Bombardier (IRL)

Bombardier (IRL)

26th June 2008

The project started in 1977 when CIE entered talks with FFG Hamburg about new bus design. CIE's previous coalition with another building company was with VanHool Mc Ardle. After the securing of the former Rippon Piano factory in Shannon, CIE then signed a deal with partners Bombardier (Canada) and GAC (General Automotive Company).

Bombardier (Ireland) was established in 1980. The first bus built there was a single deck long distance coach and it was 'pushed' off the production line in November 1980. A total of 52 KEs were built entering service in expressway and tour.

Production of the KD (Decker) began in April 1981 and 366 were built. (FFG prototype became KD1) Both the KEs and KDs shared the same Detroit 6V-71 engines, Allison V730 gearboxes and Rockwell axles. Bombardier withdrew from the project in 1983 as the last KDs were built. GAC then took over (hence the GAC badges on KC/Rs)

Production began on the KCs but they were changed to Cummins L10 engines, Voith gearboxes and Kirkstall axles. They numbered up to 202 (FFG prototype became KC1). During that time GAC also built 22 coaches for the US market. They were based on MAN chassis and were left hand drive.

The final model of the family was the KR/S. They were built from June 1985 to December 1986. GAC pulled out of Shannon in January 1986 leaving CIE to complete the final numbers themselves.

The early years - Bombarider snowmobiles.	The Bombardier range leaflet page 1	Page 2
Page 3
KE2 outside the factory. 2 was the first bus built at the factory.	KE19 in expressay livery (1982)	KE19 in expressay livery rear (1982)
KE12 on the timetable.	KE41 wearing the TE style Expressway livery in Bus Aras. The bus was delivered in 'tours livery' hence no destination.	KD355 and KD354 in the production line.
KD345 almost finished in 1983.	KD354 on the production line	KDs being built (1983)
Final KDs being built. Bus nearest in KD360 and KD359 etc.	KD191 outside the factory in 1983 during an enthusiasts open day.	KD1 entered service in Donnybrook on the 20th of April 1981 on the route 8.
Training on the Bombardier.	KD25 in service in Sallynoggin.	KD167 in service.
KD357 in Donnybrook with Brandnew RA187 (1994)	KD1 being stripped after withdrawal.	KD2 being stripped after withdrawal in Donnybrook garage
KD2 without engine.	KD2's engine being removed.	KC3 outside the factory.
KC15 in shannon, Note : doors awaiting finishing (October 1983)	KC23 in shannon	KC89 undergoing Pre-delivery inspection.
KC94 and KC95 in shannon.	KC87 outside the factory.	KC107 receiving some final touches amongst the L.A Tri-Axles.
KC124 rear smashed. This bus never saw serivice and was replaced by KC173	KC40 in shannon	KR1 being built by FFG Hamburg
KR1 rear	KR1 finished in hamburg	KR1 rear. Note : In-line mounted DAF engine.
KR1 in Shannon after delivery from FFG	KR226 was a demo KR sent to the UK on trials. It was fitted with a cummins engine.