PC Transport Systems, a Russian manufacturer of urban electric transport, is developing a new tram model for narrow-gauge tracks. The model is intended for resort cities with a historically established tram network having a width of 1,000 mm. A distinctive feature of the new product under the working name 71-921 Corsair is a narrower body compared to a conventional tram and a completely low-floor passenger compartment made of aluminium alloys.

PC Transport Systems has been working with aluminium for a long time — the company manufactured its first trams with the aluminium interior three years ago. Members of the Aluminium Association took an active part in the project. It was also decided to use the aluminium to build rolling stock for narrow-gauge tracks.

In Russia, the production of cars for the narrow gauge stopped in the first half of the last century — in 1937. Attempts made in the 90s to create a narrow-gauge tram trolley failed due to the lack of a relevant car body. The production of trams for narrow-gauge tracks abroad stopped in 2009. Now, with the creation of Corsair, the task of renewing the rolling stock in such cities as Kaliningrad, Pyatigorsk and Evpatoria, where the width of tram tracks is one meter, will be solved.

The width of the Corsair's body is 2.3–2.4 m, which is 10–20 cm less than the standard. Due to its compact body, the tram will be able to freely pass non-standard sections and fit into curves of a small radius, and eventually it will be able to move at a higher speed. At the same time, the side rocking of a car, which is typical for narrow-gauge tracks, will be significantly reduced. In addition, the Corsair's creators clarify that the probability of a side jump-out of the pantograph from under the contact wire will be eliminated.

To lightweight the tram structure, ensure comfort and up-to-date appearance, the interior elements are planned to be made of aluminium alloys. The ceiling, side panels, upper casings, door post cladding, inter-car walkway, modular seat frames — almost everything in the passenger compartment is made of metal of the future. It is expected that at least a tonne of aluminium will be used in the interior of the 19-metre two-section Corsair. For comparison: around 1.7 tonnes of this metal is required to create the passenger compartment of the 27-metre Vityaz-M tram, also manufactured by PC Transport Systems.

The aluminium interior of Corsair will be integrated with an improved air conditioning system, advanced multimedia systems, USB sockets and Wi-Fi routers. According to Felix Vinokur, President of PC Transport Systems: 'The new tram will comprise the best developments implemented in other modern models made by us. Its unique feature will be one hundred percent low floor. There are no analogues of this product in Russia.'

The completely low-floor tram has no steps either at the entrance or in the passenger compartment. First of all, it is convenient for passengers during boarding and getting off. To ensure that the entire passenger compartment is low-floor, the developers removed the traction motors and gearboxes from the inter-wheel space.

The two-axle narrow-gauge trolley is one more in-house development of PC Transport Systems. The technology of two-stage cushioning with rubber-metal elements and screw springs reduces the load on the rails, and therefore their wear. Special casings are installed above the wheel treads — they protect the underfloor equipment from water and dirt.

The premiere of the Corsair tram is expected to take place in Q3 2020.

INFORMATION
PC Transport Systems is a Russian developer and manufacturer of advanced innovative urban electric transport. Established in 2013, the company specialises in creating one-hundred-percent low-floor rolling stock. PCTS manufactures 8 models of trams with a length from 17 to 35 m and 2 models of wheeled transport with electric traction (trolleybus and electric bus). Today, more than 470 tramcars manufactured by PC Transport Systems are in operation in Russia. The company's production sites located in Tver, Saint Petersburg and Engels allow manufacturing up to 450 units of rolling stock per year.