Steve Johnson    Modelmaker

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A Class

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G601 Class

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K801 Class

Deutz G601 Class

   

The Prototype

In an effort to save a number of lightly used branchlines from permanent closure, CIÉ bought three lightweight diesel locomotives from the German Motorenfabrik Deutz company. Known as the G601 Class, they were delivered in 1956 and 1957, they were powered by the 130bhp Deutz A8L 714 diesel engine driving the four wheels via chains through a Voith hydraulic transmission. They were put to work and postponed the closure of these lines for a number years. Pleased with the success of these diminutive eighteen ton locomotives, CIÉ placed a further order with Deutz for seven more locomotives which arrived in 1962. This second batch differed slightly from the original type and were classified G611. One of the locomotives has been preserved, G601, by the ITG.

The Model

Silver Fox Models has produced a resin kit and ready to run models of the G601 Class. The kit is in two parts, the body and the chassis. It can be motorised by a Black Beetle or Tenshodo motor bogie. Although I have bought one of these kits, I haven't yet built it.