The Córas Iompair Éireann 201 Class was a class of 34 diesel electric locomotives manufactured by Metropolitan-Vickers at their Dukinfield Works in Manchester. They were a smaller, lighter and less powerful version of the 001 Class and were originally intended for branch line passenger and freight (mixed traffic) duties. They were introduced in 1956 and, although their duties changed over the years, were in regular service on the Irish railway network until the mid-1980s. Six were sold to Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) in 1986. Service history Unfortunately, these locomotives suffered from two distinct problems: During the late 1950s and early 1960s, following the publication of the Andrews Report (mimicking the widescale the Beeching Axe in Britain), CIÉ undertook large-scale closures of branch lines, leaving the engines without a purpose. The locomotives were of insufficient power for their duties and their Crossley engines suffered reliability problems. The existing Metro-Vick traction motors and generators were recognised as robust and retained in the rebuild. Replacement engines: Because of the problems with the Crossley engines attempts were made to fit the locomotives with more suitable equipment. Between 1965 and 1980, Maybach MD650 engines of were fitted in Nos. 233 and 234. From 1969, however, a permanent solution was found by fitting the entire class with General Motors engines, a similar process that was previously undergone by the 001 Class). New Duties: From 1969 the class were given new duties, being partnered with former 2600 class diesel multiple units converted to four-car push-pull carriage rakes to operate the suburban services around Dublin. In 1984 the Dublin suburban lines over which they worked were electrified and new electric multiple units operated the renamed Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) system. The first member of the class to be withdrawn was No. B201, being bomb damaged in 1973. The remaining members of the class, except for the six sold to NIR, were withdrawn over the two years following the opening of the DART system having completed 30 years service for their operators. Numbering When built, these locomotives were numbered C201-C234, and as locomotives were re-engined, they were renumbered B201-B234 to reflect their increased power. However, the prefix letter was later dropped. Livery Over the years the class has carried six different liveries. When introduced they were painted an all-over silver livery which unfortunately dirtied quickly and was not a good advert for dieselisation. This was followed by all-over