Built by Park Royal Vehicles with AEC diesel engines, the 60 2601-class railcars were CIE's first steps towards modernisation when introduced 1951-54. By 1975, only 2 units survived in operation (2616 & 2651), the remainder being converted to de-engined "push-pull" vehicles. 2616 & 2651 were not converted and scrapped at Mullingar in late 1975. Seen at a now much changed Howth station, the set is about to depart with a passenger service to Dublin.