GTW 72

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
GTW 72
File:WSW GTW 72 22, Oberbarmen, 2016 (03).JPG
Set 22 at Oberbarmen Schwebebahn station in April 2016
In service1972–2018
ManufacturerMAN
DesignerKlaus Flesche (de)
Constructed1972–1975
Number built28 sets
Number in serviceNone
SuccessorGTW 15
Formation3 sections per trainset
Fleet numbers1–28
Capacity48 seated, 156 standing
OperatorsWuppertaler Stadtwerke (WSW)
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminium
Train length24,060 mm (78 ft 11 in)
Width2,200 mm (7 ft 3 in)
Doors4 pairs on the right side (in direction of travel)
Maximum speed60 km/h (35 mph)
Weight35,5 t
Traction systemChopper-controlled DC motors
Power output4 x 50 kW
Electric system(s)600 V DC
Track gaugeSingle track (monorail)

The GTW 72 (GTW = "Gelenktriebwagen" or articulated railcar) is a suspended monorail train type operated by Wuppertaler Stadtwerke on the Wuppertal Schwebebahn from 1972 until 2018.

Technical specifications

[edit | edit source]

Each set consists of three sections.[1] The trains have welded aluminium car bodies, and are powered by four chopper-controlled motors, which power the two wheels of each bogie.[2]

File:Wuppertal Schwebebahn 15 Innen.JPG
Interior view

Interior

[edit | edit source]

Seating accommodation consists of transverse seating.[2]

History

[edit | edit source]

The GTW 72 was designed by German architect Klaus Flesche.[3] A total of 28 sets were built by MAN between 1972 and 1975.[4] One unit derailed in the 1999 Wuppertal Suspension Railway accident.

Regular operations ended in November 2018 with the suspension of Schwebebahn services following problems with the power supply. The last set was removed from the tracks on July 11, 2019.[4] After their withdrawal from service, 21 units were sold, and three were donated under the condition that they stay within Wuppertal. Set 15 remains with Wuppertaler Stadtwerke. Set 6 was scrapped in early 2019.[4]

Preserved examples

[edit | edit source]
  • Set 2: preserved on the premises of Lang AG in Lindlar[5]
  • Set 8: preserved at Kinder-Tisch Vohwinkel e.V. in Wuppertal[4]
  • Set 15: in storage by Wuppertaler Stadtwerke[4]
  • Set 27: sold in November 2019; to be preserved in Plettenberg[6]

References

[edit | edit source]
  1. ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  2. ^ a b Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  3. ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  4. ^ a b c d e Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  5. ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  6. ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
[edit | edit source]