The Córas Iompair Éireann 601 Class locomotives were built in 1956-1957, by Motorenfabrik Deutz at Cologne, Germany.
They were 3 small shunting locomotives (601, 602 & 603) of B wheel arrangement and were fitted with a Deutz V8 F8L 614 engine of 130 hp, with Voith hydraulic transmission and chain final drive.
These locomotives were never fitted with train brakes, so had limited usefulness compared to their successors, the G611 class.
One of these locomotives, number G601, has been preserved by the Irish Traction Group and is currently awaiting restoration at Carrick-on-Suir.
The 601 Class has been made as a 4 mm scale brass kit by Worsley Works.