IE 8500, 8510 and 8520 Classes

The Iarnród Éireann 8500, 8510 and 8520 Classes are three related types of EMU used on the DART network in Dublin, Ireland. The total fleet numbers a total of 17 four-car trains, all of which were constructed by the Tokyu Car Corporation.

Iarnród Éireann 8500 Class
8601 leads into Howth Junction
In service6 July 2001 – present
ManufacturerTokyu Car Corporation
Family nameTokyu Commuter
Constructed2000
Number built4 trainsets
Formation4 cars per trainset: DT–DM–DM–DT
Fleet numbersDM: 8501/8502 – 8507/8508
DT: 8601/8602 – 8607/8608
Capacity160 seated
Operator(s)DART
Specifications
Maximum speed110 km/h (70 mph)
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC Overhead lines
Current collection methodPantograph
Track gauge1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)
See Rail gauge in Ireland
Iarnród Éireann 8510 Class
8614 shortly after delivery
In service2 April 2002 – present
ManufacturerTokyu Car Corporation
Family nameTokyu Commuter
Replaced8100 Class
Constructed2001
Number built3 trainsets
Formation4 cars per trainset: DT–DM–DM–DT
Fleet numbersDM: 8511/8512 – 8515/8516
DT: 8611/8612 – 8615/8616
Capacity160 seated
Operator(s)DART
Specifications
Maximum speed110 km/h (70 mph)
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC Overhead lines
Current collection methodPantograph
Track gauge1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)
See Rail gauge in Ireland
Iarnród Éireann 8520 Class
8628 leads into Dublin Connolly
In service17 September 2004 – present
ManufacturerTokyu Car Corporation
Family nameTokyu Commuter
Constructed2003 – 2004
Number built10 trainsets
Formation4 cars per trainset: DT–DM–DM–DT
Fleet numbersDM: 8521/8522 – 8539/8540
DT: 8621/8622 – 8639/8640
Capacity160 seated
Operator(s)DART
Specifications
Maximum speed110 km/h (70 mph)
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC Overhead lines
Current collection methodPantograph
Track gauge1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)
See Rail gauge in Ireland

8500 Class

The 8500 Class were delivered in 2000 and were the first four car units to be used on the DART network. They are numbered in the sequence 860X+850X+850Y+860Y. 850X/850Y units are power cars while 860X/860Y units are unpowered driving trailers. Their interior destination displays and public announcement system has been long turned off. Like all DART units, the 8500 Class are maintained at Fairview depot, and are also stabled at Bray Station.

8510 Class

The 8510 Class were delivered in 2001 as three 4-car trains supplementing the original 8500 Class. Vehicles are numbered in the sequence 861X+851X+851Y+861Y. 851X/851Y units are power cars while 861X/861Y units are unpowered driving trailers. The most visible difference between the 8510 Class and the 8500 Class is the now obsolete passenger information system which is installed in the 8510s. Other differences include the presence of destination/next station displays above the windows of 8510s and the use of LED tail lights and headlights on 8510s in contrast with ordinary ones on the 8500s. They are capable of operating in multiple with the 8500 and 8520 Classes The units are maintained at Fairview depot.

8520 Class

The 8520 Class was introduced in 2004; there are ten of these sets.[1] The units can be seen working in multiple with an 8500 or 8510 though usually with another 8520 unit. Vehicles are numbered in the sequence 862X+852X+852Y+862Y. 852X/852Y units are power cars while 862X/862Y units are unpowered driving trailers. They were the first units to carry the revised DART logo and also the first to be fully air conditioned. They can be distinguished from the previous 8500s and 8510s by the profile of the bodyshell, which is more rectangular, by the lack of opening windows in the passenger seating area and that the 8520s have flatter seats than the 8500s and 8510s.

Fleet details
Class Operator Number Year Built Cars per Set Unit nos.
8500 Class DART 4 2000-2001 4 8601/8602 – 8607/8608
8510 Class 3 2001-2002 8611/8612 – 8615/8616
8520 Class 10 2003–2004 8621/8622 – 8639/8640

Accidents and incidents
  • On 28 August 2019, an unidentified 8520 class unit failed between Dalkey and Glenageary. It is unknown if the unit was operating independently or in a set with another unit.
  • Unit 8633 at Inchicore Works shortly after delivery in 2004.
  • Connection between vehicles of unit 8633.

See also

References
  1. Iarnród Éireann
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