Damocles, vision wasn't the issue. 121's had a soundproofed cab so a lot of external noises couldn't be heard by drivers. A 121 went over detonators one day and crashed into a PW wagon as the driver didn't hear them. It was suggested that holes be cut in the cabs but it was dropped and the decision was made to drive cab first.
Ah I remember the 121 Class :) Even though it could be operated nose first or cab first apparently drivers refused to drive them nose first; instead they preffered to drive them cab first as they said visibility was much better
and yet they had no problem driving that 071 backwards at high speed, talking to the guard standing next to them instead of having him in the leading cab with a hand on the brake lever if required.
Great to see the junction again, thanks for that.
Nice to see 130 on the 3 car Mark 3 push pull set that often formed the Limerick Shuttle.
Damocles, vision wasn't the issue. 121's had a soundproofed cab so a lot of external noises couldn't be heard by drivers. A 121 went over detonators one day and crashed into a PW wagon as the driver didn't hear them. It was suggested that holes be cut in the cabs but it was dropped and the decision was made to drive cab first.
That's a wonderful mix of Irish Rail traction - Limerick Junction is a lot less exciting a place these days :(
Bart.
Great video, reminds me of a time when my Grandad and Uncles (who all worked in CIE) used to call the 121's the 'Yankees'...
Why did they reverse the engine in the wrong cab here at the beginning ?
Great stuff
Excellent video!
Ah that makes sense; thanks for clearing that up :)
Ah I remember the 121 Class :) Even though it could be operated nose first or cab first apparently drivers refused to drive them nose first; instead they preffered to drive them cab first as they said visibility was much better
and yet they had no problem driving that 071 backwards at high speed, talking to the guard standing next to them instead of having him in the leading cab with a hand on the brake lever if required.
fantastic
god be with the good auld days