwood, England, and returned to York Road Works on 8 July 2009. Re-entered service on 26 January 2010 Engine block cracked. Currently withdrawn at Ballymena. |
| 8090 | Sandite | Refurbished by LH Services at Barton under Needwood, England, and returned to Adelaide Yard on 14 December 2008. Part of sandite train. |
| 8091 | Scrapped | Scrapped 28 May 2008. |
| 8092 | Scrapped | Scrapped during May 2009. |
| 8093 | Withdrawn | Damaged at Finaghy in 1980, but rebuilt the following year. Returned after refurbishment by LH Services on 12 May 2008 Electrical defect. Currently withdrawn at Ballymena. |
| 8094 | Sandite | Named Glenariff in 1989. Refurbished; returned on 2 April 2008. Part of sandite train. |
| 8095 | Scrapped | Withdrawn after fire damage on 4 November 2000 and scrapped at Belfast Docks on December 2001. |
| 8096 | Scrapped | Named Glenshane in 1989. Scrapped as at January 2006. |
| 8097 | Sandite | Named Glenshesk in 1990. Sandite Unit, painted yellow. |
| 8098 | Scrapped | Named Glenoe in 1989. Scrapped by Clearways 28 May 2008. |
| 8099 | Stored | Named Sir Myles Humpreys in 1978. Damaged in an attack in May 1993, but repaired during 1994. Currently at the East Lancashire Railway in Bury, Manchester, England |
Intermediate Trailers
| Number | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8761 | ? | ? |
| 8762 | Scrapped | Scrapped in July 2008. |
| 8763 | Scrapped | Scrapped during May 2009. |
| 8764 | Scrapped | Removed from Adelaide Yard 29 May 2008 and destroyed by Clearways. |
| 8765 | Scrapped | Removed from Adelaide Yard 29 May 2008 and destroyed by Clearways. |
| 8766 | Scrapped | Destroyed during July 2008. |
| 8767 | Scrapped | NI Railways destroyed this vehicle by fire. |
| 8768 | Scrapped | Scrapped 6 May 2005. |
| 8769 | ? | ? |
| 8770 | ? | ? |
| 8771 | Scrapped | As of May 2007, it was sited at Ballynure. Possibility of preservation. |
| 8772 | Scrapped | Destroyed by arson on 6 July 1997. |
| 8773 | ? | ? |
| 8774 | Scrapped | Scrapped during May 2009. |
| 8775 | Scrapped | Scrapped as at January 2006. |
| 8776 | Scrapped | Scrapped during May 2009. |
| 8777 | Scrapped | Scrapped 6 May 2005. |
| 8778 | Scrapped | Destroyed by arson in July 1997. |
| 8779 | Scrapped | Destroyed during July 2008. |
| 8780 | Scrapped | Destroyed July 2008. |
Driving Trailers
| Number | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8731 | ? | ? |
| 8732 | Scrapped | Scrapped as at January 2006. |
| 8733 | Withdrawn | Refurbishment not completed. Withdrawn at Ballymena. |
| 8734 | Scrapped | Destroyed May 2008. |
| 8735 | ? | ? |
| 8736 | Scrapped | Destroyed May 2008. |
| 8737 | Scrapped | Destroyed in an arson attack in 1997. |
| 8738 | Withdrawn | Refurbishment not completed. Withdrawn at Ballymena. |
| 8739 | Scrapped | Scrapped as at January 2006. |
| 8740 | Scrapped | NI Railways destroyed this vehicle by fire. |
| 8741 | ? | ? |
| 8742 | Scrapped | Destroyed by Clearways 30 May 2008. |
| 8743 | Scrapped | Scrapped during May 2009. |
| 8744 | Scrapped | Destroyed July 2008. |
| 8745 | Scrapped | Scrapped during May 2009. |
| 8746 | ? | ? |
| 8747 | Withdrawn | Returned to service on 3 November 2008. Withdrawn at Ballymena. |
| 8748 | ? | ? |
| 8749 | Withdrawn | Refurbished. Withdrawn at York Road. |
| 8750 | ? | ? |
| 8751 | Scrapped | Destroyed in an arson attack in 1997. |
| 8752 | Sandite | Refurbished. Now part of sandite train. |
| 8753 | Scrapped | Removed from Adelaide Yard 29 May 2008 and destroyed by Clearways. |
| 8754 | Withdrawn | Refurbished. Stopped 16 December 2010. Withdrawn at Ballymena |
| 8755 | Scrapped | Scrapped 6 May 2005. |
| 8756 | Scrapped | Scrapped 6 May 2005. |