Description
The 81-71M sets are a modernized version of the Soviet 81-717/714 metro cars that long formed the backbone of the Prague metro. Modernization ran from 1996 to 2011 and produced 93 five-car trains with better equipment, reliability and interiors. They are no longer the newest stock, but they still operate lines A and B.
Specifications
- Top speed: 80 km/h
- Power: 672 hp
- Price: 15 iron tokens
- Capacity: 44 people
- Running cost: 2 coins
- Multiple units: yes
- Era: 5–7
- Hi-poly: 21150 triangles
- Low-poly: 626 triangles
81-717/714 modernization
After 1989 it was clear that Prague metro cars were ageing. Buying entirely new trains was not affordable, so the older 81-717/714 cars were rebuilt. The first modernized unit, produced by Škoda and ČKD Tatra, entered service in 1998.
Škoda 2Mt, 3Mt and 4Mt
The rebuilt cars carry the factory designations Škoda 2Mt, 3Mt and 4Mt according to their place and equipment in the set. Four 110 kW motors give a service speed of up to 80 km/h. The rebuild covered both technology and interior — new seats, floors, lighting and a more ergonomic cab. (Photo: https://cs.wikipedia.org/)
In service today
81-71M trains still run daily on lines A and B. On line C they were replaced by M1 sets in 2005. Despite their age the rebuilt trains have proved reliable. Maintenance and gradual electronics updates keep them fully operational after more than two decades.