PKP class ED72

The ED72 is a Polish four-car, long distance EMU operated by Polish National Railways (PKP). Like its cousin (EN71), the ED72 is based on the EN57 and became the basis for its successor: the ED73.

History

Between the years 1993-1997, a mere 21 units were built by Pafawag. The newly-built ED72s were assigned to large regional transit operations in the towns of Poznań, Szczecin, Kraków, and Bydgoszcz.

The series was created as an "upmarket" replacement for the, more spartan, EN57 and EN71 electric multiple units. Unfortunately, the express passenger service, "InterRegio", for which the series was designed didn't find the ED72 to be quite as comfortable as they had hoped.

Currently, all 21 units are still in use and are operated by the replacement service for "InterRegio": "RegioPlus".

Modifications

The ED72 introduced a number of innovations over the previous series of EMUs. Amongst these was converting the rb (rear control cars) sections to first class units which were fitted with more comfortable seats, as well as new upholstery in the second class carriages. Double glazed windows were fitted; buttons for opening and closing the doors were installed — rather than having to wait for the driver to operate them; and matrix route manifests were installed, as opposed to the traditional blinds which only displayed the train's destination. The last unit to be produce — ED72-021 — is unique in that it has sliding doors that open outwards.

In terms of the unit's appearance, the major difference — apart from the red and yellow colour scheme — is the control car's frontal aspect. Furthermore, ED72s were originally equipped with single-arm pantographs, but most have been converted to using the traditional, diamond shaped, double-arm version.

The ED72's couplers allow it to be easily connected to other EMUs, and this is done quite frequently.

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Resources

* [http://www.igor.kolej.szczecin.pl Modern Locos Gallery]
* [http://www.rail.pl Rail Service]
* [http://www.lokomotywy.prv.pl www.lokomotywy.prv.pl]
* [http://www.mikoleje.kolej.szczecin.pl Mikoleje]
* [http://www.parowozy.pl/skansen/spalinowe Chabówka Rail Museum]

ee also

*Polish locomotives designation