Title: NIR Breathes New Life Into Castle-Class Trains
Abstract: This brief article describes current efforts by Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) to refurbish a batch of diesel trains to extend their life. The trains are part of the Castle-class diesel-electric (demu) trains, built by British Rail Engineering and each one comprising a driving motor car, and intermediate and driving trailers. The bodyshells and powered doors looked modern, but the motors were from older railcars, dating from 1966. Complete rebuilding was not possible due to costs, so NIR undertook a 2-phase refurbishment. The trains were given a better ambience for passengers and the project enabled NIR to renew various mechanical and electrical systems to increase reliability as well as to identify problem areas. The author describes the exterior work, interior floors and seating changes, and new heating and air flow systems that were installed. At the time of publication of this article, five of the nine units have undergone the passenger environment modifications; all nine units are expected to be completed (both phases) by early 2007.
Publication Year: 2006
Publication Date: 2006-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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