GNRI AEC Class
After 1945, both CIÉ and the GNR(I) found themselves in a poor financial position as a result of the deprivations of World War II and increased competition from road traffic. They looked to diesel power as a way to streamline costs and bring them back into profitability. Along with diesel locomotives, railcars offered a cheaper and more flexible means of traction than steam-hauled coaches. As a result in June 1950 the GNR(I) introduced the first of 20 diesel-mechanical railcars (numbers 600–619) ordered from AEC Ltd. of Southall. CIÉ followed that September ordering 60 (numbers 2600-2659) almost identical versions as part of its dieselisation programme. These were delivered and put in service between 1951 and 1954.
Design
These cars, based on 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, pre-selective epicyclic gearbox. They cost £18,500 each and were capable of 70 miles per hour (110 km/h). They also had improved acceleration over steam, with 15–25 minutes reduction on the Dublin-Waterford running time.
Podcasts:
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by Irish Rovers
New York Gals
by: Irish RoversVERSE ONE:
Shipmates listen unto me, I'll tell you in my song
Of the things that happened to me
When I come home from Hong Kong
CHORUS:
To me a-weigh, you Santy, My dear Annie
Oh, you New York gals, Can't you dance the polka?
VERSE TWO:
As I walked down on Chatham Street a fair maid I did
meet
She asked me please to see her home, she lived on
Bleeker Street
Now if you'll only come with me you can have a treat
You can have a glass of brandy and something nice to
CHORUS:
VERSE THREE:
Before we sat down to eat we had several drinks
The liquor was so awful strong I quickly fell asleep
CHORUS:
VERSE FOUR:
When I awoke next morning I had an aching head
My gold watch and my pocket-book and my lady friend had
fled
In looking round this little room nothing did I see
But a woman's shoes and apron which now belonged to me
CHORUS:
VERSE FIVE:
Now dressed in the lady's apron I wandered most forlorn
Till Martin Churchill took me in and he sent me round
Cape Horn
CHORUS: (Twice)
To me a-weigh, you Santy, My dear Annie