Astra IVA

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Astra IVA
Astra IVA
Astra IVA unit 003, one of the oldest still in use, at Străulești in 2019. This unit was made in 1978, being the first from the production series.
Interior de vagon de metrou tip IVA.jpg
Interior of an Alstom-refurbished IVA trainset, July 2011
In service1979–present
ManufacturerÎntreprinderea de Vagoane Arad (Astra Rail Industries)
Constructed1976, 1978–1992
Entered service16 November 1979; 42 years ago (1979-11-16)
Refurbished1994–1996 (FAUR), 2000–2003, 2008 (Alstom), 2011–2014 (Alstom)
Scrapped2007–present
Number built508 cars (252 2-car sets + 2 prototype sets)
FormationMarried pairs
Fleet numbers001-252 (001* and 002* prototypes)
Capacity332
Operator(s)Bucharest Metro
Depot(s)Ciurel/Semănătoarea, Pantelimon, Berceni, Militari
Line(s) servedM3, M4
Specifications
Train length38 m (124 ft 8+1⁄8 in)
Car length19 m (62 ft 4 in)
Width3.1 m (10 ft 2 in)
Height3.6 m (11 ft 9+3⁄4 in)
Maximum speed80 km/h (50 mph)
Weight2 × 36 t (79,000 lb)
Traction motors4 × 215 kW (288 hp)
Acceleration1.3 m/s2 (4.3 ft/s2)
Deceleration1.3 m/s2 (4.3 ft/s2) (service)
2 m/s2 (6.6 ft/s2) (emergency)
Electric system(s)750 V DC third rail
Current collection methodContact shoe
Safety system(s)ATP, ATO
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Seating68
Notes
[1]

Astra IVA is a family of metro train used by Bucharest Metro, of which 504 cars (252 two-car sets) were built between 1976 and 1993 by Astra Rail Industries in Arad, Romania.

History[]

An Astra IVA train in original yellow livery at IMGB station (now Dimitrie Leonida station)

The prototype was made in 1976, with series production starting in 1978. There were three batches, the first being made in 1978-1980 and being distinctive from the others due to a "pit" in the front end, the second one being made between 1980-1985, and the third one made from 1985-1992, featuring red-silver instead of yellow paint from delivery.

The trains used on the system are made up of various trainsets (Ramă Electrică de Metrou) connected together (Tren Electric de Metrou). Each trainset is made up of two permanently connected train-cars (B'B'-B'B' formation) that can only be run together. Normally, 3 two-car sets are coupled together to make a complete six-car formation.

Between 1994 and 1996, 42 cars (21 two-car sets) were refurbished by FAUR and Electroputere for service on Line M3, however for unknown reasons the refurbishment project was abandoned and these trainsets are currently preserved at Berceni Depot. These trains were distinguished by a blue livery, and featured new technical equipment.[2] An attempt to build more intermediate coaches to allow for a 3-car x 2 formation was abandoned in 1995. In 2000–2003, all remaining Astra IVA coaches were refurbished and equipped with new ATO and ATP signalling systems, allowing for partial driverless operation especially on Line M4. The Astra IVA trains also underwent further refurbishment by Alstom in 2008, and again in 2011–2014.

The Astra Arad rolling stock is approaching the end of its service life, so the cars are being gradually phased out in favour of newer Bombardier Movia and CAF trains.[3] As of January 2017, 15 trainsets (90 modular cars) are in commercial service.[4]

In 2020, due to the deployment of several Bombardier BM2 sets on the M5 metro line, several IVA sets were sent back on the M3 line to fill in shortages of rolling stock, their redeployment commencing on 24 May.[5]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "Bucharest Metro Rolling stock". Archived from the original on 30 July 2015.
  2. ^ "Electroputere nu va mai face niciodată locomotive sau vagoane de metrou. Statul vrea fabrica înapoi", Economica.net, 2 April 2012, retrieved 25 June 2016
  3. ^ IVA at transira.ro
  4. ^ În cele mai noi staţii de metrou vor circula cele mai vechi trenuri Metrorex (in Romanian)
  5. ^ [4K] Prima zi de exploatare a trenurilor de metrou IVA pe M3 dupa 5 ani de pauza. YouTube. Archived from the original on 9 December 2021.

External links[]

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