IRA. No. 76 was withdrawn in 1984 and the remaining units followed in 1985–1986. The last set in service was a five-car set operated by power cars No. 75 and 77. Both were withdrawn on Tuesday 1 April 1986. For the new units, and after heavy refurbishment, engines, generators and traction motors were recovered as the 70s were withdrawn for re-use in the new 450 class. After withdrawal, it was discovered that the power cars contained blue asbestos, so they were sent to Crosshill Quarry, Crumlin, along with other NIR stock and even some CIÉ stock for disposal. They were put into a flooded part of the quarry, since water dampens asbestos, meaning that no loose fibers could escape from their structures. Most of the under frames were kept for use as flatbeds. Preservation Buffet Car 550 entered preservation in 1978 with the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland, whereupon it regained its original UTA number, 87, and was painted in LMS NCC livery. Intermediate trailer no. 728 lay at York Road until 1991, and is now at the Downpatrick and County Down Railway. Driving trailer no. 713 was also preserved at Downpatrick but was destroyed by a malicious fire in 2002. Its underframe remains in use as a flat wagon. Status References 070 Diesel electric multiple units