VAL_206 Knowpia

VAL 206
VAL 206
	VAL 206 train in Toulouse
In service	1983–present
Manufacturer	Matra, GEC-Alsthom
Formation	2 cars per set
Specifications
Car body construction	Aluminium alloy
Car length	12.7 m (41 ft 8 in)
Width	2.06 m (6 ft 9+1⁄8 in)
Height	3.25 m (10 ft 8 in)
Doors	3 per side
Maximum speed	80 km/h (49.7 mph)
Traction system	GTO chopper control (GEC-Alsthom)
Traction motors	4 × 120 kW (160 hp) DC motor
Power output	480 kW (640 hp)
Transmission	Right-angle Cardan drive
Acceleration	1.3 m/s2 (4.3 ft/s2)
Deceleration	1.3 m/s2 (4.3 ft/s2)
Electric system(s)	750 V DC third rail
Track gauge	Null (rubber tyre guideway)

The VAL 206 is one of the VAL series, an automated guideway transit system manufactured by Matra. Because it uses rubber tires, it is suitable for applications that require high acceleration / deceleration.

The 206 classification comes from the fact that the width of the vehicle is 206 cm (6 ft 9+1⁄8 in). The train is two-car formation. It is unmanned operation, but it can also be operated manually as needed. It was succeeded by the VAL 208.

Overview edit

Because of automatic operation, the delay is small, the train density can be increased. On the other hand, since this train is basically a two-car train, it is suitable for low-population areas and medium-sized cities.

Interior edit

Although the vehicle is small, the window is large, so it is a car with open feeling. Air conditioning is not installed. Plastics are widely used for many parts, but doors and handrail are made of stainless steel. The color tone inside the car varies depending on the railway operator.

Traction equipments edit

The control system is a chopper control system using a GTO thyristor and drives a direct current motor. The traction motor is body mounted, and the power is transmitted via the Cardan joint and the hypoid gear.