VAL 206
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.
| 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 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
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
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
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.
Operators
| Locality | Operator | Model Year | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lille | Lille Metro | 1982 | |
| Toulouse | Toulouse Metro | 1993 | Refurbished in 2011 in 2014. |
| Paris Orly Airport | Orlyval | 1990 |
References
External links
Media related to VAL 206 at Wikimedia Commons