| Tatra T6A5 | |
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T6A5 in Košice |
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Interior T6A5 |
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| Manufacturer | ČKD Tatra |
| Constructed | 1991-1998 |
| Number built | 296 |
| Capacity | 30 seats 128 standing |
| Specifications | |
| Train length | 14,700 mm (48 ft 3 in) |
| Width | 2,500 mm (8 ft 2 in) |
| Height | 3,165 mm (10 ft 4.6 in) |
| Floor height | 920 mm (36 in) |
| Maximum speed | 65 km/h (40 mph) as built |
| Weight | 19.5 t |
| Traction system | TV3 Thyristor equipment 4 motors - models TE 023, TE 026A02 |
| Power output | 180 kW, 45 kW/traction motor |
| Electric system(s) | 600 V DC |
| Current collection method | Pantographs, models KE-29 (1. series), KE-30 (2. series), Stemman FB (3. series) |
| Gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in), 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 3⁄8 in) |
Tatra T6A5, also known as Tram 6 and nicknamed "Iron" is a unidirectional high-floor light rail vehicle made for rapid transit systems in Bratislava, Košice, Brno, Prague and Ostrava. The vehicle was designed and manufactured by local light rail supplier Tatra ČKD. Only 296 trams (and one chassis) were made during a seven-year period (1991–1998).
Contents |
T6A5 is based on T6A2 with narrow chassis (2,200 mm) and T6B5 with wide and long chassis (2,500 mm, bogie distance 7,500 mm) both made in 1980s. T6A2 were made for cities with narrow streets(Germany). T6B5 had wider ends, suitable for cities with more open space, such as many states of Soviet Union. T6A5 is variant between them, they have chassis width 2,500 mm and bogies 6,700 mm apart, with narrower front and end to negotiate curves of local tram systems. Operation started in 1991 in Bratislava, 1992 in Kosice, 1994 Ostrava, 1995 in Prague and 1996 in Brno.
In January 2006, two vehicles were sold to Bratislava. These two trams were manufactured in 1997 and were used for testing purposes in Prague. Tatra ČKD had stored them in its depot halls. During ČKD bankruptcy in 2002, property was acquired by Siemens rail vehicles company and trams were sold to local rail vehicle repairer Pars Nova. They were delivered to Pars on 11 May 2002. On 10 January 2006 trams were delivered to Bratislava, but it took nearly year to get all documents needed for operation. After nearly 10 years, they started operation with passengers for first time on 13 December 2006. They are coupled into one set and driving together. After arrival to Bratislava they were marked with numbers #7957 and #7958. The couplers of this two trams are slightly longer, so the trainset as a whole is a bit longer. Also the front coupler of the first car and the rear coupler of the second car have the standard "prague" heads instead of ESW head like between cars or on the rest of the T6A5 fleet.
Due to T6A5 series angular design, which is similar to T6A2, T6B5 and KT8D5 vehicles, this caused trams to be nicknamed "Irons". Vehicle have angular steel construction with big windows, 3 collapsible doors(only 1. and 2. series) and is painted with red-cream scheme known from all CKD trams made before. Some elements in conception are based on American PCC design. Many aspects in T6A5's design came from earlier models, such as bogies from T7 and traction equipment from T5 model. T6A5 is smaller than many light rail vehicles.
Chassis is mounted on two bogies and four axles. Every axle is connected to one traction motor. Every traction motor is powered form pulse converter. Tram is connected to overhead trolley wire with pantograph. Traction equipment installed into T6A5 trams was also featured in T6A2 and KT8D5 in mid-80s. This traction equipment uses thyristor pulse regulation, which was used in all 3 series. Electrical parts are designed to be powered only with DC voltage. Traction equipment for AC system was never installed to any tram.
T6A5 can drive as solo vehicle or can be coupled in a train set from 2 or 3 cars. 2 car sets and solo vehicles are always used, 3-car sets are used very rarely, mostly for testing purposes. Tram sets are connected with electric couplers. When driving in set there is no need to use pantograph on both vehicles, only one pantograph needs to be raised.
Maximum design speed 65 km/h, operation speed of 50 km/h is only order value, T6A5 sets can drive at a much faster speeds (the speed record of 110 km/h was measured in 1993 in Košice, 115 km/h was unofficionally measured in Bratislava on the stright track to Ruzinov with a two car set at night), but consistence of stops, crossings and other city traffic does not allow trams to drive more than 65 km/h. Although T6A5 is a unidirectional vehicle, in some special or emergency cases the back control panel can be used to drive backward (driving backward from the operation room is also allowed).
Information system contains front, side, back and internal panel.
First T6A5 series started in 1991 in Bratislava, Košice and Ostrava. Trams were painted with classic red-cream scheme. Interior have plastic casing and leather chairs. Manufactured between 1991 and 1994.
Second series trams were manufactured from 1993 to 1998. Second series cars have wheel slide protection improved and chair arrangement was changed. Second series is operating in Bratislava and Ostrava.
Third T6A5 series is the most advanced version manufactured in 1995-1997. Many design changes were applied, such as driver's room air condition, new 3-color coat scheme. New interior design with tapestried chairs, collapsible doors were replaced with fliping variant, modified traction equipment and new type of pantograph has been installed. 3. generation cars are in operation in Bratislava, Prague and Brno.
296 trams were manufactured + one chassis made for T6A5.3 (Prague tram Tatra T3 modified to T6A5)
Czech Republic
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