Description
Tatra R1 was an ambitious Czechoslovak rapid-transit unit designed for the Prague metro. Developed in the late 1960s at ČKD Tatra Smíchov, it was meant to be light and modern. Two prototypes were built and tested, but the type never entered regular service. The project remains a symbol of an unfinished technical vision.
Design for the metro
Project R1 began as the Prague metro was taking shape. The goal was a light domestic unit that could cross the new Nusle Bridge. František Kardaus, designer of the T3 tram, styled it. Aluminium and fibreglass ran into fire rules and the need to alter the bridge.
Specifications
- Top speed: 80 km/h
- Power: 672 hp
- Price: 15 iron tokens
- Capacity: 44 people
- Running cost: 2 coins
- Multiple units: yes
- Era: 4–7
- Hi-poly: 14270 triangles
- Low-poly: 582 triangles
Tests and the end
In 1970–1971 two two-car R1 units were built. Trials ran at Kačerov depot, but it was soon clear they would not enter Prague metro service. The Smíchov works were also fully occupied building T3 trams. A serious 1972 collision between the two test sets sealed their fate. (Photo: www.metroweb.cz)
Unit R2
From the damaged cars came unit R2 for urban rapid transit. It had pantographs and was tested at the Cerhenice test circuit. Development stopped for lack of customers and money. R2 was scrapped in 1986.