ČD Class 471

ČD Class 471
CityElefant
In service 2000 — present
Manufacturer Škoda Vagonka
Constructed 1997 – present
Number built 70 units (83 ordered)
Number in service 70 units (April 2011)
Capacity 287 2nd class, 23 1st class
Operator Czech Railways
Specifications
Maximum speed 140 km/h (87 mph)
Weight 155.4 tonnes (343,000 lb)
Power output 2,000 kW (2,682 hp)
UIC classification Bo’Bo’+ 2’2’+ 2’2’
Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 12 in) Standard gauge

The Class 471 electric motor unit is a double deck electric multiple unit operated by ČD in the Czech Republic. It consists mostly of three cars: the class 471 power car itself, the class 071 normal car and the class 971 control car. The class 471 was manufactured by Škoda Holding. Commonly, the class is known as CityElefant, but the railway fans prefer the nickname Ešus, derived from the colloquial name of the mess kit, which are in the Czech Republic traditionally three-piece and made from aluminum, just like the EMU. Currently, they are used for suburban traffic near Prague and Ostrava and experimentally for long-distance trains between Prague and Český Těšín.

The success of these EMUs in the Czech Republic has led to Lithuanian Railways ordering a variant of it, differing from the Czech one in gauge, using alternate current and maximum speed increased to 160 km/h (99 mph). Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko has ordered ten units of a bi-system variant. A railway operator in Ukraine has ordered two units of six cars version.

Gallery

471 Czech railway motor car
The whole unit in Beroun railway station, October 2006  
Second class saloon, lower floor  
Second class saloon, upper floor  
Second class saloon, mezzanine  
First class saloon, upper floor of the electric car  
Lifting platform for immobile persons  

References

External links