UTA AEC Class

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It has been suggested that this article be merged with GNRI AEC Class. (Discuss) Proposed since July 2024.

UTA AEC Class
An AEC Railcar at Lambeg in service with NIR
Interior of a push–pull vehicle at Drogheda in June 1980 with plastic chairs and graffiti
In service	1951–1972
Manufacturer	GNR Works, Dundalk
Replaced	Steam locomotives and carriages
Constructed	1951
Scrapped	1972
Number built	20 Power Cars (10 After 1958)
Number scrapped	All
Formation	2–8 cars (maximum 4 power cars)
Capacity	44–91 seats per power car, depending on arrangement
Operators	Ulster Transport Authority Northern Ireland Railways
Specifications
Car body construction	Steel on timber framing
Car length	62 feet 6 inches (19.05 m)
Width	9 feet 6 inches (2.90 m)
Height	12 feet 6 inches (3.81 m)
Maximum speed	120 km/h (75 mph)
Weight	38.5 long tons (39.1 t) (single power car)
Prime mover(s)	Two AEC A215 in each power car
Power output	250 brake horsepower (190 kW) per power car
Transmission	Mechanical; five-speed preselector gearbox
HVAC	Steam heating
UIC classification	1A′A1′
Braking system(s)	Vacuum
Coupling system	Screw
Track gauge	1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) See Rail gauge in Ireland

Following the end of World War II, most railways throughout the world were looking to either update their fleet of steam locomotives with new and more economical designs or look towards alternatives, which for many meant a programme of dieselisation. The main considerations were the rising cost of coal against diesel oil and the weight of the trains causing wear and tear on the track. In looking to the dieselisation of their system the Ulster Transport Authority (UTA) made early inroads with small, lightweight diesel units, based on those built for the Great Western Railway in England, using the same manufacturers to supply parts and undertaking construction in their own workshops.