Modern tram models run along the tram tracks of today's cities, which attract attention not only with their stylish appearance, but also with their technical characteristics that are really impressive. They drive quietly, quickly, efficiently, they are literally filled with comfort, so in most cases they refuse old trams in cities. That is how the Tatra T3 model trams gradually disappear from the streets of Russian cities. But once they were considered cult. Fortunately, in the largest cities they are still used, so you can plunge into nostalgia and recall the times of the Soviet Union, when such trams were everywhere.
However, did you think in detail about the history, design features and similar topics regarding, for example, the Tatra T3 model? Very few people travel by public transport and at the same time think about what the design features of this or that model are. Therefore, if you are interested, in this article you will find all the necessary information about this tram. It contains a large number of a wide variety of information: starting with the modifications that were mentioned above, and ending with the design features and technical characteristics.
What it is?
So, Tatra T3 is a model of tram cars, which has been produced since 1960. The release of these trams ended only in 1999. As a result, during this time, more than fourteen thousand wagons were produced, which were modified depending on the purpose of delivery. The modifications will be discussed a little later, but for now it’s worth focusing on general information regarding Tatra T3 trams. As a matter of fact, these cars were manufactured all this time in Prague, but an impressive part of them went to the Soviet Union, as well as to other socialist countries. In Western Europe, you are unlikely to find such cars - except in East Germany.
Modifications
You already know that the Tatra T3 tram was produced in Prague; accordingly, the main market for it was the domestic one. Most of the trams of this model were produced and used precisely on the territory of Czechoslovakia. As for export, in this case it was conducted more than actively. This is already evidenced by the fact that for each country of destination its own modification was created, which did not differ much from the original, but still had some other details and elements.
It was also reflected in the name of the car model. For example, the second most produced model was the T3SU, which was shipped to the Soviet Union (SU from Soviet Union). The main difference between these particular cars and the original ones was the absence of a central door, and additional seats were installed on the eliminated passage. Also, the service ladder was located behind the car, and not in the middle, which was due to the lack of a middle door. There were other small differences that distinguished this model from the base.
Where else did the Tatra T3 tram go? There was a separate modification for Germany, for Yugoslavia and for Romania, and also from 1992 T3RF trams began to be produced, which were intended for the formed Russian Federation. It is also worth noting the T3SUCS model tram - these are cars that were produced on the basis of those intended for the Soviet Union, but at the same time delivered to the domestic market. The fact is that the original model ceased to be produced in 1976, but in the eighties there was an urgent need to replace many outdated cars. It was then that the production of this modification began.
Tram History
What was the history of this car, as well as its modifications, such as the most popular among them - the Tatra T3SU? It should be clear to everyone that, based on the name, this was not the first car in the line - T2 cars were produced earlier, not only for Czechoslovakia, but also in large quantities delivered to the Soviet Union. These cars had their own shortcomings, which were eliminated in the new version.
Already in 1960, the first prototype was ready, which was tested and approved. Then mass production began, and the first tram of the new model drove through the streets of Prague in the summer of 1961. However, in the spring of 1962, the trams were decommissioned due to flaws that were eliminated within a year and a half. As a result, the final date for the launch of this tram into operation was the fall of 1963. In the same year, deliveries of specialized wagons to the Soviet Union began - their percentage was maximum, even in Czechoslovakia not as many wagons of this model were used as the Tatra T3SU trams were used. Deliveries of these trams to Soviet cities took a very long time and stopped only in 1987.
Recent story
Supplies, as you know, resumed in the early nineties, when T3RF wagons began to be delivered to the Russian Federation. They were delivered to the Russian Federation until the last moment when their production was already stopped, that is, until 1999. However, the end of deliveries did not mean the end of use: in all, about eleven thousand trams were delivered to the USSR, and many of them have been modernized over the past fifteen years to extend their service life. In many cities, these trams run in dozens and hundreds, so in the near future in Russia their era will definitely not end.
Specifications of the two-door model
The Tatra T3 two-door was the main model supplied to the Soviet Union. It is about her that you need to tell in the first place. She has 38 seats, and passenger capacity is as much as 110 people. It has four TE 022 engines, each of which has a capacity of 40 kilowatts. The design speed of the model is 72 kilometers per hour, while the actual maximum speed is 65 kilometers per hour. The length of such a car is 14 meters, its width is two and a half meters, and its height is three meters. Its mass is approximately sixteen tons. When combining two cars, a train with a length of 30 meters is obtained. If we talk about what is inside, then it is worth noting the height of the cabin, which is 2 meters 40 centimeters, as well as the width of the doorway, which is 1 meter 30 centimeters. These are the main technical characteristics that the Tatra T3 tram car has. His salon, as you can see, is very large and roomy, and the car itself has good dimensions.
Specifications three-door model
However, the two-door model was not delivered to the Soviet Union all the time - later orders for three-door Tatra T3 cars began to arrive in Czechoslovakia. The photographs show that the difference between these cars was not too great, but still there. Therefore, it is necessary to more carefully consider the technical specifications for this car, as well as compare them with the previous version.
So, the number of seats because of the appearance of the middle door was reduced - in such a car there are 34, not 38. The passenger capacity also decreased, which now amounted to 95 people, that is, fifteen passengers less. The engines remained exactly the same, their number did not change, so the speed remained the same. Dimensions also have not changed, in fact, like the mass of the entire car. As you can see, in reality there were not so many differences, even the width of the doorway remained the same.
Design Features
The next thing that you should pay attention to when considering a vehicle such as the Tatra T3 tram is components and assemblies, a body and carts, electronics and brakes, and much more. Simply put, now we will talk about the design features of this tram. And the first feature that you should pay attention to is the complete absence of pneumatic equipment. This means that all the equipment in this tram is mechanical or electrical. However, this is a characteristic of the entire line of wagons.
What is new in the design specifically for the T3 model? The side and the roof remained all-metal, but the extremities of the car were made of self-extinguishing fiberglass, a special polymer material that has a much lower mass and greater streamlining. Thus, the use of this material allowed to reduce the total weight and increase the aerodynamic properties of the car. Also, to control the movement of current through the motors, a complex electric device was used, which was called the accelerator. Inside, fluorescent lamps and heaters were installed, which provided passengers with the maximum level of comfort. The Tatra T3 tram model was significantly superior in technical features to its predecessor, the T2 model.
Housing
Tatra T3 is a rolling stock that is still used throughout Russia, and this means that at the time these cars were made at the highest level. But if you look into the past, you can understand that in 1963 this model was something incredible. The absence of any pneumatics, the presence of fluorescent lamps and high-quality heating, as well as other features of the hull made this tram a real wonder. Particularly distinguished were the polymer elements of the hull, as well as the curved windshield. In general, many considered this tram ahead of its time, and that is why it still remains so popular in such a huge country as the Russian Federation. Of course, the scale of deliveries also affects: why get rid of eleven thousand trams if they can be modified and used further?
Carts
There were always a lot of problems with trolleys on this tram. Firstly, due to the reduced weight, the car often could not stop as fast as we would like, especially when the action took place on wet or frozen rails. Moreover, this caused not only the need to slow down earlier, but also the rapid grinding of wheels, which gradually acquired a square shape and began to make a lot of noise.
However, this was not the only problem; also, these cars began to wear out the rails on which they traveled, due to the fact that they used the technology of single-stage suspension of the trolley. Most likely, this was done to reduce the price, since the two-stage suspension, which did not leave such traces on the rails, was already known and was actively used in other tram models.
As a result, the Voronezh plant even began to produce special grinding trams that leveled the rails. After all, if you leave them in this form, then in the end it can lead to severe damage. Moreover, such rails caused a lot of noise even on trams of other brands and models.
Electrical equipment
These cars had very advanced electrical equipment, which ensured a smooth ride and many other positive factors, but there were serious drawbacks. For example, these trams are not famous for the highest reliability, but also for the “disease” of the sticking finger of the accelerator, which often causes accidents. In some cases, they simply lead to delays on the lines, and sometimes you even have to remove the tram from the line in emergency mode.
The brakes
As for the braking system, it was not one - there were three at once. These systems work independently of each other - the electrodynamic system is the main, electromechanical, used for braking, as well as a magnetic rail, which is used for emergency braking, as well as for holding the car when leaving the slides and entering them.
disadvantages
The main disadvantages of this model can be considered the noise of the cabin due to the operation of the motor generator and the sticking of the accelerator fingers indicated above. It is also worth paying attention to the comfort of passengers - the wagon is too high, and the windows are too low. Also often the work of the tram is accompanied by creaks - both the doors creak when opening and closing, and the cars themselves on turns.
Popularity
It will not be a surprise to anyone that these cars are still very popular in the territory of the Russian Federation. However, they are also known outside the country. For example, you can get the Tatra T3 tram for Trainz 12, a popular train and tram simulator. This game is unique in its kind and allows you to travel on a wide variety of trains. And in the 2012 version there is a Tatra T3 model for Trainz, so if you do not want or cannot ride a real tram, you have a chance to control the virtual one.