NIR MPV

The Multi-purpose vehicle is a purpose built departmental derivative of a diesel multiple unit constructed for use as a rail adhesion vehicle by NI Railways in Northern Ireland.

NI Railways Multi-Purpose Vehicle
In service2016–present
ManufacturerWindhoff
Family nameCargoSprinter
ReplacedNIR Class 80
Constructed2016
Entered service2017
Number built1
Number in service1
Formation1 cars
Fleet numbers99 70 9428 011-9 (UIC)
11 (NIR)
Operator(s)NI Railways
Specifications
Maximum speed100 km/h (62 mph)
Prime mover(s)MTU
Track gauge1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)

History

The vehicle was built by Windhoff in Germany, and is based on the Windhoff CargoSprinter unit, similar to the vehicles used by Network Rail on the British network. The double ended vehicle is designed primarily to apply sandite and use high pressure water jets on the rail to improve adhesion. However, the design is modular, allowing the swapping of equipment to undertake other work, including weed spraying and tree surgery. The MPV has been built to pull wagons as required.[1]

The vehicle was delivered in October 2016 and undertook gauging trials prior to its entry into service.[2] This coincided with the final use of NI Railway's 80 Class sandite train during the leaf fall season in 2016.[3] The vehicle received the UIC identification number 99 70 9428 011-9, while it was numbered as 11 by NIR.[4]

  • The NIR MPV passes through Marino station during the 2021 leaf fall season.
    MPV passing through Marino station
  • The NIR MPV parked up at Ballymena Permanent Way sidings during the spring of 2022.
    The MPV parked at Ballymena sidings

References
  1. "News NIR". Irish Railway Record Society Journal. irrs.ie. 4 January 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2017.
  2. "NIR GM 111 Class (8)111 - Windhoff Multi Purpose Vehicle Transfer - City Hospital Halt, Belfast". YouTube. 5 November 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2017.
  3. Playfair, Chris (February 2017). "Sandite Finale". Rail Express (249): 97.
  4. "NI 11". ontrackplant.com. Retrieved 28 January 2017.


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