UTA 70 Class

Ulster Transport Authority 70 Class
A Class 70 set stands at Belfast York Road station
In service	1966–1985
Manufacturer	UTA York Road
Number built	8 power cars, 18 trailers
Formation	4 cars per set
Fleet numbers	Power cars: 71–78
Operator	Ulster Transport Authority Northern Ireland Railways
Specifications
Maximum speed	70 mph (113 km/h)
Engine(s)	English Electric 4SRKT
Power output	550 hp (410 kW)
Gauge	1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)

Power car No. 72 leads a three car unit into Knockmore station.

UTA 70 class was a diesel multiple unit train built for service on Northern Ireland Railways. The MED’s and MPD’s, which made use of readily available power and transmission units, were cheap to operate but noisier and not as comfortable as locomotive-hauled rolling stock, a fact which made them unsuitable for Inter-City journeys. The decision was made to develop a new generation of multiple unit and in July 1966 the first of the new DEMU sets entered service.

History

Investment was needed on the “Inter City” routes and it was a straight choice between new locomotives and coaching stock or a new generation of multiple unit. The decision was made in favour of new multiple units and in 1966 the first of these entered service, designated 70 Class.

Unlike the MEDs and MPDs with their low - powered underfloor engines and mechanical transmissions spread through the train, the new units had a single English Electric engine of 550 horsepower (410 kW), fitted in a compartment between the driving cab and the passenger saloon, and electric transmission. Whilst construction was carried out at the UTA's York Road works in Belfast they imported underframes and body parts. This order comprised parts for the construction of eight power cars and the modification of existing coaches, The 70 Class were first introduced on the former Northern Counties Committee section but were later also worked cross-border trains.

Like the MPDs these units were also suitable for working freight services and regularly appeared on the CIÉ freight services to and from Derry.

The 70s were numbered as follows:

• Power Cars 71 to 78.

Each power car was named after Northern Irish rivers in October 1970. The names are as follows:

Number	Name
71	River Bush
72	River Foyle
73	River Roe
74	River Lagan
75	River Maine
76	River Inver
77	River Braid
78	River Bann

The original trailer cars were as follows:

• 548 Buffet car (dual cables for MPD+70)
• 550 Buffet car (converted from MPD car)
• 701 Brake First
• 702 Brake Composite
• 703 Brake Standard
• 711 Driving Brake Compostite
• 712 Driving Brake Compostite
• 721 to 725 Standard

In 1968–1969 more trailers were added

• 554 Buffet car (dual cables for AEC+70) withdrawn in 1970
• 713 and 714 Driving Brake Standard
• 726 and 727 Standard

The power cars' interiors were rebuilt between 1976 and 1979. During the same period 711 to 714 and 726 were rebuilt from side corridor to open layout

Trailer 728 (brake Standard) was rebuilt in 1976 from MPD driving trailer 534

In 1977 701 and 703 were rebuilt as Driving Brake Standard open

It was decided in 1983 that the 70 Class railcars would be replaced, No. 78 had already been withdrawn in May 1979 and the remaining units were to follow in 1985–1986. 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.

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 pained in LMS NCC livery.