Up to early 1995, 121s did operate bonnet first. The 1135 Adelaide to North Wall liner was regularly worked by a single 121. After some shunting in Dundalk, the 121 would propel part of the liner past the junction to Barrack Street and then work bonnet first down the branch. Also a brake van was at opposite end for the two reverse workings. After more shunting of the wagons collected from Barrack Street, the brake van was left in Dundalk and the liner continued to North Wall.