In 1955, CIE bought 50 carriage kits from Park Royal Vehicles, London and were assembed by CIE at Inchicore, Dublin. Designed by former Southern Railways CME and now CIE CME, Oliver Bulleid, who desgned them with a 15 year lifespan and as a fast fix to a lack of existing rolling stock. Of the 50 kits, 41 were Surburban and 9 were for the Mainline. The only difference between the two types was that the Mainline kits had toilets. They were different from other irish coaching as they were made of alluminium and perfect for being pulled by steam and diesel trains as well as AEC Railcars. They were also the widest ever vehicle on Irish railways being 10ft2in wide. Mostly used on the Dublin suburbs but were also used across the network until being gradually replaced by newer stock. By the 90s, Park Royals were still being used on the Cobh Line, the Ballina Branch and local Limerick services, with the last three being used for the Rosslare-Limerick train in 1994. After their withdrawal, 5 Park Royals were preserved. Two were preserved by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland and were used for the Dublin based Santa Specials but are now in storage. Two are preserved as static displays at the West Cork Model Railway Village. And one is preserved by the Downpatrick and County Down Railway and is active use.
Тип: traincar