PKP class ED73

The ED73 is a Polish four-car, long distance EMU operated by Polish National Railways (PKP), based on the ED72.

History

Only one unit was built at the Pafawag factory in 1997 and as a prototype at that. Until 2005, ED72-001 was operated by "Wielkopolski Zakład Przewozów Regionalnych" (Greater Poland Regional Transport). Due to it not being technically sound, the unit was moved to a siding. In mid-2006 ED73-001 was sent to "Dolnośląski Zakład Przewozów Regionalnych" (Lower Silesian Regional Transport) in Wrocław where it underwent general repairs.

ED73-001 was repainted into its original burgundy and yellow livery, and as of January 2008 it is actively used on Lower Silesian routes.

Modifications

Although it is cosmetically identical to its sister machine, the ED73 features several improvements over the ED72. Amongst these are: bogies with pneumatic suspension; anti-skid devices; outward opening pneumatic doors (only one unit from the ED72 series had these installed); pneumatic doors between carriages; new transmission permitting a top speed of 120 km/h (≈ 75 mph); and eight traction engines with a combined maximum power output of 1,560 kW — allowing for an acceleration rate of 0.41 m/s² when the train is fully loaded.

The final modification was made inside the first class carriage, where a special compartment and toilet had been built for disabled passengers. Ironically, the carriage isn't designed to enable easy access for passengers in wheelchairs.

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