OREANDA-NEWS. December 02, 2008. The largest Russian enterprise making metro cars, Metrowagonmash, will launch batch production of 81-717.6/81-714.6 updated cars in 2009, reported the press-centre of Transmashholding.

An interdepartmental commission chaired by first deputy head and chief engineer of the Moscow Metro, Alexander Ershov, approved the test results for the pilot train composing eight cars of the 81-717.6K (head car) and 81-714.6K (intermediate car) models.

The cars tested were thoroughly upgraded Metrowagonmash series production cars designated 81-717/81-714. They are widely used by metros in Russian cities and a number of other countries.

The work on upgrading the metro cars started in June 2007, the acceptance tests were held in the Moscow metro.

The new 81-717.6/81-714.6 (without letter K) cars will be manufactured by Metrowagonmash together with those previously launched into production.

The first cars for the Moscow metro are expected to be built as soon as 2009. A train composing upgraded cars will also be delivered to the capital underground. The Moscow metro will be also receiving the 81-717/81-714 basic series cars and the 81-740/81-741 model rolling stock (Rusich).

The new cars are designed for better rolling stock reliability, improved passenger safety, and more comfortable conditions for the driver and passengers, better appearance and reduced exploitation costs for maintenance and repairs.

The commission noted that the pilot train cars meet the technical specifications and conditions, as well as the current level of technology.

The new cars’ design has a number of features: updated DC equipment set, new bogie design with a plate frame for better reliability and longer service, and a gear clutch.

The saloons are illuminated by light line type lamps. The saloon sides are coated by formed panels made of fire-resistant plastic. The saloon seats are anti-vandal and have fiberglass frames. The floor is covered by wear-proof linoleum.

The cars’ saloons are fitted with induced ceiling ventilation, which works not only in motion, but also during stops.

The body head is made of a fiberglass mask with a metal frame. It has an emergency exit. The driver’s cab has been made bigger, the control panel design has been improved, and the equipment has been arranged in a comfortable way meeting up-to-date ergonomic and design demands. The driver’s cab is air-conditioned (it is not available with the 81-717/81-714 basic model), and it has a driver’s seat absorbing vibration, which is pneumatically controlled.

The cars are designed for multiunit operation and can be part of a train composing up to eight cars. The 81-717.6 model (head) cars are set at both ends of the train for two-way operation of the rolling stock.